the public voice …on local governmental services, spending and taxes

THE PUBLIC VOICE…on local governmental

services, spending and taxes


services

Key Findings: The Good News The public believes most local services are

important to the personal wellbeing of their families.

The public believes that local government does a good job of delivering local services.

The public has a rough sense that different units of local government are responsible for, or share responsibility for, different services.

We tested 11 specific local services Public Education (K-12) Public Transportation Street and Highway Maintenance Public Health Sewer Maintenance Garbage Collection Police Protection Fire Protection Local Economic Development Efforts Planning for Growth Parks and Recreation

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Not at allNot tooSomewhatVery

I’m going to read you a list of local services and I’d like you to tell me how important you think each of these services is to you and your family’s personal wellbeing.

With the exception of public

transportation, more than 80%

report that every service is

important to the personal wellbeing

of their family.

And, with the exception of public transportation and

parks and recreation, more than 50% report that every service is very important to the personal wellbeing of

their family.

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

PoorFairGoodExcellent

I’m going to read you that list again and this time I’d like you to tell me how good a job you think your local government does in delivering that particular service to you and your family.

With the exception of public transportation,

economic development efforts and planning, a

majority of the public rates delivery of services

positively.

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

BothLocal/CountyLocal/City

Now, I’d like you to tell me which unit of local government has the most responsibility for providing and managing each of these services.

Key Findings: The Bad News Most of the public does not have a high opinion of how

effectively local government manages. Most of the public does not think local government has done

as good a job as they or their employers have done in adjusting to changes in the economy.

When asked to evaluate how good a job specific local officials and governing bodies are doing in making sure local services are delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner, positive ratings decline significantly.

The public does not have a better sense of which units of government are responsible for which services.

We asked…Would you say local government has done an excellent, good, fair, or poor job in Using technology to improve productivity and

reduce costs. Finding new ways to do more with less. Up-dating and streamlining the delivery of

services. Evaluating the need for services. Providing the services you need. Eliminating services you don’t need.

Would you say local government has done an excellent, good, fair, or poor job ….

6%

33%

34%

22%

5%

27%

34%

31%

5%

36%

36%

19%

5%

33%

41%

18%

8%

48%

32%

12%

4%

26%

35%

28%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Using tech. More/less Up-dating Evaluating Providing Eliminating

Poor

Fair

Good

Execellent

Do you think local government has done a better job, as good a job, not quite as good a job, or not nearly as good a job adjusting to changes in the economy as you (local businesses in your area) have?

5%

34%

34%

22%

6%

33%

34%

22%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

You Local Businesses

Not nearly asgood a job

Not quite asgood a job

As good ajob

Better job

7%

36%

33%

9%

16%

6%

37%

37%

11%

9%

9%

42%

32%

11%5%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Your city council representative Your City Council as a whole Your Mayor/Town/Village Chair

NS

P

F

G

VG

I’m going to read you a list of local elected officials, and I’d like you to tell me how good a job you think each is doing in making sure local services are delivered in a cost effective and efficient manner.

7%

40%

33%

12%

8%

6%

36%

38%

9%

11%

5%

37%

41%

11%

6%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Your County Board Chair Your County Board member Your County Board as a whole

NS

P

F

G

VG


9%

34%

31%

16%

10%

11%

35%

31%

16%

7%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Your school board member Your school board as a whole

NS

P

F

G

VG


Key Findings: Details Worth Noting Respondents 18-44 are consistently more critical of local

governmental performance. Respondents 65+ are consistently more positive about local

governmental performance. Men are more critical than women with regard to the job local

government has done in adapting to changes in the economy compared to local businesses.

Skilled workers are more critical than professionals in evaluating the job local government has done in adapting to changes in the economy.

Would you say local government has done an excellent, good, fair, or poor job ….

0%

25%

50%

75%

Using tech.35-44

More/less35-44

Up-dating35-44

Evaluating35-44

Providing35-44

Eliminating35-44

6%

33%

34%

22%

8%

28%

38%

24%

5%

38%

31%

20%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total Men Women



As good ajob

Better job

And compared to the businesses in your area, would you say local government has done a better job, as good a job, not quite as good a job, or not nearly as good a job adjusting to changes in the economy as businesses in your area have?

Do you think local government has done a better job, as good a job, not quite as good a job, or not nearly as good a job adjusting to changes in the economy as you have?

