Survey shows Batavia residents enjoy city

Batavians are generally pleased with the city, according to the results of the 2010 community survey.

Just as they've indicated in previous surveys, they think property taxes are too high, and that they won't be able to live here once they retire.

This is the seventh city survey taken since 2003. It was sent to 1,500 households and 450 responded.

Ninety-four percent of respondents rated the city as a “good” or “excellent” place to live, but only 46 percent rated it as a “good” or “excellent” place to retire.

When asked to rate city services, 65.5 percent said they received “good” or “excellent” value for their tax dollar, an increase from last year. Respondents especially liked their utilities, giving them a grade of 85.9 percent “good” or “excellent.”

Asked what the city's top goals should be, they gave the same answer as in the 2008 and 2009 surveys: Enhance and revitalize downtown, improve traffic circulation, and work with citizens and citizen groups to resolve important community issues.

The 40-question multiple-choice survey let respondents comment about cable television and garbage pickup services, the city website, city departments, and anything else they would like to say. More than 300 comments were received.

Again, some people mixed up the city with other government bodies, with several criticizing the “grandiose” expansion of Batavia High School, which is run by Batavia School District 101.

Dozens of commenters said they feared they would not be able to afford to stay in town once they retire because they believe they won't be able to afford their property taxes. “It may be culturally incorrect but if I pay over $10,000 in property taxes I do NOT support low-income housing in my community. How about a freeze in property taxes for those retired. Keep the older Batavians home,” wrote one respondent.

The garbage collection company received a few positive remarks, but more than a half-dozen people complained about garbage and recyclables being left behind, never knowing at what time the crews will show up, trucks leaking oil and poor customer service.

Several thwacked the survey's designers for leaving neighborhoods west of Randall Road off a map within the survey.

At least two viewers of civic meetings on public access television had this request of their public servants: Speak up. And “STOP CHEWING GUM during your meetings. It is very unprofessional and rude.”

The survey is at cityofbatavia.net under “Projects” and “Community Survey.”