The objective of the survey was to establish the spending priorities of Wilton taxpayers.

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1 Background The Board of Finance taxpayer survey subcommittee was formed in February 2018 for the purpose of conducting a survey of Town taxpayers. The members of the committee are Board of Finance - Richard Creeth (Committee chair) Board of Selectmen Deborah McFadden Board of Education Deborah Low Economic Development Commission John Kelly Citizen volunteer David Rothstein The objective of the survey was to establish the spending priorities of Wilton taxpayers. Survey Method The survey of Wilton taxpayers was conducted online, starting on October 9 th and ending on November 25 th, Participation was publicized and encouraged through extensive local print and online media coverage, school communications, social media, and posters at the YMCA, the library and the senior center and polling places on election day. The survey was completely anonymous no identifying information was collected from respondents. 88% of submissions were from unique IP addresses, with no more than 3 responses coming from a single IP address. RTI Research, a Norwalk based marketing research company, was engaged to manage the research which included, with substantial input from the subcommittee, survey design, data collection, data tabulation, analysis and reporting. RTI Research completed the work pro-bono; no fees of any kind were charged to the Town adjusted census data estimates the population of Wilton residents over the age of 25 as 11,847. 1,411 survey responses were received. The sample represents 11.9% of the population. The responses were weighted by age based on the adjusted census data. The weighting resulted in the 65+ age group being given a slightly louder voice in the results due their slight underrepresentation in the sample (15.6% of the sample vs. 22.7% of the population). Correspondingly the age group (49.4% sample, 40.1% population) and the age group (35% sample, 37.2% population) were slightly underweighted. It should be noted that 40% of the respondents reported that they did not vote on the budget resolutions at the May, 2018 Town Meeting. This is an important constituency since the voter turnout for the budget vote was only 13%. One of the goals of the survey was to understand the priorities of that group. Summary of Results 1. The biggest factors that attracted people to Wilton are Schools (81%) and affordability of housing compared to similar neighboring towns (50%) 2. 76% of respondents who moved here for the schools reported that Wilton schools had met or exceeded their expectations

2 3. Respondents who moved to Wilton for its relative affordability were equally satisfied with the town s performance with 77% reporting that their affordability expectations have been met or exceeded, especially among year olds (87%) % of respondents think that Wilton s school district should be ranked in the top of its District Reference Group (DRG) 1. When asked their perceptions of current performance, 39% think the schools are currently among the top few within the DRG while 51% say Wilton is in the middle of the pack. 5. The majority of respondents (59%) support the current expenditure level on schools, but a significant minority think it is too high (41%). The support is highest among those with children in the schools (72%) and lowest among those without (41%). 6. A large majority (64%) think Wilton s property taxes are higher than surrounding towns % of respondents would be open to paying 1% more in taxes (not strongly opposed) in order to ensure their desired performance goal for the schools was met. This number decreases to 19% for a 5% tax increase. ness to higher taxes supporting school performance is generally stronger among younger citizens and those with children in the schools. 8. Using shared services (79%) and investment in economic development (70%) are widely supported as potential ways to reduce property taxes. However, only a third (32%) of those with interest in economic development indicate support for hiring a full time economic development manager. 9. Respondents strongly support shared services (Police 61%, Town Hall services 69%, Transfer station 85%) as a way of controlling costs. 10. Almost everyone (97% of respondents) expressed satisfaction with Wilton s Police department regarding public safety. 1 Wilton s DRG includes New Canaan, Weston, Wilton, Westport, Easton, Darien, Ridgefield and Redding.

3 Presented to Town of Wilton Board of Finance December 18,

4 Background and Research Design BACKGROUND: The Town of Wilton s Board of Finance formed a subcommittee for the purpose of conducting a survey among town taxpayers. Members of the committee are: Board of Finance Richard Creeth (Committee Chair) Board of Selectmen Deborah McFadden Board of Education Deborah Low Economic Development Commission John Kelly Citizen Volunteer David Rothstein (owner, RTi Research) OBJECTIVE: The objective of the survey was to determine the spending priorities of Wilton taxpayers. METHOD: An online survey was conducted among taxpayers of Wilton, CT. The survey was open from October 9, 2018 through November 25, 2018, during which 1,411 surveys were completed. Participation was publicized and encourage through local print and online media, school communications, town related Facebook groups, signage around town, library signage, and on Election Day at polling places. The survey was completely anonymous no identifying information was collected from respondents. 88% of submissions were from unique IP addresses, with no more than three surveys submitted from a single IP address. With substantial input and participation from the subcommittee, RTi Research, a Norwalk based marketing research company was engaged to manage the research which included: survey design, data collection, data tabulation, analysis, and reporting. RTi Research completed the work pro-bono; no fees of any kind were charged to the Town. 2

