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Bourbon County, Kansas
December 2014 Citizen Telephone Survey
Final Report
January 6, 2015
Bourbon County, Kansas
December 2014 Citizen Telephone Survey
Final Report
January 6, 2015
In December 2014, a 10- to 12-minute telephone research study was conducted with 400
randomly selected, head-of-household, registered voter residents of Fort Scott and elsewhere in
Bourbon County, Kansas, to learn their views on a host of issues related to a potential ballot
issue for a new jail.
Calls were placed to landlines and cell phone numbers, and the completed calls were divided into
two groups – based on whether the participant lived within the city limits of Fort Scott, or
elsewhere in Bourbon County – in percentages that match recent census data. This means that the
results shown in this report that reflect the views of the entire survey group have a Margin of
Error of plus or minus 5%. (The Margin of Error within the demographic subgroups and based
on where a respondent lives is larger, because the number of participants in each of these
subgroups is smaller.)
Generally speaking, respondents found the financial aspects of a new jail and the safety benefits
most compelling, and they expressed an encouraging level of support for a sales tax to fund a
new jail, based on the facts about the current facility that had been presented to them as part of
this research. They also had much to say about life in Bourbon County, along with other topics.
Specifically:
Strengths and shortcomings of the region
In open-ended questions on these topics, survey participants were most positive about the
“Benefits/atmosphere of a small town,” the “Good schools/school districts” and the “Friendly
people.”
Their greatest concerns had to do with the “Need to bring in more employment/jobs/industry”
and, to a lesser extent, a “Need to improve the roads.”
Willingness to support additional financing for government entities and organizations
To test the general mood on the subject of taxes, respondents were asked to state their likelihood
of supporting additional funding for nine different entities – everything from the Fort Scott Fire
Department to the Bourbon County Jail to the Buck Run Community Center – if a need for such
additional funding could be demonstrated.
The mood was mostly positive, with those saying they would be either “Very likely” or
“Somewhat likely” to support such funding ranging from 81% for the Fort Scott Fire
Department, down to 56% for the Bourbon County Jail.
1
Awareness of the discussions regarding the future of the Bourbon County Jail
While 57% of the research participants said they had heard “nothing” about any discussions
related to the jail, the balance of the respondents seemed to have at least some level of insight.
The most frequent answers about what they had, in fact, heard were “There is a plan to build a
bigger jail” and “Jail is old and overcrowded.”
Impact of the facts about the current jail on respondents’ views
Respondents were presented with eight specific facts about the current jail or about the
possibilities associated with a new facility. After each was presented, they were asked how
important this particular fact would be, as they considered how they might vote on a proposal.
All the facts had at least 61% saying “Very important” or “Somewhat important.” At the top of
the list were three that were at 82% or higher (statements are paraphrased from the actual survey)
– “The current jail does not allow staff to see and monitor all prisoners at the same time,” “The
current jail does not allow adequate space to separate prisoners involved in the same crime,” and
“Since 2012, the county has paid between $88,000 and more than $176,000 per year to other
facilities to house Bourbon County prisoners, because of a space shortage at the current jail
here.”
When asked to state their top three facts (in order) from this same list, the fees paid to other
facilities to house Bourbon County prisoners, the lack of a consistent sight line to see all
prisoners at the same time at the current jail, and the opportunity to secure funds to house
prisoners from other jails, if a new jail was built in Bourbon County, were numbers one, two and
three (again, descriptions paraphrased).
Views on the idea of a new jail, after hearing the details about the current facility
A total of 64% of the respondents said they believed, after hearing the information about the
current jail, that building a new jail would be either an “Excellent idea” or a “Good idea.”
Willingness to support a sales tax increase to fund such a project
At the time this research was conducted, 60% of the respondents said that they would either
“Strongly favor” or “Favor” a sales tax increase of 3/4-cent to fund such a project, knowing that
the tax would end when the project was completed.
Those in opposition (or who were undecided) were then presented with a 5/8-cent option. Total
support – meaning those who supported the proposal at 3/4-cent combined with those who
became supportive at 5/8-cent – rose to 61%. When continuing opponents and those who were
still undecided were asked about a 1/2-cent increase instead, support grew to 63%.
2
It is important to remember that, taking the Margin of Error into account, these three levels of
support are statistically identical. It is also important to remember that support for a tax proposal
generally declines, once the proposal is finalized and the details are made public (particularly in
a slowly recovering economy and in a region whose residents say they would like to see more
businesses and jobs). As such, these numbers should be viewed as encouraging, but not
overwhelming, in terms of the level of support.
Interest in Fort Scott and Bourbon County news
Survey participants expressed an active interest in staying current with news from Fort Scott and
elsewhere in the county, with at least 71% saying they “frequently” consulted The Fort Scott
Tribune newspaper or website, “Area television stations,” and “Friends and neighbors” for
updates.
The full report that follows contains a series of findings, a discussion of each of those findings,
and all the questions, answers and cross-tabulations. A brief summary closes the report.
3
Bourbon County, Kansas
December 2014 Citizen Telephone Survey
Final Report
January 6, 2015
Finding 1: Residents of Fort Scott and throughout Bourbon County feel most
positively about the area’s small-town atmosphere, its schools, and the
friendly people. Their concerns are focused primarily on the lack of jobs and
industries and, to a lesser extent, the condition of the roads.
In late December 2014, a 10- to 12-minute telephone survey was conducted with 400 randomly
selected, head-of-household, registered voter citizens on landlines and cell phones in Bourbon
County, Kansas, to learn their views on a variety of aspects of a potential proposal to construct a
new jail in Fort Scott.
Completed interviews were divided into two groups – those living inside the city limits of Fort
Scott, and those living elsewhere in Bourbon County – based on census data about the
distribution of population in the county. This means that the results shown in this report that
reflect the views of the entire survey group have a Margin of Error of plus or minus 5%. (The
Margin of Error within the subgroups identified by where the person lives, or his or her
demographic qualities, such as age, length of time living in the county, etc. is higher, because the
number of participants in each group is smaller.)
