EAST LANSING, Mich. — The City of East Lansing announced today the release of EPIC • MRA’s final report on the phone survey commissioned this past April in an effort to gather East Lansing voter feedback on potential future income tax and property tax ballot proposals. A total of 300 registered East Lansing voters were contacted at random by EPIC • MRA to participate in the 15-minute survey.
Within the final report, EPIC • MRA provides the methodology for the survey, key findings, an executive summary and detailed analysis of the results. The final report provides useful information on key areas that are most important to residents regarding future ballot proposals and, overall, the survey results indicate more support for an income tax and less support for a property tax increase. If it is decided to place an income tax back on the ballot, the East Lansing City Council is considering a time limitation and dedicating the tax for a specific purpose, such as infrastructure (including street and road repairs) and public safety. The report indicated support from several key voter groups for these types of changes to a future ballot proposal.
The survey results also did indicate concern about whether the City of East Lansing is headed in the right direction. In response to a question regarding City performance, 42 percent of participants said the City is on the wrong track, 31 percent said the City is headed in the right direction and 27 percent were undecided or didn’t answer the question. On the positive side, the survey results show that 81 percent of participants believe the City is providing either excellent or pretty good basic services to residents.
Community members can find the complete final report here: https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/DocumentCenter/View/7246/East-Lansing-Phone-Survey-Final-Report-PDF. The initial results released by the City a few weeks ago can also be viewed online here: https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/DocumentCenter/View/7207/East-Lansing-Phone-Survey-EPIC-MRA-April-2018-PDF.
“This survey, along with the feedback gathered at the community meetings on cuts and revenue sources held over the last couple months, have provided us with important information that we will be taking into consideration as we deliberate and make a decision on next steps,” said East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows. “I deeply appreciate the voters who took the time to participate in this survey and the community meetings.”
A public hearing will be held at East Lansing City Council’s Wednesday, May 9 meeting for nine ballot proposals, one or more of which could be on an upcoming election ballot. The proposals can be viewed here (#24): http://eastlansing.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1596. Council is not expected to take action at the May 9 meeting. A special meeting has been scheduled for Monday, May 14 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers; located in Courtroom 2 of the 54B District Court, 101 Linden St.; for further discussion and possible action. The deadline for ballot language to be submitted for the Aug. 7 Primary Election is Tuesday, May 15.