2020/11/23 - Mayor's Column: Good Results, Challenging Times
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
Ever since I was in grade school, I would always get anxious to see my grades.
Well, the results of the National Citizens Survey, which was completed by the Citizens of O’Fallon this summer are in. You have given us some high marks. We appreciate your honest feedback. This is the seventh time that we have commissioned this survey. We use these results to help guide us in service delivery and make sure we are being good stewards of your taxpayer dollars.
Over the past year, O’Fallon has received several recognitions from Local, State and National organizations. But to be rated by our citizens, who are our customers and stakeholders, is very important to me and those that work for the City.
The idea of the survey is to give us an indication on what we are doing right and where it is that we need to improve. Since this same survey is done by thousands of other cities across the nation, it also allows us to see how we perform in comparison with other communities.
In this year’s survey we have 28 items that you ranked us higher than the comparison national benchmark and only one that ranked below. The balance of the items are within the national norms.
At our February 2021 Town Hall, we will go in-depth on the survey results. But I want to share with you just a few topics that the city was rated over the national norm and the highest rating that the City has ever received since beginning the surveys in 2005.
- The overall direction that O’Fallon is taking.
- Generally acting in the best interest of the community.
- Being honest.
- Treating all residents fairly.
- Overall economic health.
I am also very proud that you have given Overall Confidence in O’Fallon Government the highest rating that it has ever received. Another area ranking well above the National Norm was Crime Prevention with a score of 87%. This is a reflection on the overall efforts of every person involved in our City Government and the community.
We take these evaluations very seriously and will work to maintain your trust and to improve in areas that you have said that we need to work on.
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Due to the new restrictions from the State and growth of COVID-19 transmission, City Hall as of November 23rd will be closed to the public. We urge you to phone or e-mail us on any questions or concerns that you may have. Our staff will be in, so if you do need to see someone in person those meetings need to be done by appointment only. We are doing this to maintain the safety of our staff, so they remain healthy and able to serve you.
As you can tell we are taking COVID-19 seriously and we ask each individual and business to take all of the necessary precautions to keep both yourself and others safe.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open (virtually, at least)!