1	FINANCE COMMITTEE TOWN OF FREETOWN Taxpayer Survey 2004
2	FINANCE COMMITTEE TOWN OF FREETOWN Taxpayer Survey 2004 SURVEY METHODOLOGY Paper survey mailed to 700 randomly selected Freetown taxpayers (every 10^th voter on Voting List) on February 12 Completed surveys = 178 returned by March 5 Return rate = 24%
3	FINANCE COMMITTEE TOWN OF FREETOWN BUDGET PROCESS
4	FINANCE COMMITTEE BUDGET PROCESS FY2005
5	FINANCE COMMITTEE TOWN OF FREETOWN Respondents were asked to rank the priority of funding for services from 1 (highest) to 8 (lowest) priority:
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7	FINANCE COMMITTEE TOWN OF FREETOWN When voters were asked if they would support a variety of ideas to reduce the budget, respondents agreed with the following:
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9	FINANCE COMMITTEE TOWN OF FREETOWN Tax Payer respondents overwhelming said they would NOT support a tax increase (Proposition 2 ½ Override) to fund and maintain town services by a margin of almost 3 to 1 Tax Payer respondents said they would support the idea of hiring a Town Manager to increase efficiency within departments
10	FINANCE COMMITTEE TOWN OF FREETOWN Respondents were asked for suggestions to improve town services and to propose new sources of revenue: Increase town fees for items like dog licenses, building permits and boat ramp permits Implement new fees for school athletics, high school bus transportation and parking fees for students who drive to school
11	FINANCE COMMITTEE TOWN OF FREETOWN Suggestions (continued) Enforce bylaws for junk cars in yards and collect fines associated with violations Attract more businesses to broaden the tax base and enhance revenue