EVANSVILLE — The results of the city’s budget survey have been released and residents are looking for affordable housing, clean water and more maintenance from Evansville in 2027.
The online budget survey opened in March and closed April 30. In that time frame, the city also held an in-person budget forum to discuss hopes for the budget, and explain a bit more about the impact of Senate Enrolled Act 1.
According to the city, 830 people took the survey, nearly 500 more than last year when Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry and city controller Robert Gunter first implemented the idea.
This year, results showed those who took the survey had four top priorities for the 2027 budget.
Who took the survey?
The city released the demographic information for survey respondents, including which city ward had the highest participation rate. The Third and Fourth Ward tied for that honor with 82 people responding in each.
Which city service was the highest rated?
According to results shared by the city, the Evansville Fire Department services were the highest rated by those who took the survey.
Of those who responded, 89% were very satisfied/satisfied with fire services, 1% said very unsatisfied/unsatisfied and 9% either had no opinion, or left it blank.
Which city service was rated lowest?
Street and sidewalk maintenance brought up the rear for satisfaction in the city. The survey results show 77% of people are very unsatisfied/unsatisfied with the maintenance of local roads and sidewalks, 19% very satisfied/satisfied and 4% either had no opinion, or left it blank.
Can I see how all city services were ranked?
A full listing of city services rankings is available on the city’s website as a part of the budget survey results.
What did respondents want to see improve over the next three years?
Those who took the survey were able to fill in an open-ended question asking what they would like to see improve most over the next few years.
According to the city, the top three answers were:
What happens next?
In July, city department heads will meet with Terry and controller Robert Gunter.
The mayor will present the proposed budget to city council at 3 p.m. Sept. 15. The final vote on the budget occurs Oct. 5. The public will have opportunity to comment on the budget during the city council’s process.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Here’s what locals want to see in Evansville’s 2027 budget
Reporting by Sarah Loesch, Evansville Courier & Press / Evansville Courier & Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Sarah Loesch, Evansville Courier & Press | USA TODAY Network
