AgdaPkt 2018-07-23 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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June Citywide Mailed Survey The City engaged in an open and transparent process in examining the potential for a local sales tax increase. In early June, the City mailed a survey to every household in Redwood City, informing residents about the upcoming operating budget deficit, outlining the possible effects this deficit would have on essential City services and inviting the community to provide their input. The survey also was available online (in English and Spanish) and promoted through the City's social media and online communication channels. In total, the City heard from over 700 residents about their priorities for the City's budget. The top priorities were centered around public safety and local street maintenance. Over 90% of respondents ranked these activities as medium or high priorities: • "Maintaining rapid 911 emergency response times" • "Protecting the safety of Redwood City residents" • "Riinnnrfinn fire nnrnmindir and nnlir.P cPrvir.Pq" • "Keeping city streets well-maintained" As part of the mailed survey, residents also were asked how the City should address its projected deficit. The most common survey responses were: • Attract and retain large sales tax revenue generators • Increase business taxes based on the number of employees • Increase revenues from developers • Increase the sales tax • Reduce costs rather than raise revenues The information provided through the surveys returned to the City is valuable as it identifies topics of concern to the residents who responded to the survey. Because no demographic information was collected with the mailed surveys, it is not possible to determine the extent to which the responses received reflect the views of likely voters. Public Opinion Research Polling In order to gain an understanding of the opinions of Redwood City voters and gauge voter support for a potential revenue measure, the City retained the services of a professional polling firm, EMC Research. EMC conducted two statistically reliable and scientifically valid polls on behalf of the City to aid in determining the feasibility of revenue measure or measures for the November 2018 ballot. The Baseline Poll was conducted in March 2018 and the follow-up Tracking Poll was conducted in June 2018.