December 20, 2006

Mecklenburg County residents and customers are satisfied with the quality of the services and programs provided by County government, but the County has opportunity to improve communications with the public. That's according to the results of the 2006 Community Survey.

Mecklenburg County conducted its fourth annual Community Survey in 2006. The survey focused on customer satisfaction, public communication, public awareness and service utilization.

The County's 2015 Vision is to be a "community of pride and choice for people to live, work and recreate." Survey respondents feel that Mecklenburg County is a fairly good place to live and work but feel less favorable that the County is a place of choice to recreate. Respondents agree that the County funds quality services that make a difference, but question whether the County provides good value for tax dollars.

Other areas getting high marks for satisfaction include customer service, environmental programs, efforts to improve public health, election information and early voting, park maintenance, and libraries.

While citizens generally trust information from Mecklenburg County, survey respondents are unsatisfied with the County's efforts to communicate information to the public. In response to the findings, the County is re-evaluating its communication efforts, focusing on what citizens expect regarding public communication.

Results for the public awareness category were mixed. Receiving good marks, or "green lights," were awareness of TV broadcasts, literacy services, some recreation facilities such as the Nature Museum, Latta Plantation and Ray's Splash Planet, and E-government services. Receiving "red lights" were awareness of environmental campaigns and programs, early voting, and some park facilities such as St. Mary's Historic Chapel and Reedy Creek Nature Center. There is also room for improvement in awareness of County laws such as the carbon monoxide regulations.

The 2006 Community Survey was administered to 900 residents, age 18 or older, living in Mecklenburg County. To view the entire survey, click here.

Employee Climate Survey

Also in 2006, the County administered its annual Employee Climate Survey. Over the years, employees have consistently found County government a good place to work - 94 percent in the 2006 survey. The County has maintained positive ratings as an overall good place to work. The organization has also made improvements with regards to employees feeling valued and paid fairly - up 11 percent - benefits, diversity, and technology. Areas for improvement include work/life balance, effective supervisory relationships, and fostering an environment of improvement.

Mecklenburg County has about 4,410 full-time and part-time employees. Almost 3,000 employees participated in the survey.