Despite Cuts, San Rafael Residents Happy with City Services

Despite budget cuts and staff reductions for the past 18 months, San Rafael residents are still satisfied with overall city services, according to a new survey by Godbe Research.

Since the summer of 2009, council members have cut staff by 12 percent, which comes to a total loss of 54 full-time positions. The level of city services was negatively impacted by the reduced staff, according to Interim City Manager Jim Schutz’s report. But even with the cuts, the survey shows that 81 percent of people living in San Rafael consider themselves satisfied with city services as they are now.

“I think the numbers are great,” Mayor Al Boro said. “Even though we’ve cut some services, people are still happy.”

There are 28,636 registered voters in San Rafael, according to the survey. The study interviewed a sample size of 500 people between Feb. 15 and 21 of this year.  Godbe researchers estimate a 4.3 percent margin of error.

Back in July 2009, the San Rafael Police Department could only fill minimum shifts on a regular basis due to budget cuts. According to Schutz’s report, officers would no longer respond to or document accidents involving private property where no injuries occurred. On top of that, traffic enforcement decreased, response time to calls was delayed and non-violent crimes without suspects would only be accepted with a form.

Then, in January 2010, San Rafael police and fire departments saw more budget cuts.  SRPD scaled back their mental health program and no longer participates in coordinated programs with other agencies to deal issues like homelessness. The San Rafael Fire Department froze four firefighter positions and decreased training efforts.

Despite these reductions, satisfaction with fire and paramedic services and police protection were rated the highest by those interviewed on the Godbe survey.

Staff reductions also impacted the Public Works Department. Street maintenance was limited to critical issues, and parks and medians would be cared for less frequently.

Street maintenance was one of the lowest rated services on the survey, along with affordable housing and tax levels.

Godbe Research has conducted surveys in over 89 cities in California, Oregon and Washington.

“Residents’ concerns largely reflect current events,” said Amelia Davidson, senior research manager for Godbe Research.  According to Davidson, residents are more concerned about job availability and financial constraints than they are about traffic congestion.

But on the whole, San Rafael residents are happy with the quality of life and the level of city services offered to them, Davidson said.

The survey results come in time for the city council members to begin planning next year’s budget, where they will be facing a $4.4 million budget gap.

“It’s nice to stop and ponder [the survey’s positive results] for just a minute at least,” council member Damon Connolly said, “and then realize there’s still areas we can improve.”