Job creation poor, EMS response positive, Mulvane city survey says
Mulvane residents are mostly satisfied with school services, emergency responders and traffic flow, according to a recent community questionnaire.
"I see a lot of positive," said Mulvane City Manager Kent Hixson. "These surveys, to me, are really good measurements."
Both fire response services and police protection were deemed adequate by 82 percent of all respondent. School facilities were deemed adequate by 78 percent of respondents.
Street lighting, parks and recreation areas and school tax levy rates were among other topics to receive high marks.
"Those are functions, city services, that to me, a majority of the respondents - which I think is a good representation of the citizenry - are happy with," Hixson said. "That doesn't mean we'll stop working to make the better."
Economic development was an area of concern among citizens. Only 15 percent of those responding were satisfied with job opportunities, and 25 percent found economic development promotion to be adequate.
"People have always been concerned that we need to have more jobs located here," Hixson said. "I don't disagree a bit, but we're limited in what we can do as a small city."
Hixson said residents may have a misconception about job growth in the city, as the Kansas Star Casino brought more than 900 positions to Mulvane. Still, the city will strive to improve the perceptions while increasing opportunities.
"Our goal is to create an environment where the cost of doing business and the cost of living in the community is reasonable," he said.
Low electric rates and property taxes should help bring small businesses to the area, Hixson said.
Of 4,000 questionnaires distributed, 441 were returned, or 11 percent. Hixson said he was pleased with the response rate relative to returns on similar types of surveys.
The survey is done every 10 years as the planning commission updates its comprehensive plan.
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