5%

34%

34%

22%

5%

33%

31%

27%

5%

23%

42%

26%

6%

33%

34%

22%

7%

30%

34%

22%

2%

30%

38%

27%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

You Professional Skilled Labor Area Business Professional Skilled Labor



As good ajob

Better job

Service Conclusions1. The public values the services provided by local government.2. The public is concerned about how effectively local government and

those services are managed and delivered. they do not equate the “delivery” of those services (which they give

relatively high positive marks) with “cost-efficient and effective delivery” (for which they give local government relatively low marks); and,

they are critical of local government’s adaptation to change.3. There are indications that the younger segments of the population

(18-44) do not see all services aligned with their needs and/or interests.4. There are indications that those most adversely affected by recent

economic problems (i.e., 45-64) are more critical of local government management.

Field Position Considerations1. The public values their services and would probably oppose significant

reductions in most of the service levels.2. The public believes that local government is doing a good job of getting

the services to them, but does not believe that local government is getting the services to them as effectively and efficiently as they could.

3. Consequently, it must be considered as likely that at the moment the public believes, or is ready to believe, that local government could protect services from tax freezes or caps by managing more effectively.

4. Which means in turn that claims that tax freezes or caps will gut local services may be useful in motivating institutional players, but are not likely to be credible with the public and could adversely affect the credibility of local governments making such claims.


spending

Key Findings: The Good News A majority of the public believes that local

government is spending about the right amount of money on most services.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) do not think local government is spending more than it needs to on delivering local services.

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Not enoughToo muchRight Amount

I’m going to read you that list one more time and I’d like you to tell me whether you think your local government is spending about the right amount of money, too much money, or not enough money on that service.

Significant majorities do not believe that local government is spending too much

money on local services.

With the exception of K-12 education and planning for

growth, a majority of respondents believe local

government is spending the right amount of money on

local services.

Do you believe that local governments spend more of your tax dollars on delivering local services to you and the community than they need to?

33%

66%

YesNo

Key Findings: The Bad News Of those who believe there is excessive spending in the

delivery of local services, more than half believe local government spends either a great deal or a lot more than is needed.

A significant minority of the public believes that there is wasteful spending in many service areas.

The public believes that government is not managing all of its spending appropriately.


33%

66%

Yes

No

20%

31%

47%

A great deal more A lot more A little more

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

None at allNot too muchA littleSomeA lot

I’m going to read you that list of local services again and I’d like you to tell me whether or not you think there is wasteful spending going on in that area in your community.

Larger numbers of the public are more likely to believe that there is wasteful spending in education,

planning, economic development efforts and street and highway

maintenance.

I’m going to read you a list of reasons some people have given us for why they think their property taxes are higher than they need to be and I’d like you to tell me whether you agree or disagree that that particular item has made your property taxes unnecessarily high.

35%

32%

18%

11%

30%

33%

21%

12%

12%

27%

39%

20%

22%

28%

28%

19%

25%

30%

26%

16%

43%

32%

14%7%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Programs wedon't need

Programscan't afford

Programs wedo need

PE Wages PE benefits Top heavymgmnt

DSDSWASWAS

I’m going to read you a series of statements and I’d like you to tell me whether you agree or disagree that that particular statement. Local government spends (too much) money…

29%

37%

19%

12%

28%

34%

25%

10%

9%

27%

35%

27%

17%

28%

34%

20%

22%

27%

31%

18%

40%

33%

17%

8%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%


Programscan't afford

Programs wedo need


DSDSWASWAS

Local government spends (too much) money…

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%


Programs can'tafford

Programs we doneed


AS/ASW-YesAS/ASW -No

Key Findings: Details Worth Noting Men are more likely than women to agree that local

government spends more than it needs to delivering local services.

Those making $40 – 59,000 are more likely than those making less than $40,000 to agree that local government spends more than it needs to delivering local services.

Skilled workers are more likely than professionals to agree that local government spends more than it needs to delivering local services.


33%

66%

27%

69%

40%

57%

27%

70%

40%

56%

29%

69%

42%

56%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total Women Men <$40K $40-59K Professional Skilled

NoYes

Spending Conclusions1. Most of the public does not believe local government spends more than

it needs to delivering local services.2. Most of the public does believe that local government spends money on

programs that are not needed or that they cannot afford and spends too much money on top-heavy management.

