TABLES-CHARTS-GRAPHS

[LAST REVISED 5/17/2000]

Attached to the report is a copy of the questionnaire which shows question order and caller instructions.

INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS

Table 2: Major Problem
What do you think is the single most important issue or problem facing the City of St. Cloud today?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Crime	77*	12
Gangs	34*	4
Roads and Traffic	79	13
Growth	43	7
Housing	18*	4
Wages	15*	4
Youth Needs	27	4
Diversity / Racial Issues	19*	4
Taxes	19	3
Senior Needs	7	1
St. Cloud City Gov’t	9	1
Parks	8	1
Don’t Know	99	16
Total	612	100

Table 3: General Feeling Toward Sales Tax
Some believe that if there is a service, such as a park or airport, which serves people both from the City of St. Cloud and from outside of St. Cloud, that St. Cloud residents alone should not pay for these services. The Legislature can grant authority to the City of St. Cloud to finance and maintain various projects with a one-half percent sales tax. The sales tax would expire upon payment of the loan used to finance the project. Are you in favor of a one half percent sales tax to pay for projects that people both within and outside the city could use?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Yes	275	45
No	274	45
Depends on Issue	37	6
Don’t Know	24	4
Total	612	100

Introduction for Service and Projects Questions

“I am going to read some services or facilities that are, or could be, done locally.

Some citizens believe ore should be done including the possibility of more local government expenditures for these services. Others disagree that more should be done or disagree that more government expenditures should be devoted to these services.

For each service, please indicate if you believe that costs should be paid for by an increase in the St. Cloud property tax, a one-half percent sales tax paid by all who shop and dine in St. Cloud, by both the property tax and the sales tax, or do you oppose an increase in spending for this service?”

Table 4: Road Improvement
Let’s start with road improvements, such as more lanes and general repairs. Do you believe the costs of road improvements should be paid for by an increase in the St. Cloud property tax, a one-half percent sales tax paid by all who shop and dine in St. Cloud, by both the property tax and the sales tax, or do you oppose an increase in spending for road improvements?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Local Property Tax	114	18
One-Half Percent Sales Tax	172	28
Both	127	21
Oppose Increased Spending	139	23
Other Volunteered	31	5
Don’t Know	30	3
Total	612	100

Table 5: Regional St. Cloud Airport
Do you believe the costs of the Regional St. Cloud Airport should be paid for by an increase in the St. Cloud property tax, a one-half percent sales tax paid by all who shop and dine in St. Cloud, by both the property tax and the sales tax, or do you oppose an increase in spending for the Regional St. Cloud Airport?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Local Property Tax	53	9
One-Half Percent Sales Tax	190	31
Both	81	13
Oppose Increased Spending	191	31
Other Volunteered	42	7
Don’t Know	53	9
Total	612	100

Table 6: Parks and Trails
Do you believe the costs for land acquisition for parks and trails should be paid for by an increase in the St. Cloud property tax, a one-half percent sales tax paid by all who shop and dine in St. Cloud, by both the property tax and the sales tax, or do you oppose an increase in spending for land acquisition for parks and trails?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Local Property Tax	121	20
One-Half Percent Sales Tax	172	28
Both	100	16
Oppose Increased Spending	160	26
Other Volunteered	17	3
Don’t Know	40	7
Total	612	100

Table 7: New Pool and Water Park
Do you believe the costs for a new pool and municipal water park should be paid for by an increase in the St. Cloud property tax, a one-half percent sales tax paid by all who shop and dine in St. Cloud, by both the property tax and the sales tax, or do you oppose an increase in spending for a new pool and municipal water park?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Local Property Tax	107	18
One-Half Percent Sales Tax	144	24
Both	95	16
Oppose Increased Spending	205	34
Other Volunteered	33	5
Don’t Know	26	4
Total	612	100

Table 8: Park Facilities
Do you believe the costs of more park facilities should be paid for by an increase in the St. Cloud property tax, a one-half percent sales tax paid by all who shop and dine in St. Cloud, by both the property tax and the sales tax, or do you oppose an increase in spending for more park facilities?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Local Property Tax	107	18
One-Half Percent Sales Tax	141	23
Both	111	18
Oppose Increased Spending	205	33
Other Volunteered	19	3
Don’t Know	28	5
Total	612	100

Table 9: Event Center
Do you believe the costs of a 75 million dollar sports and entertainment facility should be paid for by an increase in the St. Cloud property tax, a one-half percent sales tax paid by all who shop and dine in St. Cloud, by both the property tax and the sales tax, or do you oppose an increase in spending for a 75 million dollar sports and entertainment facility?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Local Property Tax	16	3
One-Half Percent Sales Tax	121	20
Both	58	10
Oppose Increased Spending	372	61
Other Volunteered	14	2
Don’t Know	30	5
Total	612	100

