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Cities’ surveys give residents a voice
Published October 15, 2009
Lake Jackson won’t mind getting a deluge of response from its residents to an online survey about a possible bond issue for drainage and street improvements. Meanwhile, Freeport hopes residents pepper it with paper over new trash pickup options.
Freeport needs a new waste collection contract, and City Manager Jeff Pynes has proposed three options that — while varying in level of service and price — are all cheaper than the current monthly $20.41-per-household deal with Waste Management.
Heedful of tough economic times, Pynes said, “We’re trying to find a way to lower that financial burden on our residents.”
Residents can convey concerns and comments on a short questionnaire that was included with water bills sent out late last week. Once Pynes has compiled the results, he said he will return to council for marching orders then seek bids.
“It’s only fair that we get input from the citizens because they’re the ones that pay it,” Freeport Councilman Ron Wise said. “I can promise you right now, it is a burden to senior citizens. Anyone on a fixed income, believe me, a $5 a month savings is huge ... .”
The straightforwardly named Lake Jackson Citizens Bond Task Force is taking a similar approach as it weighs putting a $7 million initiative on the ballot next May.
A survey is available at the city’s Web site, www.lakejackson-tx.gov. The three-question survey asks residents how they think a bond measure effect on the tax rate and their priorities for the use of potential bond money. There’s also a place for suggestions.
Those who want to weigh in the old-fashioned way, however, can do so. A public forum on the issue is set for Nov. 12.
Lake Jackson City Manager Bill Yenne said drainage projects suggested by city staff would cost $3 million, leaving $4 million to be spent on streets. Because the city’s tax burden is expected to decrease soon, the $7 million in bonds won’t require raising the tax rate, officials said.
Task force member Joey Kenneda and others on the panel said drainage probably ranks as residents’ No. 1 concern. Possible drainage projects include Flag Lake Drive, ditch erosion at Timber Creek, Highway 288/332 and various flooding trouble spots.
The task force will tackle street construction priorities at its next meeting. One potential area for roadwork is Medical Drive, which task force member Garrett Williams said has suffered damaged because of drought.
Trash pickup, drainage and street repair are meat-and-potatoes, bread-and butter municipal issues. City governments get to chew them over on a regular basis. But not everyone can make it to meetings and public hearings.
These surveys give residents a chance to be heard. Freeport and Lake Jackson deserve praise for providing the user-friendly forums in which opinions can be voiced.
Today’s editorial was written by Glenn Krampota, Brazos Living editor of The Facts.
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