After confirming their status as a registered voter, a head of household (either male or female)
and identifying the location of their residence, participants were presented with two open-ended
questions, asking them to share what they might tell a newcomer about the area’s strengths and
its shortcomings.
These questions provide a relatively easy start to the survey for respondents, offering them
confidence that they will be able to participate and be helpful to the process, without needing any
“inside information” or other details. All they need is an opinion.
But these questions also provide an early glimpse into the general mood of the community, a
factor that can have a meaningful impact on the support for a proposal – no matter how strong
that proposal may be.
The responses to these two questions were coded, meaning that the comments were analyzed to
look for common words, phrases and ideas. Doing so allows us to better understand the ideas that
rose to the top, as compared to the ones that were not as prominently held by residents.
4
In reviewing the coded responses, the picture that surfaces is one of a community and a county
whose residents appear to have a bit of a “love/hate” relationship with small-town life.
Specifically, the top answers on the question about “strengths” included “Benefits/atmosphere of
a small town” (104 mentions), “Good schools/school districts” (71 mentions) and “Friendly
people” (58 mentions).
In terms of shortcomings, 173 respondents said there was a “Need to bring in more
employment/jobs/industry,” followed by 69 participants who said, “Need to improve the roads”
and 52 individuals who said, “Lower taxes.”
Below the chart for each question are verbatim comments that contained ideas that were either
multiple thoughts from a single person, or that were suggestions that did not appear in enough
quantity to merit inclusion in the chart. It is important to remember that each is one comment, by
one person, rather than the view of a majority of the respondents. Even though there are a
handful of ideas that are expressed more than once on each question within these comments, it is
important to keep their quantity in perspective, as compared to the items shown in the charts.
Questions 1 and 2 in the survey confirmed that the respondent was either the male or female
head of household and a registered voter. Because a “yes” response was required, those
questions and answers are not displayed. All percentages may add to more or less than 100%,
due to rounding.
3. Is your primary residence located within the city limits of Fort Scott, or is it outside
the city limits, but still in Bourbon County? Number of respondents in each group was
specified in advance to match the general population pattern. Numbers, rather than
percentages, displayed below.
Response
Inside the city limits of Fort Scott
Outside the city limits, but still in
Bourbon County
Number
212
188
5
4. Let’s start by talking about the good things about where you live. If you were
talking to someone who had never been to Bourbon County or the city of Fort Scott,
what would you say are the area’s strengths? Responses were coded based on common
words, phrases and ideas. Numbers, rather than percentages, displayed below.
Response
Benefits/atmosphere of a small
town
Good schools/school districts
Other (see below)
Friendly people
Low crime rate
Don’t know
Has a community college
Strong family values
Number
104
71
65
58
36
30
21
15
Verbatim “other” comments
Do not have any knowledge of strengths.
History and schools.
There’s caring people – even the people in authority.
Culture – It’s very laidback. A bed-and-breakfast atmosphere.
Good, hardworking people. City Manager is tackling the issue of dilapidated houses.
Wide open spaces, no congestion or traffic; swimming pool and skate park for the kids.
Small town, low crime, good place to raise children, good schools, good law
enforcement.
To me, it’s just a comfortable place to live. The people are a strength.
History.
That’s a good question. Skate park and lots of fast food.
The community, recreation and great schools.
Friendly, small town, worth living there a long time.
6
A small town – we help each other, and we have good leaders.
Normal, average, rural community.
That depends on what they are here for. The cost of labor would be cheaper than in
metropolitan areas, fewer regulations, cooperation with county and government; it’s less
expensive to do business.
Small community with friendly people. Strong and church-oriented.
School system is strong, people are friendly, activities for adults and children.
County Commissioners and leadership. It’s simple to live here and grow up here, and
there are good schools here, too.
Access to Kansas City; rural, small-town atmosphere.
One of the oldest towns in Kansas. Old fort.
We have a fort here that draws people in. It’s a small town. We enjoy living in a small
town. It’s an older citizens’ town.
It’s not too bad.
Major main highways.
Community happiness, theaters, shows, attempt to keep businesses; people who want to
make the good old days come back again.
We have good schools and a very friendly town.
We don’t have zoning; that’s great. Our law enforcement is about as good as any other
county around here. Nice, friendly county to live in.
Tourism.
Schools and good health care.
Really good health care, hospitals, schools and doctors.
The old fort, medical facilities.
7
Not sure; community spirit, I guess.
College, overall history.
Nice people and the cost of living isn’t too bad.
Baseball field being built; $2 million investment in a new motel.
The diverse area and the geographic area.
It’s beautiful country.
Not congested; open spaces.
I like the Uniontown School District.
The historical background, the fort, pretty country.
It’s a good place to live. Not much work, but it’s alright.
We have very strong, young businessmen and businesswomen trying to grow the city.
I would say our history. We have a lot more than people would know or understand.
Christian morals, good schools.
Just a good rural area, strong, family-type community.
The fort and the national cemetery.
Good local produce farming, nice people and the attitude of the community.
They have good schools. It’s a nice, clean town and friendly.
Community commitment, potential for growth.
The people, the rural community.
The historic portion of it.
Very few.
It’s a quiet community.
8
The convenience of everything being close.
It’s got a lot of farmers, and it’s home to me.
Rural atmosphere.
Community college, lots of churches, lots of good people.
The old fort and the national cemetery.
I was born here, went to school here and returned here. As far as I’m concerned, not
much has changed. There are a few new houses since 1935.
Nice, peaceful place to live.
Hardly any traffic. We have four stoplights, total.
Nothing I can think of. Independent Amish community, totally into athletics, full support
for recreation and sports activities.
As far as I’m concerned, there isn’t any.
It’s clean.
I think it’s a good place to live.
We have very good neighbors.
Small-town community with a very active Chamber of Commerce.
9
5. What are its shortcomings? How could this area be improved? Responses were coded
based on common words, phrases and ideas. Numbers, rather than percentages,
displayed below.