3. Sizeable minorities of the population believe that there is some level of wasteful spending in every major public service.

Field Position Considerations1. The public is not opposed to the current level of major service

expenditures.2. But, because the public believes there is some level of wasteful spending

occurring in all of these services and because they do not believe that local government is spending its money as wisely as it could, it is unlikely that they would support increases in spending at this moment in time.

3. Which means in turn that claims that local government spending cannot be maintained at existing levels are as likely to raise questions about local government’s ability to manage as they are to raise concerns about effects on the quality of local services.

4. Consequently, one must assume that those who do not want spending to increase would favor local budgets that hold the line on spending or legislative actions that mandate freezes or caps.

5. Which means in turn that claims that tax freezes or caps will gut local services may be useful in motivating institutional players, but are not likely to be popular with a significant portion of the public and could adversely affect the popularity of local governments making such claims.


taxes

Key Findings: The Good News What there is, you’ve already heard:

The public believes major local services are important.

The public thinks local government is spending the right amount on most services.

The public does not think local government spends more than it needs to delivering major services.

Key Findings: The Bad News Everything you’ve already heard…PLUS The public does not have a clear grasp of which taxes are paying

for what services. The public believes that the property taxes they pay are too high

in terms of the services they receive. Two-thirds report that paying their annual property tax bill puts

on a strain on their family finances. A majority believe that the property taxes they pay are unfair. Wisconsin citizens have experienced significant increases in

basic living costs in the past year (e.g., health care, gasoline, utilities).

I’m going to read you a list of taxes and I’d like you to tell me approximately what percentage of that tax is spent on local services, not including public schools in your community?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

Property Sales State Federal

>90%75-90%50-75%25-50%10-25%<10%NS/DK

And what about the cost of local K-12 public education? Approximately what percentage of the cost of the K-12 public education services do you think is covered by the property tax.

3% 17%

26%20%

12%

3%19%

>90%75-90%50-75%25-50%10-25%<10%NS/DK

I’m going to read you that list of taxes one last time and I’d like you to tell me whether you think you are paying too much or too little for that tax in terms of the quality of the local services you are receiving.

38%

27%

27%

11%

19%

56%

15%

20%

32%

12%

14%

26%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Property Sales State Federal

MTLSTLARSTHMTH

I’m going to read you a list of taxes and I’d like you to tell me approximately what percentage of [the property tax] is spent on local services, not including public schools in your community?

65%

27%2%6%

Too high Right amountToo low NS

35%

32%

10%23%

Too high Right amountToo low Not sure

Property TaxState Tax returned to your community

Which of the following amounts comes closest to your annual property tax bill?

20%

29%

19%

13%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total

NS/R>$12,000 $10,001 - $12,000 $8,001 - $10,000 $6,001 - $8,000 $4,001 - $6,000 $3,001 - $4,000$2,001 - $3,000 <$2,000

Would you say paying your annual property tax bill puts a very great strain, a lot of strain, somewhat of a strain, not too much of a strain, or no strain at all on your family’s finances?

15%

11%

43%

15%

11%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total

NS/DKNone at all Not too much SomewhatA lot Very great

Do you think the amount you have to pay for property taxes is very fair, somewhat fair, somewhat unfair, or very unfair?

10%

32%

31%

22%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total

Not sure/don’t know Very unfair Somewhat unfair Somewhat fair Very fair

Key Findings: Details Worth Noting Men, those 45-54 and skilled workers are more likely to report

that their property taxes are too high in terms of the services they receive.

Those making between $40,000 and $59,999 are most likely to report that their property taxes put a strain on their family.

People who own their homes, make more than $40,000 annually, and who are over 65 are more likely to view their property taxes as fair.

People 45-54 are less likely to view their property taxes as fair. People who do not think government has done a good job of

adapting to changes in the economy and who think government has not done an excellent or good job are more likely to believe their property taxes are too high.

