Planning Services Survey Findings -FY 2019
The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission Planning Department distributed surveys to all 14 counties and 43 cities from February 2019 through June 2019. The purpose of the survey is to give the planning department a clear picture of what services are being utilized, which local governments are using them and what their overall feelings are regarding the service received. The survey participants consisted of city and county administrators, mayors, and city and county clerks. After follow–ups with emails, fax, and phone calls, only 6 counties and 15 cities responded, representing just 36% of our local governments.
Planning Department Staff:
When asked how the planning staff was performing the respondents answered 50/50% between "getting better" and "about the same." Each respondent was asked their average number of contacts with the planning department over the past 12 months, which averaged between 6-8 contacts, and all responded that they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the last contact they had with the planning department staff.
Planning Department Services
Quality of service ratings for each of the services ranked "good" or "great." Most notable were “great” marks from nine communities for the service they received with grant writing and hazard mitigation services. Housing resources and GIS services provided were also ranked highly among respondents.
Based on the survey, the customer service the planning department offers is considered "excellent." Respondents agree that services are provided in a timely manner and the staff demonstrates expert knowledge. All were in agreement that the planning department staff provides a wide range of planning services and makes information easily available. Though the majority of respondents agree that the planning department staff provides services and accurate information, a few local governments feel information could be offered to Local Governments in Region 10 in a more timely manner in the future.
Based on the survey, the customer service the planning department offers is considered "excellent." Respondents agree that services are provided in a timely manner and the staff demonstrates expert knowledge. All were in agreement that the planning department staff provides a wide range of planning services and makes information easily available. Though the majority of respondents agree that the planning department staff provides services and accurate information, a few local governments feel information could be offered to Local Governments in Region 10 in a more timely manner in the future.
The Planning Department has been in the middle of completing Comprehensive Plans for several counties and cities in the Region. Many respondents notated that service as “other”.