Response
Need to bring in more
employment/jobs/industry
Need to improve the roads
Other (see below)
Lower taxes
Increasing tourism at the fort
Don’t know
Number
173
69
60
52
24
22
Verbatim “other” comments
Politicians; “good old boys” who won’t let businesses come into the area.
I can’t see anything that needs to be changed.
Streets, maintenance. The streets are in poor shape. High crime rate locally that visitors
don’t know about.
Roads are horrible, city and county. Sidewalks to downtown – many are old, burned or
falling down. Need more restaurants downtown. You can’t buy a paper in the middle of
town. No jobs, no new people in the county, no seamstress downtown. We need more
businesses downtown, besides those selling knickknacks.
Get rid of the druggies and the speeders.
Lack of forward thinking.
Not enough police patrol.
Quit trying to make “walking trails” along the river. They used to be called sidewalks.
Consider the mothers with strollers and elderly going for walks. Taxes being increased
“short term” many times, but they don’t disappear, and after a while they add up. Fifty
years, and I have never seen them go down.
Better employment opportunities, lower taxes.
Increase tax base, jobs.
10
Maybe revitalize downtown.
Not great on manufacturing.
We need more and better housing, more jobs, more businesses, and a better cable and
Internet system.
More industry, more jobs, a lot of infrastructure in the city, attracting steady businesses.
There could be better shopping. There is a lack of good grocery stores.
Taxes are way too high. We can’t get any industry to move into town. The employers we
have in town are having trouble hiring good, qualified people. So many people can’t even
read and write their own name. It makes it difficult for new industry.
Lack of work; taxes are too high; young don’t stay; and crime, like break-ins and
robberies. Chamber of Commerce hasn’t been doing enough for tourism.
We need more jobs for our people. Our taxes are higher than they should be.
Revitalize downtown.
Clearing out motels on Wall Street; drug users and homeless, drug stop-n-go. Clean up
the dope traffic.
We need more jobs. More or new business and lower property taxes.
I guess the county could mow the roads better in the summer.
Not a lot of good or decent paying jobs. If they let bigger corporations in the area, it
would go a long way toward improving the county.
More activities for the young people.
Meth dealers: Get them out.
Need a new jail. That’s the current topic everyone is talking about.
We don’t have many places to buy groceries or shop in Bourbon County. We need more
jobs.
Health care costs.
11
Many things are just not available in the area, because of a lack of businesses.
Needs a lot of help. No jobs, and the jobs we do have treat people awful. The pay is
awful. Nothing to keep young people in town. Once they graduate, they leave and don’t
come back. Pay is minimum wage, and most people can’t live on that.
More commerce and cleaning up the town a little bit.
More recreation for kids, like bowling and skating rinks.
We need to quit giving away so much money. When people are looking for welfare, they
come to us.
I guess we need more industry to get people work. Our taxes are too high.
More urban renewal grants for downtown.
County roads are awful.
Get fluoride out of the water, before it kills people.
Low-income housing; it’s dilapidated for the most part.
Lower taxes and better police coverage, especially outside the city limits.
Our roads need to be improved and somehow get more businesses in town.
There is not much to do here, such as activities. With the new ballpark coming in, maybe
things will pick up.
We don’t utilize the natural resources enough around the river. If we could develop a
walking or biking trail, then develop the downtown Fort Scott area. We tend to have the
highest gas prices. I don’t know why.
Lack of good jobs; crime rate is high.
More industries – the tourism doesn’t support the economy.
Low paying jobs, high taxes; 9% sales tax already.
Don’t turn down so many business permits.
12
Economy. The job prospects aren’t good. When I first moved here in 1997, there were
more jobs.
Roads, taxes, property taxes raised.
The meth problem has gotten out of control.
They should redo the stature of homes that are older, then the new homes. Need
appraisers to get actual top value; no comparison taxation.
Get rid of all the drugs.
A lot of jobs went overseas. We need more jobs and industry and better medical facilities.
All through town I think they could do something to stimulate business and restoration,
particularly downtown.
Higher paying jobs.
Not up for that debate.
Taxes are exquisitely high, no jobs, roads in need of repair, outside city limits not
allowed to vote. Taxed for things like the pool and Buck Run, without allowing our vote.
There is nothing here; no industry or building.
Not having commerce. People are backwards and clannish. That’s why I built my house
away from where everyone is. No recreation, fishing and hiking, tribally owned. The only
reason I am here is my son and granddaughter.
Lower the taxes. Not just property taxes, but city taxes. All together it’s about 13%.
More shopping centers; there is not enough of them.
Property taxes are too high. When I bought this little piece of land, only about 1 1/2
acres, the taxes were $20-$30 per year. Now they are over $500 per year. That’s been
about 25 years.
13
Finding 2: Generally speaking, research participants were fairly positively
inclined toward the idea of offering additional financial support to a variety of
different organizations and governmental entities. Those saying they would be
either “Very likely” or “Somewhat likely” to support additional funding for
these entities ranged from a high of 81% for the Fort Scott Fire Department,
to a low of 56% for the Bourbon County Jail.
The survey continued down a general path with a series of questions that asked for a response to
a hypothetical situation: How likely would you be to support funding for each of the following, if
a need could be demonstrated?
These questions determine the region’s general views on additional financial support via
taxation, as well as finding out which entities are more likely to find favor in such a
circumstance.
The good news is that, by and large, the research results suggest that each of these organizations
or entities presented to respondents would enjoy majority support for an additional funding
proposal, if an effective case for the funding could be made.
If there is any not-so-good news, it is that the Bourbon County Jail received the lowest support of
those on the list, with 56% saying they would be “Very likely” or “Somewhat likely” to support
additional funding for the jail.
While it would be ideal for the results to be stronger, it is not a big surprise that a jail (because of
its purpose and because of the general view about those who are housed there) gets lower support
than a fire department, recreational programs, a community center and the like. The fact that
more than half of the research participants were at least “Somewhat likely” to support additional
funding speaks to the awareness in the community about the shortcomings of the present facility.
