Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
CITY OF LAFAYETTE
2010 REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX MEASURE FEASIBILITY SURVEY
Topline Report
January 2010
The City of Lafayette commissioned Godbe Research to conduct a survey of voters to assess
potential support for two measures:
•
To declare the City of Lafayette an independent charter city; and
o
To increase the real property transfer tax by $7 dollars per $1,000 dollars of the sales price
when a property is sold.
The survey was designed to identify the optimum real property transfer tax rate at which voters
will support the measure; prioritize potential projects to be funded based on voter reception; and
test the influence of supporting and opposing arguments on potential voter support.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Overall, 400 voters in the City of Lafayette completed the survey, representing a total universe
of approximately 11,773 likely November 2010 voters. These survey parameters resulted in a
margin of error of plus or minus 4.8 percent. Interviews were conducted from January 13
through January 18, 2010, and the average interview time was approximately 20 minutes.
Once collected, the sample of voters was compared with the likely November 2010 voter
population in the City of Lafayette to examine possible differences between the demographics of
the sample of respondents and the actual universe. The data were weighted to correct any
differences, and the results presented are representative of the voter characteristics in terms of
gender, age and political party type.
QUESTIONNAIRE METHODOLOGY
To avoid the problem of systematic position bias, where the order in which a series of questions
is asked systematically influences the answers, several questions in the survey were
randomized such that the respondents were not consistently asked the questions in the same
order. The series of items in Questions 1, 5, 6 and 7 were randomized to avoid such position
bias. Further, Questions 6 and 7 were rotated so that the sample was balanced in whether they
first heard arguments in favor of or opposed to the ballot measure.
Question 12 and 13 allowed the voters surveyed to mention multiple responses. For this reason,
the response percentages sum to more than 100, and these represent the percent of the voters
that mentioned a particular response, rather than the percent of total responses.
MEAN SCORES AND ROUNDING
In addition to the percentage breakdown of responses to each question, results for the
questions relating to the issues of importance (Qi), features of the measure (Q5), and the
supporting and opposing arguments (Q6 and Q7) include a mean score. For example, to derive
respondents' overall perception of the importance of a given issue (Qi), a number value is first
assigned to each response category (in this case, "Very Important"
=
2, "Somewhat Important"
=
1, and "Not Important"
=
0).
The individual answer of each respondent is then assigned the
corresponding number, from 2 to 0 in this example. Finally, all respondents' answers are
averaged to produce a final score that reflects overall importance. The resulting mean score
makes the interpretation of the data considerably easier. Responses of "Don't Know" (DK/NA)
were not included in the calculations of the means for any questions.
Conventional rounding rules apply to the percentages shown in this report, .5 or above is
rounded up to the next number, and .4 or below is rounded down to the previous number. As a
result, the percentages may not add up to 100 percent.
Topline Report
Page 1 of 14
January 2010
(o8
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
1.
Next, I'd like to ask you about a number of issues in Lafayette. For each one, please tell me
how important the issue is to you personally.
Here's the (first/next) one:
_____________.
[IF NEEDED:] Is this issue very important,
somewhat important, or not important to you?
2.
In the coming months, Lafayette voters may be asked to vote on several local ballot
measures. Let me read you the description of two potential measures:
In order to reclaim local autonomy from the State and to preserve the economic and fiscal
independence of our city, shall the City of Lafayette become an independent charter city,
instead of remaining a general law city?
If the election were held today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? [GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:] Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)?
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Page 2 of 14
January 2010
Computation of Mean Scores: Very Important" = +2, "Somewhat Important" = +1 and "Not Important" = 0.
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
3.
Now let me read you a summary of the second measure that the City of Lafayette may place
on the ballot in addition to the one you just heard.
To maintain and improve city services, including:
o
Repairing and maintaining local streets;
•
Extending library hours and services;
Maintaining police services, patrols, and crime prevention officers;
o
Preserving open spaces and expanding local parks; and
o
Maintaining downtown landscaping and increasing parking;
Shall the City of Lafayette increase the Real Property Transfer Tax, which is collected when
a property is sold, by $7 dollars per $1 ,000 dollars of the sales price?
If the election were held today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? [GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:] Would that be definitely [yes/no] or probably [yes/no]?
4.
Right now, the exact amount of the tax to fund street repair, library hours, police services,
open space preservation, and downtown maintenance has not been decided.
If you heard that the Real Property Transfer Tax in the City of Lafayette would be [READ
FIRST ITEM BELOW AND CONTINUE IN SEQUENCE] _____ per $1,000 dollars of the
sales price, would you vote yes or no on this ballot measure? [GET ANSWER, THEN ASK]:
Is that definitely [yes/no] or probably [yes/no]?