5 Background and Research Design (continued) Data Weighting: Survey data was weighted according to age to match the most recent census data available. Only four surveys were recorded from respondents under 25; they were excluded and the remaining 1,411 respondents were weighted from the proportions as collected (column D) to match the population of residents 25 and older (column B). The 1,411 respondents represent approximately 12% of the town s 25+ population (11,847) Age Total Population of Wilton (A) Target: Population as a % of 25 and older (B) N (C) Survey Results % of Total (D) Under 25 37% NA NA NA 25 to 49 25% 40% % 50 to 64 24% 38% % 65 and older 14% 22% % Total 100% 100% 1, % 3

6 Reasons for Moving to Wilton Quality of schools Affordability of housing compared to similar, neighboring towns Location Safety Family orientation of Wilton Reasonable property taxes Commutation convenience Town vibe Proximity to family or friends Proximity to place of worship 3% 38% 37% 36% 30% 28% 21% 20% 50% 81% Base: Total (1411) q.1. Thinking back to when you first moved into Wilton, which of the following would you say are reasons why you chose Wilton? 4 SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

7 Reasons for Moving to Wilton Age Children in Household Total (A) (B) 65+ (C) None (D) Preschool or younger (E) Base (1411) (697) (494) (220) (320) (178) (262) (876) (226) (316) (393) (429) % % % % % % % % % % % % Quality of schools Other (F) Any WPS (G) MD (K-2) (H) CM (3-5) (I) MB (6-8) (J) HS (9-12) (K) Affordability of housing compared to similar, neighboring towns Location Safety Family orientation of Wilton Reasonable property taxes Commutation convenience Town vibe Proximity to family or friends q.1. Thinking back to when you first moved into Wilton, which of the following would you say are reasons why you chose Wilton? 5 SELECT ALL THAT APPLY..

8 Single Most Important Reason for Moving to Wilton Schools 54% 68% 51% 36% 35% 74% 70% 30% 33% Affordability/Taxes Location/Near family All Other 24% 28% 16% 18% 15% 9% 5% 8% 13% 11% 13% 16% 17% 9% 16% 6% 6% 11% 8% Total (1411) (697) (494) Age 65+ (220) None (320) Pre-K (178) Kids Any in WPS (876) q.1a. Of these reasons, which would you say was the most important? 6

9 Degree Town Has Met Expectations Based on Reasons Given for Moving to Wilton Exceeds Meets or Exceeds Came to Wilton for Quality of Schools Came to Wilton for Housing Affordability Total (1179) 17% 76% Total (843) Age (633) 18% 79% (388) (415) 14% 69% (313) 65+ (131) 24% 82% 65+ (142) Attend WPS? Miller-Driscoll (218) 21% 88% Any in WPS (488) Cider Mill (298) 18% 78% No children (220) Middlebrook (371) 17% 73% Wilton High School (399) 14% 70% None (207) 20% 83% 4% 5% 3% 3% 4% 4% Age Children 77% 87% 72% 67% 82% 69% q.2. To what degree has the town met your expectations for each? 7

10 Desired Performance Goal for Wilton Schools Compared to Neighboring Towns (Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Easton) Total (1411) Age (697) (494) 65+ (220) Kids Pre-K and Younger (178) Miller-Driscoll (226) Cider Mill (316) Middlebrook (393) Wilton High School (429) None (320) 69% 78% 66% 59% 82% 84% 83% 79% 78% 56% 19% 22% 16% 15% 11% 11% 20% 14% 22% 8% 9% 6% 10% 8% 9% 14% 7% 13% 9% 22% Among Top Few Middle of the Pack No Goal Should be Set q4. When compared to schools in these same similar neighboring towns (Darien, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Easton and 8 Redding), do you believe that Wilton s goal should be that its schools are?