79%

14%

64%

31%

70%

24%

60%

30%

65%

27%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total 18-34 45-54 Professional Skilled

AR

Toohigh



15%

11%

43%

15%

11%

21%

11%

40%

10%

11%

17%

16%

49%

10%5%

4%8%

46%

25%

16%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total <$40K $40-60K >$60K

None at all Not too much SomewhatA lot Very great


10%

32%

31%

22%

7%

28%

31%

25%

13%

30%

34%

22%

15%

40%

28%

16%

12%

34%

31%

22%

5%

21%

33%

23%

12%

27%

29%

28%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total <$40K $40-60K >$60K Own Rent 45-54

Very fair Somewhat fair Somewhat unfair Very unfair Not sure/don’t know


65%

27%

53%

39%

80%

16%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total As good a job Not nearly as good

About RightToo high

Taxes Conclusions1. The public sees property taxes as linked to spending and

services, but is unclear on how much of which taxes go to pay for which services.

2. There is a correlation between the public’s perception of the management capacity/performance of local government and their sense of whether or not their property taxes are too high.

3. Property taxes are viewed by majorities of the population as too high, unfair and as a strain on families.

4. Those with less income and those adversely affected by recent downturns in the economy are particularly unhappy with their property taxes.

Field Position Considerations1. The public’s dislike of the property tax is:

intense (e.g., “too high,” “strain,” “unfair”); and fueled by the sense that at least some of the burden/cost is

driven by wasteful/excessive spending and less than able, top-heavy management.

2. In this context, one must assume that a property tax freeze can and will be positioned as one way of ensuring that the financial challenges taxpayers face will not get any worse.

3. Similarly, in this context, one must assume that a property tax freeze can and will be positioned as one way of making sure that local governments become better managers.

4. Which in turn means that local government budgets that increase the costs to taxpayers will provide fuel for the tax freeze fire and increase public and media scrutiny of local governmental management.

THE PUBLIC VOICE…on a local governmental

property tax freeze

Key Findings: The Bad News Everything you’ve already heard…PLUS Two-thirds of the public currently support a property tax freeze. There is a correlation between support/opposition for a freeze and:

whether or not people feel that their property taxes are to high, unfair, and put a strain on their families;

whether or not people believe local government has done a good job of adapting to changes in the economy, whether or not they think local government does a good job delivering services effectively and whether they think local government spends too much money;

whether or not people’s economic circumstances put them at greater economic risk.

The Wisconsin Legislature is likely to consider a bill that would freeze property taxes at current levels. Based on what you know at the moment, would you support or oppose such a bill?

38%

29%

15%

16%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total

Not sureStrongly opposeSomewhat opposeSomewhat supportStrongly support


65%

27%

82%

14%

60%

32%

59%

34%

44%

47%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total Strongly Support Somewhat Support Somewhat Oppose Strongly Oppose

Too high About Right


10%

32%

31%

22%

5%

23%

33%

36%

10%

39%

38%

9%

8%

49%

30%

12%

28%

25%

17%

23%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%


Very fair Somewhat fair Somewhat unfair Very unfair


26%

43%

26%

26%

49%

21%

23%

37%

36%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Total Support Oppose

NTM/NAASomeVG/AL

And compared to the businesses in your area, would you say local government has done a better job, as good a job, not quite as good a job, or not nearly as good a job adjusting to changes in the economy as businesses in your area have?

6%

33%

34%

22%

6%

24%

37%

28%

4%

42%

33%

18%

1%

43%

38%

15%

14%

35%

22%

22%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%


Better As good Not as good Not nearly as good

And, would you say local government has done an excellent, good, fair, or poor job in finding new ways to do more with less?

5%

27%

34%

31%

4%

23%

32%

38%

3%

26%

41%

30%

3%

26%

43%

24%

11%

38%

25%

22%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%


Excellent Good Fair Poor

Local government spends too much money on a top heavy management system.

40%

33%

17%

8%

49%

33%

14%4%

33%

39%

20%

6%

37%

31%

23%

8%

34%

27%

18%

19%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%


Agree strongly Agree somewhatDisagree somewhat Disagree strongly

Key Findings: The Good News Respondents are less likely to support a freeze

if they believe that it would result in budget cuts in critical local services.

Respondents are less likely to support a freeze if they believe it would limit local governments’ ability to make adjustment and improvements that would attract new businesses and jobs.

The bill would result in budget cuts in critical local services, including those affecting public health and safety.

25%

70%

38%

57%

20%

75%

18%

81%

11%

80%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%


More likely Less likely

By limiting resources, the bill would limit the abilityof communities to make the adjustments and improvements required to attract new jobs and advance local economic development.