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January2010
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
5.
Now, let's talk about how the money raised by this measure might be spent by the City of
Lafayette. As I read each statement, please tell me if it would make you more or less likely
to vote for the measure.
If you heard that the money would be used to
_____________,
would you be more or less
likely to vote for the measure? [GET ANSWER, THEN ASK]: Is that much (more/less) likely
or somewhat (more/less) likely?
Topline Report
Page 4 of 14
January 2010
Computation of Mean Scores: "Much More Likely" = ^2, "Somewhat More Likely" = +1, "No Effect" = 0, "Somewhat Less Likely" = -1
and "Much Less Likely" = -2.
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
Topline Report
Page 5 of 14
January 2010
Computation of Mean Scores: "Much More Likely" = +2, "Somewhat More Likely" = +1, "No Effect" = 0, "Somewhat Less Likely" =
and "Much Less Likely" = -2.
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
[ROTATE Q6 AND Q7}
6.
Voters will hear arguments from supporters in favor of the measure we have been
discussing. As I read each of the arguments in favor of the measure, please tell me if you
would be more likely to vote YES on the measure, given the argument.
Here's the (first/next)
__________
[INSERT FROM THE RANDOMIZED LIST BELOW].
Does this argument make you much more likely or somewhat more likely to vote "YES"
- or
does
it
have no effect?
Topline Report
Page 6 of 14
January 2010
Computation of Mean Scores: "Much More Likely" = +2, "Somewhat More Likely" = +1 and "No Effect" = 0.
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
Topline Report
Page7ofl4
January2010
Computation of Mean Scores: "Much More Likely" = +2, 'Somewhat More Likely" = +1 and "No Effect" = 0.
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
7.
Voters will hear arguments from opponents against the measure we have been discussing.
As I read each of the arguments against the measure, please tell me if you would be more
likely to vote NO on the measure given that argument.
Here's the (first/next)
__________
[INSERT FROM THE RANDOMIZED LIST BELOVV].
Does this argument make you much more likely or somewhat more likely to vote "NO"
-
or
does it have no effect?
Topline Report
Page8ofl4
January2010
Computation of Mean Scores: "Much More Likely" = +2, "Somewhat More Likely" = +1 and "No Effect" = 0.
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
8.
Now that you know more about the potential measures, let me read you a summary of the
first
measure again:
In order to reclaim local autonomy from the State and to preserve the economic and fiscal
independence of our city, shall the City of Lafayette become an independent charter city,
instead of remaining a general law city?
If the election were held today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? [GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:] Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)?
9.
Now, let me read you a summary of the second measure again.
To maintain and improve city services, including:
• Repairing and maintaining local streets;
o
Extending library hours and services;
•
Maintaining police services, patrols, and crime prevention officers;
•
Preserving open spaces and expanding local parks; and
Maintaining downtown landscaping and increasing parking;
Shall the City of Lafayette increase the Real Property Transfer Tax, which is collected when
a property is sold, by $7 dollars per $1 000 dollars of the sales price?
If the election were held today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? [GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:] Would that be definitely [yes/no] or probably [yes/no]?
Topline Report
Page 9 of 14
January 2010
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
10. Generally speaking, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the overall quality of life in the City
of Lafayette? [GET ANSWER, THEN ASK] Is that very [satisfied/dissatisfied] or somewhat
[satisfied/dissatisfied]?
11. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the overall job the City of Lafayette is doing to provide
services to its residents? [GET ANSWER, THEN ASK] Is that very [satisfied/dissatisfied] or
somewhat [satisfied/dissatisfied]?
12.
What sources do you rely on to get information about local issues and city government?
[OPEN ENDED. ALLOW FOR MULTIPLE RESPONSES
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January 2010
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
13. Do you use any social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube? [IF YES: PROBE
FOR WHICH ONE(S) AND RECORD MULTIPLE RESPONSES]?
14. [ASK IF Q13 ^ "DO NOT USE" OR "DKINA"; n = 153] Would you be interested in receiving
information from the City of Lafayette through any of these social media?
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January2010
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
ADDITIONAL VOTER INFORMATION
A.
How many years have you lived in the City of Lafayette?
B.
Respondent's Gender:
D.
Times Voted in Last Nine Elections:
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C.
Voting History:
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
E.
Times Voted Absentee in Last Nine Elections:
F. Permanent Absentee Voter:
G. Party:
H. Age:
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January 2010
I. Household Party Type:
Godbe Research
2010 RPTT Measure Feasibility Survey
City of Lafayette
J.
Homeownership Status:
K. Likely June 2010 Voter:
L.
Likely November 2010 Voter:
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January 2010