Table 10: New Mississippi and Sauk River Bridges
Do you believe the costs of new bridges over the Mississippi and Sauk Rivers should be paid for by an increase in the St. Cloud property tax, a one-half percent sales tax paid by all who shop and dine in St. Cloud, by both the property tax and the sales tax, or do you oppose an increase in spending for new bridges over the Mississippi and Sauk Rivers?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Local Property Tax	92	15
One-Half Percent Sales Tax	116	19
Both	103	17
Oppose Increased Spending	187	31
Other Volunteered	53	9
Don’t Know	60	10
Total	612	100

Table 11: Remodeled/Expanded Library
Do you believe the costs of a remodeled or expanded library at the same location should be paid for by an increase in the St. Cloud property tax, a one-half percent sales tax paid by all who shop and dine in St. Cloud, by both the property tax and the sales tax, or do you oppose an increase in spending for a remodeled or expanded library?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Local Property Tax	102	17
One-Half Percent Sales Tax	135	22
Both	113	18
Oppose Increased Spending	198	32
Other Volunteered	22	4
Don’t Know	42	7
Total	612	100

Table 11: New Library
Do you believe the costs of a new library at a different location should be paid for by an increase in the St. Cloud property tax, a one-half percent sales tax paid by all who shop and dine in St. Cloud, by both the property tax and the sales tax, or do you oppose an increase in spending for a new library?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Local Property Tax	68	11
One-Half Percent Sales Tax	104	17
Both	67	11
Oppose Increased Spending	303	50
Other Volunteered	20	3
Don’t Know	48	8
Total	612	100

The next five questions ask respondents to discuss their views on referendum voting for services and facilities.

Table 13: Direct Vote On Proposed Projects
Would you like an opportunity to vote on increased taxation to finance these various projects in the St. Cloud area?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Yes	461	75
No	132	22
Don’t Know	18	3
Total	612	100

Table 14: Combined Vote
If it is determined that St. Cloud will seek financing for more than one project, should the projects be voted on separately, or would you support one combined ballot?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Vote on Separately	460	76
Combined Ballot	115	19
Don’t Know	31	5
Total	612	100

Table 15: Sales Tax Vote
Generally Speaking, if the question on the ballot asks if you would support a one-half percent sales tax to fund one or more of the various projects we have discussed, would you vote yes?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Yes	377	62
No	186	31
Don’t Know	48	8
Total	612	100

Table 16: Last November’s Sales Tax Referendum
Did you vote in last November’s election on the sales tax referendum for the proposed St. Cloud events center? If yes, did you vote for or against the sales tax referendum?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Voted for the tax	160	27
Voted Against the tax	155	26
Did not vote	255	43
Don’t Know	22	4
Total	612	100

Table 17: Reasons Voted Against Sales Tax Referendum
(This question had a skip pattern from the previous question. Respondents who answered that they voted no on the referendum were asked this question. All other respondents went on to the next question.) I am going to list some reasons people have given as to why they voted no on the referendum. Could you please tell me if they were the reason(s) you did not vote for the referendum? [Multiple Responses Accepted]
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Did Not Support the Event Center	94	26
Did Not Support the Library Proposal	37	10
Did Not Support other Projects	37	10
Did Not Like Voting as Package	107	30
High Taxes	63	17
Other	25	7
Total	363	100

DEMOGRAPHICS

This section began with the introduction: “Now I have a few questions about you for statistical analysis in order to make sure we have a good sample. You don’t have to answer all the questions, but it would help us if you do.”

Table 18: Age
What age group are you?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
18-24	124	20
25-34	93	15
35-44	131	21
45-54	96	16
55-65	69	11
65+	100	16
Total	612	100

Table 19: Education
What was the last grade in school you completed?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Less than high school	39	6
High school graduate	153	25
Vo./Tech. College	48	8
Some College (13-15 yrs.)	175	29
College Graduate (16 yrs.)	130	21
Post Graduate (17 or more yrs.)	63	10
Don’t Know	1	.2
Total	612	100

Table 20: Income
I am going to read you four categories. Please stop me when I read the one that includes your total income, before taxes, of all immediate family members living in your household?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
25,000 or less	134	25
25,000- 50,000	182	34
50,001- 75,000	114	21
Over 75,001	73	15
Don’t Know	28	5
Total	612	100

Table 21: Own or Rent
Do you own or rent your primary dwelling?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Own	418	68
Rent	190	31
Don’t Know	4	.6
Total	612	100

Table 22: Length of Residency
How long have you lived in St. Cloud?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Less than 1 Year	51	8
1-5 Years	115	19
6-10 Years	87	14
11-20 Years	124	20
More than 20 Years	235	38
Total	612	100

Table 23: Children
Do you have children 18 years and under living at home?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Yes	212	35
No	399	65
Total	612	100

Table 24: Employment Status
Are you working now, temporarily laid off, unemployed, retired, disabled, a household manager, a student, or what…?
Response Options	Frequency	Percent
Working	399	66
Laid Off	3	.5
Unemployed	16	3
Retired	108	18
Disabled	15	2
Household Manager	20	3
Student	47	8
Don’t Know	1	.2
Total	612	100

ADDENDUM A:

DEMOGRAPHICS AND SERVICES/FACILITIES

Highlighted areas indicate that more respondents are opposed to new taxes for stated purpose than favorable toward more tax expenditures for that purpose.

