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Service Level Survey 2023 – Final (Summary) Results

Earlier this year, Lamont County received valuable input on service levels, budget planning and communication. Thank you to everyone who completed the 2023 version of this survey. Your feedback is vital as we plan for the future! Access to the full survey is linked within the summary report. 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Public Engagement Results from the 2023 Service Levels (and Budget) and Communication Survey

October 10, 2023 – LAMONT, AB: Between June and July, residents and stakeholders were invited to provide their input related to service levels and budget priorities through an online (and paper) survey. They were also asked for feedback on communication tools and initiatives.

The 2023 Service Level Survey allowed individuals (residents and organizations) from Lamont County to prioritize service levels based on the six strategic goals from the Lamont County 2030 Strategic Plan.

Results of this survey were compiled and presented to Council at the October 10 Regular Council meeting. The information received will be used in strategic planning, service level and budget discussions, as well as planning sessions for Council direction. Direct feedback from residents and the public are incorporated into these decisions. Thank you to everyone who participated and completed the surveys!

“Public engagement is very important for Lamont County and this survey was a comprehensive way to gain feedback from the public,” said Lamont County Reeve, David Diduck. “We do this survey every year and take the results and feedback provided seriously. The public’s input is vital as Lamont County plans for the future.” 

Two key sections of the survey were questions 11 and 23: What is most important to you as Lamont County plans for the future, as it relates to our 2030 Strategic Goals? and Now that you have completed this survey and are aware of the programs and services, please rank what you feel is most valuable to Lamont County from most important to least?

This year’s survey also included a communication component, recognizing the ways and opportunities to provide information to the public (including the website, social media and print publications.

The most important priorities for planning included to:

  1.  Prepare and react to changes in the economy (spend more during "good times" and cut services during "recovery times").
  2. Ensure long-term fiscal sustainability - and making financial decisions today to ensure a healthy financial position in the future (may result in tax updates and service level changes to ensure finances for the future).

With the bottom two question responses:

  1. Minimize property taxes in the future (at the expense of service levels).
  2. Increase service levels (snow removal, gravel, roads, etc.) at the expense of increased taxes.

The frequency identified in Top Three for service priorities were consistent to 2022 in:

  1. Regular Road Maintenance (gravel, abatement, etc.);
  2. Winter Maintenance (roads); and
  3. Community Policing and Rural Crime Prevention.

Full survey results as presented to Council can be viewed at: https://lamontcounty.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/?expanded=1009,18219,21193&preview=28584, and the summary post is available: https://www.lamontcounty.ca/news.

“We are accountable to our residents as well as the strategic direction of the County,” said Lamont County Reeve, David Diduck. “Lamont County Council is committed to receiving input from the community, and has a strong commitment to transparency as outlined in our public engagement policy.”

 

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[PDF version – enclosure]

Media inquiries can be directed to:
Jay Zaal
Communications Coordinator
780-895-2233 Ext. 222
jay.z@lamontcounty.ca 
www.lamontcounty.ca/news