In reviewing the cross-tabulation data, it is important to remember that the Margin of Error is
larger – particularly in the case of small groups, such as those who have lived in the county up to
five years, and those who rent (rather than own) their home. As such, it is better to look for
trends – such as one subgroup always having the highest or lowest scores on a series of topics, as
compared to the others in their category.
In doing so for this set of questions, only the “location of residence” had a notable trend.
Specifically, those who live in Fort Scott were always more inclined to offer support for these
entities and organizations than were those who lived elsewhere in the county. In some cases, the
difference in the scores was nominal, but in others – such as the 32% difference for the Fort
Scott Police Department – it was dramatic.
14
All of this data seems to suggest that the region is not, generally speaking, “anti-tax,” if a need
can be demonstrated and if the proposal seems sound.
As you know, citizens are often asked to support additional funding for construction or
renovation projects in their community, such as the recent bond issue for the school district
that passed in November. For the following list, how likely do you think most people in
Bourbon County would be to support additional funding for each one, if a need could be
demonstrated? Do you think people would be “very likely,” “somewhat likely,” “not very
likely,” or “not at all likely?” Questions 6 through 14 were rotated to eliminate “order bias.”
6. Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott
Response
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Not at all likely
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
27%
34%
20%
13%
6%
7. Fort Scott Community College
Response
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Not at all likely
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
31%
36%
18%
12%
4%
8. The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Response
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Not at all likely
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
28%
42%
14%
7%
9%
15
9. The Fort Scott Police Department
Response
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Not at all likely
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
23%
40%
19%
7%
12%
10. The Buck Run Community Center
Response
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Not at all likely
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
34%
36%
13%
8%
9%
11. The Bourbon County Jail
Response
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Not at all likely
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
25%
31%
18%
12%
14%
12. Recreational programs and facilities in the area
Response
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Not at all likely
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
36%
38%
14%
7%
5%
16
13. Public health programs and services in the area
Response
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Not at all likely
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
27%
40%
16%
9%
8%
14. The Fort Scott Fire Department
Response
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Not at all likely
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
33%
48%
12%
1%
6%
17
Cross-tabulation: Rank order of organizations/entities, based on combined “Very
likely/Somewhat likely” percentage regarding potential funding, with a separate column
for how much of that percentage was “Very likely.”
Organization/Entity
The Fort Scott Fire Department
Recreational programs and facilities in the area
The Buck Run Community Center
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Fort Scott Community College
Public health programs and services in the area
The Fort Scott Police Department
Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott
The Bourbon County Jail
Combined “Very
likely/Somewhat
likely”
percentage
81%
74%
70%
70%
67%
67%
63%
61%
56%
“Very likely”
percentage
33%
36%
34%
28%
31%
27%
23%
27%
25%
18
59%
34%
70%
24%
76%
18%
63%
25%
62%
25%
45%
37%
64%
26%
72%
20%
84%
7%
61%
33%
67%
30%
70%
21%
63%
26%
70%
21%
56%
30%
74%
21%
67%
25%
81%
13%
Mercy Hospital – Very/Somewhat likely
Fort Scott CC – Very/Somewhat likely
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office –
Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Fort Scott PD – Very/Somewhat likely
Buck Run Comm. Ctr. – Very/Somewhat likely
Bourbon County Jail – Very/Somewhat likely
Rec. programs/facilities – Very/Somewhat likely
Public health – Very/Somewhat likely
Fort Scott FD – Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Not very/Not at all likely
18-34
(n=76)
Overall
score
Response
83%
12%
64%
29%
74%
23%
61%
28%
72%
22%
65%
21%
18%
73%
69%
27%
61%
33%
35-54
(n=171)
77%
17%
67%
25%
77%
18%
56%
28%
72%
18%
60%
29%
27%
64%
62%
36%
61%
32%
55 or
older
(n=151)
86%
5%
76%
16%
76%
16%
57%
30%
57%
30%
62%
16%
8%
76%
65%
27%
49%
38%
Up to 5
years
(n=37)
80%
13%
63%
29%
76%
21%
57%
25%
65%
23%
59%
27%
25%
66%
65%
31%
56%
40%
5-15
years
(n=126)
81%
14%
67%
24%
72%
22%
55%
33%
75%
19%
65%
25%
22%
71%
67%
30%
65%
30%
More
than 15
years
(n=237)
87%
9%
76%
20%
80%
17%
66%
22%
83%
16%
78%
16%
16%
74%
70%
27%
68%
26%
Live in
Fort
Scott
(n=212)
74%
17%
56%
31%
66%
27%
44%
39%
56%
27%
46%
36%
28%
66%
62%
33%
52%
41%
19
Live elsewhere
in Bourbon
County
(n=188)
Cross-tabulation: Combined “Very likely/Somewhat likely” and “Not very likely/Not at all likely” percentages for financial support for various organizations
and offices by age, length of time living in the county and location of residence. Note: “n” equals the number of respondents in each group. “Age” will not
square with “overall” score, because two respondents refused to answer this question.
Children at
home
(n=124)
61%
34%
74%
22%
73%
19%
64%
23%
67%
24%
56%
28%
73%
23%
63%
28%
85%
9%
Overall
score
61%
33%
67%
30%
70%
21%
63%
26%
70%
21%
56%
30%
74%
21%
67%
25%
81%
13%
Response
Mercy Hospital – Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Fort Scott CC – Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office –
Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Fort Scott PD – Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Buck Run Comm. Ctr. – Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Bourbon County Jail – Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Rec. programs/facilities – Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Public health – Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
Fort Scott FD – Very/Somewhat likely
Not very/Not at all likely
79%
14%
68%
24%
74%
21%
55%
31%
71%
20%
62%
27%
23%
68%
63%
34%
60%
33%
No children
at home
(n=276)
81%
13%
66%
25%
74%
22%
55%
30%
70%
20%
63%
25%
22%
70%
67%
30%
60%
33%
Own home
(n=338)
81%
12%
67%
27%
69%
21%
58%
31%
71%
25%
58%
27%
19%
67%
62%
35%
62%
33%
Rent home
(n=52)
80%
13%
67%
24%
72%
21%
55%
32%
71%
20%
62%
25%
25%
68%
63%
32%
58%
36%
Female
(n=211)
83%
13%
66%
26%
76%
22%
57%
28%
69%
22%
63%
25%
18%
72%
70%
28%
63%
31%
Male
(n=189)
20
Cross-tabulation: Combined “Very likely/Somewhat likely” and “Not very likely/Not at all likely” percentages for financial support for each of the
various organizations and offices by presence or lack of children under 18 in the home, own/rent the home, and gender. Note: “n” equals the number
of respondents in each group, and “Own/Rent” will not square with the “overall” score, because 10 respondents refused to answer this question.