Respondent don’t know, refused or other method of payment answers are not included in the tables.

Table A.1:

Total Support for Funding of Services

And Opposition to Additional Funding for Service

Service	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)
Roads	67	23
Airport	53	31
Park Land	64	26
Water Park	57	34
Park Facilities	59	33
Events	32	61
Bridges	51	31
Remodeled Library	57	32
New Library	39	49

Table A.2:

Total Support for Funding of Services

And Opposition to Additional Funding for Service

By Gender

	Male		Female
Service	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)
Roads	68	26	74	21
Airport	55	36	62	32
Park Land	70	26	67	30
Water Park	56	38	62	32
Park Facilities	60	31	62	35
Events	36	62	31	66
Bridges	54	35	58	33
Remodeled Library	59	37	63	32
New Library	43	54	42	54
Sample	n=306/50%		n=306/50%

Table A.3:

Total Support for Funding of Services

And Opposition to Additional Funding for Service

By Age

	18-24		25-34		35-44
Service	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)
Roads	75	20	77	20	74	23
Airport	62	34	53	43	62	29
Park Land	83	13	78	21	78	23
Water Park	64	31	59	39	68	28
Park Facilities	70	27	72	26	68	32
Events	40	57	34	64	36	62
Bridges	55	32	63	33	59	33
Remodeled Library	63	34	63	35	67	30
New Library	42	55	40	58	47	52
Sample	n=124/20%		n=93/15%		n=131/21%

			45-54				55-65				Over 65
Service		Support for Taxes (in percents)		Opposition to Taxes (in percents)		Support for Taxes (in percents)		Opposition to Taxes (in percents)		Support for Taxes (in percents)		Opposition to Taxes (in percents)
	Roads		69		25		69		25		54		31
	Airport		56		35		61		31		52		34
	Park Land		64		33		62		36		41		52
	Water Park		58		34		50		43		48		42
	Park Facilities		64		31		46		48		38		56
	Events		34		62		26		73		26		71
	Bridges		55		30		53		34		36		44
	Remodeled Library		66		31		55		38		35		55
	New Library		42		54		48		47		35		56
	Sample		n=96/15%				n=69/11%				n=100/16%

Table A.4:

Total Support for Funding of Services

And Opposition to Additional Funding for Service

By Education Level

	Less Than High School		High School Graduate		Vo. /Tech. School
Service	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)
Roads	67	24	61	29	83	15
Airport	52	41	50	42	56	38
Park Land	62	35	63	36	63	35
Water Park	49	48	56	38	59	40
Park Facilities	46	48	54	41	58	39
Events	29	65	29	70	25	72
Bridges	49	45	53	38	56	35
Remodeled Library	61	39	56	39	62	33
New Library	40	60	38	60	45	51
Sample	n=39/6%		n=153/25%		n=48/8%

	Some College		College Graduate		Post Graduate
Service	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)
Roads	72	22	70	28	86	11
Airport	58	34	64	28	65	25
Park Land	68	26	74	23	82	16
Water Park	59	35	59	32	70	23
Park Facilities	63	34	68	27	73	25
Events	34	62	40	58	36	60
Bridges	59	32	53	39	67	17
Remodeled Library	56	39	64	32	79	19
New Library	39	55	43	54	58	37
Sample	n=175/29%		n=130/21%		n=63/10%

Table A.5:

Total Support for Funding of Services

And Opposition to Additional Funding for Service

By Income

	Under $25,000		$25-50,000
Service	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)
Roads	65	25	70	24
Airport	59	33	52	38
Park Land	69	25	70	27
Water Park	54	39	62	34
Park Facilities	60	34	63	34
Events	33	66	29	70
Bridges	57	35	55	36
Remodeled Library	54	42	63	33
New Library	38	58	45	53
Sample	n=134/22%		n=182/30%

	$50-75,000		Over $75,000
Service	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)	Support for Taxes (in percents)	Opposition to Taxes (in percents)
Roads	83	15	55	19
Airport	62	31	67	27
Park Land	69	29	77	22
Water Park	62	33	68	25
Park Facilities	63	35	69	27
Events	31	63	49	47
Bridges	62	30	65