Fort Smith to Survey Citizens

A new survey could determine how Fort Smith city directors spend taxpayer money.

“We hope that citizens will take it serious, take time, and really fill it out,” said Kevin Settle, city director.

The city will send out surveys to 1,200 households over the next week or so. “The information will give us feedback about how well we’re meeting citizens expectations for municipal services,” said Ray Gosack, city administrator.

The city will ask residents to rate sanitation, fire, police, parks, sewer, and water service. “The survey results will influence budgeting decisions and other policy decisions,” said Gosack.

The survey will also ask people how they receive their information. “Everybody’s got a smart phone, a Facebook page, email, Twitter account. How do citizens want to be communicated to so they know what’s going on in the city?” said Settle.

The city surveyed citizens five years ago. Leaders say they have made road improvements since then as a result of that survey. “They’re the public. They’re the ones we report to ultimately, so we need to listen to what they say,” said Settle.

The city says it should only take people about 10 to 15 minutes to fill out the survey.

Gosack says people should start seeing those surveys in mailboxes next week.