Finding 3: While 57% of the research participants said they had
heard nothing about a potential proposal to build a new jail, the
balance of the respondents had at least modest knowledge of either
the plans, the shortcomings of the current facility, or both.
Before asking specific questions about the jail situation, the survey inquired of participants, via
an open-ended question, what – if anything – they already knew about the potential ballot issue
for a new facility.
As with the previous open-ended questions, the responses of those who indicated that they had
heard about the issue were coded to gather together commons words, phrases and ideas. While
228 individuals did say they had heard nothing about this situation, 73 respondents said that they
had heard “There is a plan to build a bigger jail” and an additional 61 participants said that the
“Jail is old and overcrowded.”
While this number of respondents with some knowledge might not seem very large, the fact that
close to half of the participants were able to conjure up even a basic level of detail suggests that
the jail situation is generating some conversation in the community. This provides a good
foundation for more specific discussion of a potential proposal.
15. As you may know, Bourbon County is considering placing an issue on the ballot in
the future to fund the construction of a new jail. What have you already heard
about what is being considered? A total of 228 respondents said, “Nothing.” The
remaining 172 open-ended responses were coded based on common words, phrases and
ideas, and are displayed below. Numbers, rather than percentages, displayed.
Response
There is a plan to build a bigger
jail
Jail is old and overcrowded
Other (see below)
Number
73
61
38
Verbatim “other” comments
I know I saw pictures on TV, and I think we need a new one.
I’ve seen where it is costing us money to have other facilities house our prisoners.
Just plans to put it on the ballot, but nothing definite.
21
Old jail, not adequate, having to send inmates abroad.
They need it bad. A lot of people in that little jail.
Build a bigger one to charge other counties.
I read about it in the newspaper.
Just read in the paper that the building needed improvements.
On the news one time, there was a mention of a new jail.
Read about it in the paper, nothing else.
That a sales tax increase is being considered to fund it.
They have to; it’s not in good shape.
They’re trying to get a bond issue for that.
I’ve heard a lot. A lot of residents are against it. We’re having a problem with high taxes.
We already had a tax increase with the schools. They’re talking about sales tax, which is
more feasible than a property tax, but they should come back a year or two later to raise
taxes. We already have over an 8% sales tax. Excuse my language, but they’re just going
to piss people off.
They didn’t take care of it in the past, so no one will support it.
They want a much bigger one than the one we have.
I’ve just heard people talking about it.
Good idea.
Just what I read in the paper and at the Commission meetings.
Just what I read in the paper: How badly we need a new jail.
Talked to some inmates; they say we need it.
Whatever was in the newspaper, need to build and update.
Costs more to redo the one they have than to build a new one.
22
I just know that they’re putting it out there.
I saw people debating it on the Internet.
Not much. I’ve seen it on the news; the exposé with the Sheriff.
Nothing specific.
That funds were needed for a new jail.
The talk’s pretty strong; nothing specific.
They are attempting to get supporters for a new jail.
We’ve had the Sheriff come and talk about it and they brought pictures. I don’t know
how much money they’re proposing. I think they have some issues to work out, before
people go for it.
Costs a lot of money. There is an awfully high percentage of people in jail here, so we
need a new one.
I haven’t heard a lot. The property tax is a fairly unfair way to fund anything.
That it’s going to be a sales tax issue.
Very little. I know it is so badly out of shape.
What’s in the newspaper, The Tribune, radio shows; they’ve been talking about it a lot,
whatever was in there.
I heard they were going to build one, and I’m not for it. If prisoners want a five-star
motel, don’t go to jail.
Conditions are not big enough to operate the way they should.
23
Finding 4: The eight facts presented to survey participants about the current
jail and the possible benefits of a new facility proved to be compelling. At least
61% (and as high as 84%) of the respondents said that each of these facts
would be either “Very important” or “Somewhat important,” as they
considered how they might vote on a jail proposal in the future.
To learn what residents believe are the most compelling reasons to consider a jail proposal, the
survey then presented participants with a list of eight facts – either information about the current
jail, or the potential benefits of a new facility. After each was read, respondents were asked to
identify whether this fact would be “Very important,” “Somewhat important,” “Not very
important” or “Not at all important” to them, as they considered how they might vote on a jail
ballot issue.
This set of questions serves two distinct purposes, in addition to the data that is gathered.
First, it introduces respondents – more than half of whom said they had heard “nothing” about
the need for a new jail – to information about the need, asking them for a quick impression about
how important each fact is to them. While it is typical that an exercise like this produces mostly
positive responses, seeing the differences in intensity provides preliminary insight into what is
most compelling to typical residents.
Second, this introduction provides the opportunity to ask respondents to identify the most
important items from this list – something that takes place in the next section – knowing that
they have had at least a brief moment to process the information, before being asked to provide a
rank order.
Three of the facts seemed to stand out in this exercise, with at least 82% saying that each of these
three facts would be “Very important” or “Somewhat important” in their voting decision.
Specifically (descriptions shortened):



The current jail design does not allow staff to monitor all prisoners at the same time –
84%
The current jail does not allow adequate space to separate prisoners involved in the same
crime – 83%
Since 2012, the county has paid between $88,000 and more than $176,000 per year to
other facilities to house Bourbon County prisoners, because of a space shortage at the
current jail here – 82%
Four other facts had a score of at least 73% each. The lowest one – the jail not having sufficient
space for prisoners to meet with their attorneys – even generated a score of 61%.
