Budget survey: Residents focus on Traffic, public safety and parks

With elected officials and town staff meeting today to begin reviewing the budget for next year, the town of Cornelius released the results of its annual citizen budget survey, which highlighted traffic, public safety, public works and parks as residents’ top concerns.

The survey received a record-high 1,032 responses, up nearly 20% from last year, largely due to increased promotion through the town’s social media channels, newsletters, website and direct mailers. There are approximately 25,000 registered voters who live in Cornelius.

High-priority focus areas

Respondents prioritized transportation, public safety, public works and parks and recreation, which together accounted for roughly two-thirds of the total responses. Transportation ranked as the top priority. The lowest priorities were affordable housing, economic development, and social and racial equity.

Services and projects the town should fund

Roads and traffic were the top funding priority at 54%, followed by public safety at 20% and parks and greenways at 10%. Those three categories accounted for 84% of the total responses.

Areas where the town is spending too much

Respondents identified development as the area where the town spends more than it should (34%), followed by equity and affordable housing (18%), parks and greenways (16%), and arts funding (13%).

Most important types of expenditures

Residents said the most important budget expenditures are roads and traffic (40%), public safety (24%), and parks and greenways (13%).