11 Perception of Performance of Wilton Schools Compared to Neighboring Towns (Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Easton) Total (1411) Age (697) (494) 65+ (220) Kids Pre-K and Younger (178) Miller-Driscoll (226) Cider Mill (316) Middlebrook (393) Wilton High School (429) None (320) 39% 40% 36% 43% 49% 51% 42% 38% 34% 42% 51% 52% 52% 50% 47% 45% 49% 53% 52% 51% 10% 8% 13% 7% 4% 4% 9% 9% 14% 7% Among Top Few Middle of the Pack Among the Bottom Few q3. As you may already know, the Wilton school system along with those in our similar neighboring towns of Darien, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Easton and Redding are generally regarded to be among the best in the state. Based on what you 9 know or believe, how do you think the Wilton school system compares to the school systems in the similar neighboring towns listed above? Would you say Wilton schools are?

12 Perception of Performance of Wilton Schools Compared to Neighboring Towns (Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Easton) Total (1411) 39% 51% 10% Desired School Performance Goal Top (1001) 46% 45% 9% Middle (215) 18% 74% 9% No Goal (187) 30% 60% 10% Top Middle No Goal q3. As you may already know, the Wilton school system along with those in our similar neighboring towns of Darien, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Easton and Redding are generally regarded to be among the best in the state. Based on what you 10 know or believe, how do you think the Wilton school system compares to the school systems in the similar neighboring towns listed above? Would you say Wilton schools are?

13 Perception of Current Level of Spending for Wilton Schools Total (1411) 41% 34% 18% 7% Age (697) 29% 39% 22% 9% (494) 43% 33% 18% 6% 65+ (220) 59% 27% 9% 5% Too High About right Too Low Don't Know q.6. You said you think the goal should be that Wilton schools are [INSERT ANSWER FROM Q.4] compared to those in our similar neighboring 11 towns. In order to achieve that goal, do you think the town s current level of spending is?

14 Perception of Current Level of Spending for Wilton Schools Total (1411) 41% 34% 18% 7% Desired School Performance Goal Top (1001) 29% 39% 22% 9% Middle (215)) 43% 33% 18% 6% No Goal (187) 59% 27% 9% 5% Perception of School Performance Top (549) 30% 40% 23% 7% Middle (726) 63% 22% 8% 7% Bottom (136) 68% 20% 4% 8% Too High About right Too Low Don't Know q.6. You said you think the goal should be that Wilton schools are [INSERT ANSWER FROM Q.4] compared to those in our similar neighboring 12 towns. In order to achieve that goal, do you think the town s current level of spending is?

15 Perception of Current Level of Spending for Wilton Schools Total (1411) 41% 34% 18% 7% Kids in Household Pre-K and Younger (178) 19% 49% 18% 13% Miller-Driscoll (226) 22% 45% 25% 8% Cider Mill (316) 23% 42% 26% 8% Middlebrook (393) 28% 42% 23% 7% Wilton High School (429) 31% 37% 26% 6% Any in WPS (876) 28% 40% 25% 7% None (320) 59% 25% 9% 17% Too High About right Too Low Don't Know q.6. You said you think the goal should be that Wilton schools are [INSERT ANSWER FROM Q.4] compared to those in our similar neighboring 13 towns. In order to achieve that goal, do you think the town s current level of spending is?

16 Perception of Wilton Taxes Compared to Neighboring Towns (Darien, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Easton) Total (1411) 64% 23% 5% Age (697) 64% 25% 5% (494) 67% 21% 5% 65+ (220) 60% 22% 5% Wilton Is Higher About the same Wilton Is Less q23. Thinking about the property taxes you pay to the town of Wilton, how do you think they generally compare with our similar neighboring 14 towns of Darien, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Easton and Redding?

17 ness to Tax (Not Strongly Opposed) Current Spending is Not Much Too High to 1% Tax to 2% Tax to 3% Tax to 4% Tax to 5% Tax 78% 55% 42% 31% 24% 19% Total (1411) q7. If ensuring Wilton schools are [GOAL FROM Q.4] meant your town property taxes increased by about 1% annually, would you? 15 Question asked repeatedly for 2, 3, 4, and 5% until respondent indicates they strongly oppose the increase

18 ness to Tax By Age (Not Strongly Opposed) Current Spending is Not Much Too High 88% to 1% Tax to 2% Tax to 3% Tax to 4% Tax to 5% Tax 74% 67% 64% 52% 46% 51% 41% 29% 37% 32% 29% 24% 23% 17% 22% 17% 14% Age (697) (494) 65+ (220) q7. If ensuring Wilton schools are [GOAL FROM Q.4] meant your town property taxes increased by about 1% annually, would you? 16 Question asked repeatedly for 2, 3, 4, and 5% until respondent indicates they strongly oppose the increase