24
The cross-tabulations showed that these feelings were rather consistently held among
participants with a variety of demographic characteristics. For example, while male respondents
had higher scores than females in all but one case, the differences between the scores were
nominal. The same was true based on where the respondent lived. Those living in Fort Scott had
higher scores than those living elsewhere (in all but one case, where the scores were tied), but the
differences were much smaller than for the “Would you support funding?” questions earlier in
the survey.
I’m now going to read you some facts about the current jail and what might occur if a
new jail was built. After I read each one, please tell me if that fact will be “very
important,” “somewhat important,” “not very important,” or “not at all important” to
you, as you consider how you might vote on a proposal for a new jail in the future.
Questions 16 through 23 were rotated, but 16, 17, and 18 were kept in that order, because
they all related to the cost issue and built upon each other.
16. Since 2012, Bourbon County has spent between 88 thousand dollars and more than
176 thousand dollars per year with other jails who have housed Bourbon County
prisoners, because of the limited space at the Bourbon County Jail. Through
October 2014, more than 49 thousand dollars has been spent.
Response
Very important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
51%
31%
8%
6%
4%
17. There are also costs and liability associated with transporting prisoners from jails
outside of the county back to Bourbon County for court appearances and other
official business.
Response
Very important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
34%
42%
12%
7%
5%
25
18. The current jail facilities were built in 1977 and were designed to hold 27 inmates –
with as many as 4 of them being female – with other space being used for
educational classes. Today, as a jail only, that educational space is now used for
housing inmates, when necessary, until the jail goes over capacity and prisoners
must be sent elsewhere, with fees paid by Bourbon County to the other jail, as
mentioned in the previous question.
Response
Very important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
40%
37%
11%
6%
6%
19. The current size and design of the jail means that it is typically impossible to
separate individuals involved in the same crime, which is a practice that is
considered standard in jails across the United States.
Response
Very important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
44%
39%
5%
9%
3%
20. The current jail does not meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
Act, or national prison guidelines regarding jail conditions.
Response
Very important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
38%
35%
14%
7%
6%
26
21. The current jail offers very limited private meeting space for attorney/client
consultations.
Response
Very important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
24%
37%
21%
13%
4%
22. The current jail design does not allow the Sheriff’s Department staff members who
are on duty the ability to see and monitor ALL the prisoners at the same time.
Response
Very important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
65%
19%
4%
9%
3%
23. A new jail facility would give Bourbon County the opportunity to be paid by jails in
other locations to house their prisoners, when space shortages occur at those other
jails.
Response
Very important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
41%
32%
16%
5%
7%
27
82%
13%
75%
20%
71%
20%
82%
12%
76%
17%
63%
34%
89%
8%
76%
18%
82%
14%
76%
19%
77%
17%
83%
14%
73%
21%
61%
34%
84%
13%
73%
21%
Money being spent elsewhere – Very/Somewhat
important
Not very/Not at all important
Transporting prisoners – Very/Somewhat important
Jail size and design – Very/Somewhat important
Prisoner separation – Very/Somewhat important
Not ADA compliant – Very/Somewhat important
Attorney meeting space – Very/Somewhat important
Limited sight lines – Very/Somewhat important
Opportunity to be paid by other jails –
Very/Somewhat important
Not very/Not at all important
Not very/Not at all important
Not very/Not at all important
Not very/Not at all important
Not very/Not at all important
Not very/Not at all important
Not very/Not at all important
18-34
(n=76)
Overall
score
Response
19%
74%
80%
17%
63%
33%
70%
25%
87%
12%
80%
16%
75%
22%
15%
84%
35-54
(n=171)
23%
70%
85%
11%
60%
36%
75%
20%
78%
18%
77%
17%
78%
15%
14%
80%
55 or
older
(n=151)
22%
73%
81%
14%
73%
22%
78%
19%
81%
14%
76%
14%
78%
16%
14%
78%
Up to 5
years
(n=37)
21%
68%
83%
14%
57%
38%
69%
22%
77%
17%
75%
17%
73%
21%
15%
83%
5-15
years
(n=126)
20%
75%
85%
12%
62%
35%
75%
21%
86%
13%
78%
17%
78%
18%
14%
82%
More
than 15
years
(n=237)
20%
75%
84%
14%
65%
32%
75%
20%
85%
11%
80%
14%
80%
14%
11%
85%
Live in
Fort
Scott
(n=212)
21%
70%
84%
11%
57%
38%
71%
22%
79%
18%
74%
20%
72%
23%
17%
79%
28
Live
elsewhere in
Bourbon
County
(n=188)
Cross-tabulation: Combined “Very important/Somewhat important” and “Not very important/Not at all important” percentages for each jail fact by
age, length of time living in the county and location of residence. Note: “n” equals the number of respondents in each group. “Age” will not square
with “overall” score, because two respondents refused to answer this question.
Children at
home
(n=124)
85%
13%
77%
19%
82%
14%
87%
10%
73%
21%
62%
34%
85%
14%
77%
17%
Overall
score
82%
14%
76%
19%
77%
17%
83%
14%
73%
21%
61%
34%
84%
13%
73%
21%
Response
Money being spent elsewhere – Very/Somewhat
important
Not very/Not at all important
Transporting prisoners – Very/Somewhat important
Not very/Not at all important
Jail size and design – Very/Somewhat important
Not very/Not at all important
Prisoner separation – Very/Somewhat important
Not very/Not at all important
Not ADA compliant – Very/Somewhat important
Not very/Not at all important
Attorney meeting space – Very/Somewhat important
Not very/Not at all important
Limited sight lines – Very/Somewhat important
Not very/Not at all important
Opportunity to be paid by other jails –
Very/Somewhat important
Not very/Not at all important
22%
71%
84%
13%
61%
35%
73%
21%
80%
16%
75%
18%
76%
18%
14%
81%
No children
at home
(n=276)
20%
73%
85%
12%
62%
34%
73%
21%
82%
14%
78%
16%
77%
17%
14%
82%
Own home
(n=338)
25%
69%
79%
17%
56%
40%
69%
27%
83%
13%
69%
23%
69%
29%
19%
77%
Rent home
(n=52)
20%
73%
83%
13%
60%
34%
73%
20%
82%
14%
73%
18%
71%
22%
15%
79%
Female
(n=211)
21%
72%
85%
13%
62%
35%
74%
23%
83%
15%
81%
16%
82%
14%
12%
86%
Male
(n=189)
29
Cross-tabulation: Combined “Very important/Somewhat important” and “Not very important/Not at all important” percentages for each jail fact by
presence or lack of children under 18 in the home, own/rent the home, and gender. Note: “n” equals the number of respondents in each group, and
“Own/Rent” will not square with the “overall” score, because 10 respondents refused to answer this question.
