A random sample of Lee County households will be receiving a postcard this week, notifying them that they will soon be receiving a Lee County citizen survey and asking them to complete the survey.
The statistically valid citizen survey — the first the county has done since 2002 — is being conducted by the Colorado-based National Research Center in association with the International City and County Management Association (ICMA). The five-page questionnaire will be mailed to a random sample of 1,200 households beginning Nov. 30.
The response rate in 2002 was 42 percent, which is considered very good. It is critical that households receiving the survey complete it and return it as soon as possible. The responses are anonymous and sent directly to the NRC for compilation.
The compiled information will be shared with the Board of Lee County Commissioners as one of several key elements in an ongoing strategic planning process.
County officials are requesting that those receiving the survey take the time to complete and return it to help with the county’s overall strategic planning process for the coming year – at a time when government revenues are rapidly declining and service level adjustments are being considered.
Remember, the survey is easily and quickly completed.
Survey results will be available in mid-to-late January.
Below are the results of the 2002 survey.

GROWTH ISSUES/TRAFFIC CONGESTION TOP CITIZEN SURVEY CONCERNS

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 8, 2002) – Lee residents generally have a high regard for county programs and services, but are concerned about the area’s rapid population growth and the traffic congestion it has created, according to results of a statistically sampled Citizen Survey.
Increasing population, and the growth and quality of life issues that has spawned, is the biggest challenge facing the county, according to survey respondents. Traffic congestion got the highest rating for potential problems, and recycling and parks were the most widely used county services.
The survey was conducted by the Colorado-based National Research Center in association with the International City and County Management Association (ICMA). The five-page questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 1,200 residents in April and May. There was a 42 percent response rate. You can view the entire survey results at www.lee-county.com. Other survey results include:

* Respondents ranked population growth as being too fast and jobs growth as being too slow.
* Traffic congestion, drugs and too much growth (in that order) top the list of potential problems facing us.
* Public transportation (LeeTran) received the lowest percentage for services respondents had accessed.
* Fifty-five percent said they receive good value for their taxes, with 25 percent having no opinion.
* Sixty-six percent rated county services as good or excellent.
* The highest quality ratings went to EMS and libraries. The lowest to land use, planning and zoning.
* Thirty-nine percent said they were somewhat or very dissatisfied with the county’s efforts to balance growth and environment, and 34 percent said the county should concentrate more resources on growth management.
On an open-ended question “In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing Lee County?” responses were:

Population growth 35 percent
Growth specifically effecting environment 14
Traffic/roads/highways 11
Schools/education 9
Water resources 7
Improving youth services 3
Crime 3
Development (buildings and corporate businesses) 3
Public service concerns 3
Employment 2
Affordable housing 1
Natural environment 1
Other 7

Source: Lee County Government