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

2. THE PUBLIC VOICE …on local governmental services

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. 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?

12. 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.

15. 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.

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

17. 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?

18. 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?

19. Service Conclusions 1.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.

20. Field Position Considerations 1.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.

21. THE PUBLIC VOICE …on local governmental spending

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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?

25. 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.

26. 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?

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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…

30. Local government spends (too much) money…

31. 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.

32. 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. Spending Conclusions 1.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.

34. Field Position Considerations 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.

35. THE PUBLIC VOICE …on local governmental taxes

36. 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.

37. 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).

38. 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?

39. 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.

40. 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.

41. 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? Property Tax State Tax returned to your community

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

43. 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?

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

45. 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.

46. 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.

47. 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?

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

49. 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.

50. Taxes Conclusions 1.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.

51. Field Position Considerations 1.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.

52. THE PUBLIC VOICE …on a local governmental property tax freeze

53. 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.

54. 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?

55. 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.

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

57. 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?

58. 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?

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

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

61. 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.

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

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

64. 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.

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

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

67. Tax Freeze Conclusions 1.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.

68. Field Position Considerations 1.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.

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

70. Field Position Considerations: Services 1.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.

71. 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.

72. Field Position Considerations: Taxes 1.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.

73. Field Position Considerations: Tax Freeze 1.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.