Finding 5: When asked to identify the three most important facts from this list
– in rank order – the fees paid to other facilities, the inability to monitor all
prisoners at the same time in the current jail, and the opportunity to house
(and be paid for) prisoners from elsewhere were most compelling.
Having now heard this series of eight facts, respondents were asked to identify the most
important, second-most important, and third-most important fact to them, as they consider how
they might vote on a future ballot issue for a new jail.
The responses were coded, using a 3-point weighted scale, with 3 points given to each “most
important” selection, down to 1 point for each “third-most important” selection, to provide a
clearer picture of the total opinion of those who participated in this research. This process helps
to show which factors truly rise to the top, and which are less important.
In doing so, “The fees paid to other counties to house Bourbon County prisoners” (with 432
points) had a modest edge over “The current jail design does not allow the Sheriff’s staff the
ability to see and monitor all the prisoners at the same time” (with 402 points). In third place was
“A new jail facility would allow Bourbon County to be paid to house prisoners from other jails,
when those other jails become overcrowded” (337 points), followed by “The space challenges in
the current jail” (260 points).
This means that the most compelling facts to survey participants were financial (both funds
going out of the county and the possibility of funds coming in) and safety (the lack of a direct
line of sight to all prisoners). These should be the foundational elements of any communications
program about the need for a new facility.
The cross-tabulations detail the rank order of the facts among the subgroups. (The point values
are not shown, because the varying number of available points could cause confusion about the
intensity of opinions.)
In looking at this data, the top three – with the exception of the very small group of new residents
– are always the top three, although the order does change in some cases. But it is consistent that
these are the most important facts, which, again, should drive how the county focuses its efforts
to get the word out about its final plans.
30
58
89
24
43
48
34
31
6
97
61
77
48
29
20
4
3
The fees paid to other counties to house Bourbon County
prisoners
The current jail design does not allow the Sheriff’s staff the ability
to see and monitor all the prisoners at the same time
A new jail facility would allow Bourbon County to be paid to
house prisoners from other jails, when those other jails become
overcrowded
The space challenges in the current jail
The current jail does not meet ADA guidelines, or national prison
guidelines regarding jail conditions
The costs and liability of transporting prisoners back and forth
from other jails for court appearances
The current jail generally does not have suitable space to separate
prisoners involved in the same crime
The current jail offers very limited meeting space for
attorney/client consultations
Second-most
important
fact
Most
important
fact
Fact
28
17
39
30
45
58
41
25
Third-most
important
fact
49
91
167
260
228
337
402
3-point
weighted
scale
points
432
31
24-26. I’m now going to read this list of facts again. No matter how you think you might vote on a potential proposal for a new jail,
which of these facts would be most important to you, as you consider how you MIGHT vote? What would be the secondmost important fact to you? And, finally, what would be the third-most important fact? List was read to respondents in the
same order as on the previous set of questions. Remaining list was re-read on questions 25 and 26, only if requested. Numbers,
rather than percentages, shown. Far right column shows the results, using a 3-point weighted scale, in which 3 points are assigned
to each “most important” fact, 2 points for each “second-most important fact” and 1 point for each “third-most important fact.”
The analysis provides the true order of importance, by taking into account an appropriate weighting of the three responses.
2
1
3
5
4
6
7
8
432
402
337
260
228
167
91
49
Fees paid to house Bourbon County prisoners
8
7
6
4
5
1
3
2
35-54
(n=171)
8
7
6
4
5
2
1
3
55 or
older
(n=151)
8
7
5
6
3
2
1
4
Up to 5
years
(n=37)
8
7
6
4
5
1
2
3
5-15
years
(n=126)
8
7
6
4
5
1
2
3
More
than 15
years
(n=237)
8
7
6
4
5
1
2
3
Live in
Fort
Scott
(n=212)
8
7
6
5
4
1
2
3
Fees paid to house Bourbon County prisoners
Limited line of sight in current jail
New jail would allow Bourbon County to be paid to house prisoners
from elsewhere
Space challenges in the current jail
Current jail neither ADA, nor national prison guideline compliant
Costs and liability of transporting prisoners from other jails
Lack of space in the current jail to separate prisoners involved in the
same crime
Limited attorney/client meeting space
*Point values were tied
Fact
4
5
6
7
8
49
1
2
3
260
228
167
91
432
402
337
Children at
home
(n=124)
Overall 3point scale
points
8
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
No children
at home
(n=276)
8
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
Own home
(n=338)
8
4
5
6
7
3
1
2
Rent home
(n=52)
8
4
5
6
7
2
1
3
Female
(n=211)
32
8
5
4
6
7
1
2*
2*
Male
(n=189)
Live
elsewhere in
Bourbon
County
(n=188)
Cross-tabulation: Rank order of the weighted 3-point scale ratings for the importance of each fact by presence or lack of children under 18 in the home,
own/rent the home, and gender. Note: “n” equals the number of respondents in each group, and “Own/Rent” will not square with the “overall” score,
because 10 respondents refused to answer this question.
Current jail neither ADA, nor national prison
guideline compliant
Costs and liability of transporting prisoners from
other jails
Lack of space in the current jail to separate prisoners
involved in the same crime
Limited attorney/client meeting space
New jail would allow Bourbon County to be paid to
house prisoners from elsewhere
Space challenges in the current jail
Limited line of sight in current jail
18-34
(n=76)
Overall
3-point
scale
points
Fact
Cross-tabulation: Rank order of the weighted 3-point scale ratings for the importance of each fact by age, length of time living in the county and location of
residence. Note: “n” equals the number of respondents in each group. “Age” will not square with the “overall” score, because two respondents refused to
answer this question.