19 ness to Tax By Perception of School Performance Current Spending is Not Much Too High to 1% Tax to 2% Tax to 3% Tax to 4% Tax to 5% Tax 88% 70% Perception of School Performance Top (549) 74% 57% 49% 28% 53% 37% 21% 41% 27% 16% 31% 26% 21% 15% 13% 9% Middle (726) Bottom (136) q7. If ensuring Wilton schools are [GOAL FROM Q.4] meant your town property taxes increased by about 1% annually, would you? 17 Question asked repeatedly for 2, 3, 4, and 5% until respondent indicates they strongly oppose the increase

20 ness to Tax By Desired School Performance Goal Current Spending is Not Much Too High to 1% Tax to 2% Tax to 3% Tax to 4% Tax to 5% Tax 86% Desired School Goal 63% 55% 65% 37% 33% 51% 25% 20% 38% 30% 24% 19% 16% 11% 12% 7% 6% Top (1001) Middle (215) None (187) q7. If ensuring Wilton schools are [GOAL FROM Q.4] meant your town property taxes increased by about 1% annually, would you? 18 Question asked repeatedly for 2, 3, 4, and 5% until respondent indicates they strongly oppose the increase

21 ness to Tax Presence of Children / School Attendance Current Spending is Not Much Too High to 1% Tax to 2% Tax to 3% Tax to 4% Tax to 5% Tax 93% Children / School Attendance 89% 72% 64% 72% 66% 51% 42% 55% 54% 41% 38% 38% 28% 27% 20% 32% 26% 29% 24% 21% 15% 14% 10% Pre-K & Younger (178) Any in WPS (876) Other (262) None (320) q7. If ensuring Wilton schools are [GOAL FROM Q.4] meant your town property taxes increased by about 1% annually, would you? 19 Question asked repeatedly for 2, 3, 4, and 5% until respondent indicates they strongly oppose the increase

22 Support for Services to Receive in Funding Economic Development Investment 27% 18% 45% Schools 27% 12% 39% Public Works (road maintenance, snow plowing, etc.) 9% 12% 21% Public Safety (Police, Fire, Ambulance) 5% 9% 14% Parks and Recreation 5% 7% 12% Purchasing/Developing Space 5% 5% 10% Wilton Library 3% 5% 8% Environmental Issues or Initiatives 3% 4% 7% Social Services/Senior Center 3% 3% 6% Most important Second Most Important Base: (1411) q.14. Now, if you could increase the amount of funding for just one of the following areas, which would it be? q.15. And which would be next? 20

23 Support for Ways to Reduce Property Taxes Total (A) Age Children in Household Income (000's) (B) 65+ (C) None (D) Preschool or younger (E) Other (F) Any WPS (G) Less than $150 (L) Base (1411) (697) (494) (220) (320) (178) (262) (876) (252) (274) (258) (293) $ (M) $ (N) % % % % % % % % % % % % Utilize shared services with other towns Invest in Economic development in an attempt to grow the grand list Reduce funding for Historic Preservation Reduce funding for the Trackside Teen Center Reduce funding for Schools Reduce funding for Environmental Issues or Initiatives Reduce funding for Social Services/Senior Center Reduce funding for the Wilton Library Reduce funding for Parks and Recreation Reduce funding for Public Safety (Police, Fire, Ambulance) Reduce funding for Public Works (road maintenance, snow plowing, etc.) None of these Average Number of Areas $400+ (O) q.10. Now, hypothetically, if you were put in charge of reducing the tax paid per household, which of the following would you do? 21 SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

24 Single Best Way to Reduce Property Taxes Age Children in Household Income (000's) Total (A) (B) 65+ (C) None (D) Preschool or younger (E) Other (F) Any WPS (G) Less than $150 (L) Base (1411) (697) (494) (220) (320) (178) (262) (876) (252) (274) (258) (293) $ (M) $ (N) % % % % % % % % % % % % $400+ (O) Invest in Economic development in an attempt to grow the grand list Utilize shared services with other towns Reduce funding for Schools Reduce funding for Historic Preservation Reduce funding for the Trackside Teen Center Reduce funding for Environmental Issues or Initiatives Reduce funding for Public Safety (Police, Fire, Ambulance) Reduce funding for Social Services/Senior Center Reduce funding for the Wilton Library Reduce funding for Parks and Recreation Reduce funding for Public Works (road maintenance, snow plowing, etc.) None of these q.11. And if you had to choose just one action to reduce the tax paid per household, which would it be? 22

