Starland County has engaged with its residents to gain understanding in building its strategic direction.
The County engaged with the community through an Ethelo Survey. Its purpose was to educate residents on potential funding priorities for the County, give residents the opportunity to provide input on the County’s future Economic Development Strategy and invite feedback on overall satisfaction regarding county services and communications.
About 346 visited the page and 159 took the time to respond. Reeve Steve Wannstrom said there were not too many surprises.
Overall some of the key findings showed residents were satisfied with many services including operation of transfer stations, direct connection, and engagement with the elected official, its communications through the local newspaper, and agricultural services.
In looking for areas for economic development, it showed high support for agricultural product processing, value-added agribusiness, maintained taxes and reducing services, and cost recovery fees.
There was low support for property tax increases, wind and solar development, and a fire protection levy.
Wannstrom says one item he noticed, is the county needs to communicate better when it comes to expenses and taxes.
“We need to communicate better on what we actually take in and what we get requisitioned for. I don’t think people realize what they are paying for all the time, such as senior housing, and we are part of the Drumheller and District Solid Waste Management Association and pay into it,” he said.
Wannstrom also notes with economic development, which 55 per cent of respondents said was very important, and tourism, which 46 per cent said was moderately important, it is important to make sure the infrastructure in the county can handle it.
“We do need to find new industry because when you see our oil and gas it is no longer something that can be relied on,” said Wannstrom.
The survey also noted 73 percent would be in favour of special tax incentives for new businesses.
It also shows low support for renewable energy, with 44 per cent not supporting nuclear power generation, 43 per cent not supporting solar farms and 54 per cent not supporting wind power.
The survey reflected how important roads are to the community. He was also pleasantly surprised to see that residents were supportive of fire services.
“They maybe don’t want to pay more for it but they think it is important, and I am glad to see that,” said Wannstrom.
He said the survey has given them a baseline of information to begin working with.
“It was a starting point,” said Wannnstrom.
“I hope everyone who wanted to do it, filled it out and didn’t miss out.”
