DE PERE (NBC 26) — A recent St. Norbert's poll received nearly 1,000 responses from the community about the overall state of the town.
The survey was conducted to help the city government understand the level of importance regarding various services. In addition, the poll asked about overall satisfaction, the direction of the town, and future developments.
High quality of life and good schools were cited as the two biggest reasons for living in De Pere.
Overall, 80% of residents say the city has stayed the same or become better with only 7% saying the community is moving in the wrong direction.
Nearly two-thirds of all respondents believe police officers spend a good amount of time policing neighborhoods. About 21% believe an increase in policing is necessary.
The closest responses were on the topic of city property taxes with 40% in favor of paying higher taxes to maintain existing municipal services and 36% opposed to the idea.
A tax increase to increase or add new city services was slightly unfavorable with 39% opposed and 37% in favor. Three-fourths of those polled also favored reducing less important city services to stabilize taxes.
Senior citizen and adult recreation services were identified as the two least important city services.
De Pere residents said that the most important issue is expanding efforts to preserve the environment with 70% in favor of the idea.