41%

54%

55%

41%

36%

60%

42%

54%

19%

73%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%



Key Findings: More Bad News Respondents are more likely to support a freeze

if they believe that it would limit taxes on existing property, but allow local governments to grow as a result of growth and development.

Respondents are more likely to support a freeze if they believe it would make Wisconsin more attractive to new businesses.

The bill would limit taxes on existing property, but local budgets could grow as a result of growthand development.

61%

33%

76%

21%

63%

30%

60%

37%

23%

65%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%



By limiting the tax burden the bill would make Wisconsin more attractive to new businessesand their employees.

73%

22%

88%

10%

80%

17%

69%

30%

29%

56%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%



Tax Freeze Conclusions1. The public supports a freeze by a two to one margin.2. Support for the freeze is driven by economic concerns

related to affordability.3. Support for the freeze is also driven by a sense that there is

waste or excess spending in local government budgets.4. Support for the freeze is also driven by a sense that local

government is not well-managed.5. Support and opposition for a freeze is subject to change.

Field Position Considerations1. The current support for a property tax freeze is strong,

diverse and heavily rooted in established public opinions and attitudes regarding government spending and management.

2. Support for a property tax freeze is not likely to erode unless opponents of a freeze are able to persuade the public that a freeze: a) will really hurt local services; b) is not necessary to protect taxpayers from further financial demands for local services; c) will hinder local governments’ ability to support necessary economic development initiatives; and d) is not required to stimulate improvements in the management of local government and services.

3. Opponents of a tax freeze cannot persuade the public unless they speak aggressively, credibly and persuasively to the public’s concerns about services, spending and taxes.

THE PUBLIC VOICE…on local governmental services, spending and taxes

Field Position Considerations: Services1. The public values their services and would probably oppose significant

reductions in most of the service levels.2. The public believes that local government is doing a good job of getting

the services to them, but does not believe that local government is getting the services to them as effectively and efficiently as they could.

3. Consequently, it must be considered as likely that at the moment the public believes, or is ready to believe, that local government could protect services from tax freezes or caps by managing more effectively.

4. Which means in turn that claims that tax freezes or caps will gut local services may be useful in motivating institutional players, but are not likely to be credible with the public and could adversely affect the credibility of local governments making such claims.

Field Position Considerations: Spending

1. The public is not opposed to the current level of major service expenditures.

2. But, because the public believes there is some level of wasteful spending occurring in all of these services and because they do not believe that local government is spending its money as wisely as it could, it is unlikely that they would support increases in spending at this moment in time.

3. Which means in turn that claims that local government spending cannot be maintained at existing levels are as likely to raise questions about local government’s ability to manage as they are to raise concerns about effects on the quality of local services.

4. Consequently, one must assume that those who do not want spending to increase would favor local budgets that hold the line on spending or legislative actions that mandate freezes or caps.

5. Which means in turn that claims that tax freezes or caps will gut local services may be useful in motivating institutional players, but are not likely to be popular with a significant portion of the public and could adversely affect the popularity of local governments making such claims.

Field Position Considerations: Taxes1. The public dislike of the property tax is:

intense (e.g., “too high,” “strain,” “unfair”); and fueled by the sense that at least some of the burden/cost is

driven by wasteful/excessive spending and less than able, top-heavy management.

2. In this context, one must assume that a property tax freeze can and will be positioned as one way of ensuring that the financial challenges taxpayers face will not get any worse.

3. Similarly, in this context, one must assume that a property tax freeze can and will be positioned as one way of making sure that local governments become better managers.

4. Which in turn means that local government budgets that increase the costs to taxpayers will provide fuel for the tax freeze fire and increase public and media scrutiny of local governmental management.

Field Position Considerations: Tax Freeze1. The current support for a property tax freeze is strong,

diverse and heavily rooted in established public opinions and attitudes regarding government spending and management.

2. Support for a property tax freeze is not likely to erode unless opponents of a freeze are able to persuade the public that a freeze: a) will really hurt local services; b) is not necessary to protect taxpayers from further financial demands for local services; c) will hinder local governments’ ability to support necessary economic development initiatives; and d) is not required to stimulate improvements in the management of local government and services.

3. Opponents of a tax freeze cannot persuade the public unless they speak credibly and persuasively to the public’s concerns about services, spending and taxes.

the public voice …on local governmental services, spending and taxes

Documents