The results are in ...

The results are in for the 2008 Gypsum community survey.

Some 2,887 surveys were sent out to a random sample of Gypsum residents, property owners, and business owners. Of that number, 546 (22.2 percent), surveys came back.

Gypsum officials aggressively promoted the survey over the last few months. The town offered a drawing for three prizes for those who responded, included postage-paid envelopes with every survey mailed, presented the survey on-line and offered an option for Spanish-speakers to complete the survey in their native language. The town also a sent out a second reminder mailing.

The survey was conducted by the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments.

“The response rate was slightly less than what we hoped for. However, the Town of Gypsum did everything they could to encourage the most responses possible from the random sample we mailed to,” said Rachel Lunney, research project manager of Northwest Colorado Council of Governments.

The purpose of the survey was for the town to hear from community residents regarding general issues and services.

“I think overall it was pretty positive, most of the comments. But there are always things to work on,” says Jeff Shroll, Gypsum town manager. “We are going to try to communicate better with our citizens.”

Affordability on top

According to survey respondents, the number one reason to live in Gypsum was that it is more affordable than other mountain towns. Respondents also cited the small town atmosphere and climate for the top reasons to live in Gypsum. The overwhelming reason given to operate a business in Gypsum was that it was close to home.

Those who took part in the survey said they thought the most important issues and services in the town are water quality and quantity, traffic flow, growth management, appearance of the town, neighborhood road maintenance and snow removal.

Shroll believes traffic flow and growth management are critical issues in any town. He says the town needs to step up communication efforts regarding these issues. Shroll says that Gypsum has in fact done traffic studies will stay on top of traffic and growth issues.

Respondents highlighted the recreation center, recreation opportunities, recreation programs, maintenance of parks and public landscaping as the top services that the town provides.

The five issues and services with the lowest assessment ratings are: Shopping opportunities, job opportunities, traffic flow, affordable housing and noxious weed mitigation.

However, shopping opportunities, and public transit opportunities ranked number three and four for the least important issues and services for the town.

Law enforcement, recycling

More than half of the respondents who answered the question — What do you suggest the sheriff do to improve policing in Gypsum? — cited a need for increased police visibility.

About three-fourths of respondents supported curbside recycling. However, more than half of respondents said that they were not willing pay a monthly fee for the service.

“The recycling question certainly had major flaws. Overall Gypsum residents want recycling,” said Shroll. However, he noted that residents need to how much a program will cost before they will know whether or not they support curbside recycling.

Respondents said that the three most important things Gypsum could do to better serve the local community are: Recruit additional businesses to Gypsum, improve traffic infrastructure and the beautify public areas.

“I think the town is pretty happy because of the mostly positive comments,” said Shroll.