25 Support for Shared Services with Neighboring Towns Shared Police Force Shared Town Hall Services Shared Transfer Station 85% 61% 69% 30% Somewhat support 32% 32% Strongly support 29% 37% 55% q.9. Paramedics, engaged jointly by Wilton and Weston, provide 24 hour paramedic services to the two towns. The Georgetown Fire District, located in Redding, serves sections of Wilton, Weston and Redding. In both cases, the cost is shared proportionally between the 23 towns. These are examples of what is called shared services. How do you feel about the town of Wilton exploring the possibility of the following shared services, similar to those explained above?

26 Most Popular Grand List Growth Areas to Pursue Age Income ($000) Total (A) (B) 65+ (C) Less than $150 (L) $ (M) $ (N) Base: Investing in Economic Development (994) (412) (376) (206) (185) (195) (171) (211) % % % % % % % % More commercial/retail development $400+ (O) Offer tax incentives to major corporations who are willing to invest in Wilton Allow denser housing in appropriate locations Double down on amenity investments in Town to encourage development and raise property prices overall Hire a full-time economic development manager to pursue all these goals New user fees where appropriate Other Average Number of Areas q.12. One of the items you chose as a way to reduce taxes was to grow the grand list. Which of the following do you think the 24 town should pursue in growing the grand list? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

27 Single Grand List Area Thought to Have Greatest Positive Impact Age Income ($000) Base: Proposed investing in Economic Development Total (A) (B) 65+ (C) Less than $150 (L) $ (M) $ (N) $400+ (O) (994) (412) (376) (206) (185) (195) (171) (211) Offer tax incentives to major corporations who are willing to invest in Wilton % % % % % % % % More commercial/retail development Hire a full-time economic development manager to pursue all these goals Allow denser housing in appropriate locations Double down on amenity investments in Town to encourage development and raise property prices overall New user fees where appropriate Other q.13. Among these ideas, which one do you think would have the greatest positive impact?. 25

28 Satisfaction with Police Department Responsibilities Overall Level of Safety in Wilton Current Level of Traffic Enforcement in Wilton Current Level of Neighborhood Patrols in Wilton Yes 97% Yes 84% BC Yes 88% No 3% No 16% No 12% Base: (1411) q.8. As you might know, police shifts in Wilton consist of three patrol officers and one sergeant. Responsibilities include 911 response, 26 traffic enforcement, and patrol throughout the community. Are you satisfied with the?.

29 Whether Voted on Budget in May, 2018 I don't know/ Don't recall Age 5% 6% 4% 5% Kids 4% 8% 5% I didn't vote 35% 42% 32% 29% 27% 41% 63% I voted 60% 52% 64% 65% 68% 54% 30% Total None Pre-K & Younger In WPS Base: Total (1411), (697), (494) 65+ (220). Base: Kids; None (320), Pre-K & younger (178), In WPS (876). q.25. Did you vote on the 2018 budget this past May at either the annual town meeting or at the polls on the Saturday following the town meeting? 27

30 Reasons For Low Turnout at Annual Budget Vote Total (A) Age (B) 65+ (C) Yes (P) Voted "No/ Don't Know" (Q) Base (1411) (697) (494) (220) (822) (589) % % % % % % Not interested/don't care Too busy/conflicting schedule Didn't know about the vote Meant to vote, but forgot Out of town Aware there was a vote, but didn't know where to vote Illness or disability Transportation issue/couldn't get to the polls Other reason q.24. As you may know, voter turnout at our most recent annual budget vote this past May was only about 12%. Why do you think 28 so many people didn t vote

31 Demographic Summary Total (1411) Age % Total (1411) Gender % Male 50 Female 50 Total (1411) Income % Less than $150K 20 $150-$249, $250-$399, $400,000 or more 19 Prefer not to say 25 % Presence of Children 72 Have Children in Wilton Public Schools 56 Have Children not in Wilton Public Schools 18 Have Children Younger than Kindergarten 10 No Children Living in Household 28 Total (1411) Size of Household % Total (1411) IP Addresses % 1 survey submitted (unique) 88 2 surveys submitted 11 3 surveys submitted 1 29