Finding 6: After hearing the details and sharing their thoughts on the most
important facts, 64% of research participants said they thought that the idea
to build a new jail in Bourbon County was either “An excellent idea” or “A
good idea.” Those saying they would “Strongly favor” or “Favor” a sales tax
increase for such a proposal ranged from 60% (for a 3/4-cent increase) to
63% (for a 1/2-cent increase). Taking into account the 5% Margin of Error,
this means that the support for a sales tax increase at 3/4-cent, 5/8-cent and
1/2-cent was statistically identical.
The survey then transitioned to the financial aspects of the measure, beginning with a question
that asked for a general impression of the idea to build a new jail in Bourbon County, “based on
everything we’ve talked about so far.”
A total of 64% of the respondents called it either an “Excellent idea” or a “Good idea,” with 33%
saying it was either “A fair idea, but not a good one” or “A poor idea.” The range of those in the
“Excellent/Good” category ran from a low of 56% (respondents who rent their home) to a high
of 68% (those who had lived in the county at up to five years and those with children under 18 at
home). In fact, the only subgroup below 61% was the renters.
The focus then shifted to the tax implications, using a series of up to three questions to determine
the level of tolerance for a sales tax increase, at the time this survey was conducted.
All respondents were asked how they thought they might vote, if the proposal was for a 3/4-cent
sales tax that would sunset “once the project had been paid for.” A total of 60% said they would
either “Strongly favor” or “Favor” such a proposal.
Those who were in opposition at that level (or who were undecided) were then asked about a
possible 5/8-cent tax increase instead. The combined level of support (that is, those who were
supportive at 3/4-cent combined with those who became supportive at 5/8-cent) was 61%.
Continuing opponents and undecided respondents were then asked about a possible 1/2-cent
sales tax increase instead, and total support grew to 63%.
The Margin of Error is important on these results for two reasons.
First, considering that the difference in support from the highest tax level to the lowest is just
3%, this means that – statistically speaking – the support level is identical. In other words, it
appears that respondents are either supportive or not supportive, and that there is no specific
sales tax number that sways a large number of opponents into the support column.
33
Second, the Margin of Error means that, as of right now, the support for a 3/4-cent sales tax
increase ranges from 55% to 65%, which a similar swing of plus and minus 5% for the other tax
levels.
This is encouraging news. However, it is important to note that it is extremely rare for a tax
measure – particularly a sales tax measure – to finish on the positive side of the Margin of Error.
Especially over the last several years, as the economy has been slow to rebound, lower scores on
Election Day are typical. Add in the fact that taxes, the lack of jobs and industries, and the fact
that many jobs in the area were low-paying were hot topics on the question about
“shortcomings” and it seems even more likely for the support level to decline somewhat as the
proposal is finalized and promoted.
In other words, the results are encouraging, but it is likely that the cushion is not sufficient to call
it more than that. It will be essential for the county to present clear, simple, repetitive messages,
focusing on what is most important to those in the region on this topic, to sustain this support.
27. Generally speaking, based on everything we’ve talked about so far, do you think the
idea to build a new jail in Bourbon County is…Choices (except where indicated) were
read to respondents.
Response
An excellent idea
A good idea
A fair idea, but not a good one
A poor idea
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
23%
41%
26%
7%
2%
34
28. If an election to fund the construction of a new jail were held today, how do you
think you would vote on a proposal for a 3/4-cent sales tax increase for this project,
knowing that this sales tax would sunset – meaning it would stop being collected –
once the project has been paid for? As a reminder, a 3/4-cent sales tax would be 75
cents on every 100 dollars of purchases. Would you strongly favor it, favor it,
oppose it, or strongly oppose it?
Response
Strongly favor
Favor
Lean favor (not read)
Lean oppose (not read)
Oppose
Strongly oppose
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
18%
42%
1%
0%
22%
13%
4%
29. What if, instead, the proposal was for a 5/8-cent sales tax that would sunset –
meaning it would not be collected any longer – once the project was paid for? As a
reminder, a 5/8-cent sales tax would be about 63 cents on every 100 dollars of
purchases. Would you strongly favor it, favor it, oppose it, or strongly oppose it?
Asked only of the 157 respondents who did not answer question 28 either “Strongly
favor,” “Favor” or “Lean favor.” Percentages on the three “favor” categories represent
the combined percentages for questions 28 and 29, under the assumption that an
individual who supports a higher tax level would support a lower one as well.
Response
Strongly favor
Favor
Lean favor (not read)
Lean oppose (not read)
Oppose
Strongly oppose
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
18%
43%
1%
1%
20%
13%
4%
35
30. What if, instead, the proposal was for a 1/2-cent sales tax that would sunset –
meaning it would not be collected any longer – once the project was paid for? As a
reminder, a 1/2-cent sales tax would be 50 cents on every 100 dollars of purchases.
Would you strongly favor it, favor it, oppose it, or strongly oppose it? Asked only of
the 152 respondents who did not answer question 29 either “Strongly favor,” “Favor” or
“Lean favor.” Percentages on the three “favor” categories represent the combined
percentages for questions 28, 29 and 30, under the assumption that an individual who
supports a higher tax level would support a lower one as well.
Response
Strongly favor
Favor
Lean favor (not read)
Lean oppose (not read)
Oppose
Strongly oppose
Don’t know (not read)
Percentage
18%
45%
2%
1%
19%
13%
2%
36
63%
35%
55%
59%
62%
64%
33%
60%
61%
63%
New jail is an “Excellent/Good idea”
“Strongly favor/Favor” 3/4-cent sales tax increase
60%
60%
61%
64%
34%
35-54
(n=171)
62%
63%
65%
64%
33%
55 or
older
(n=151)
57%
59%
65%
68%
30%
Up to 5
years
(n=37)
56%
56%
57%
61%
35%
5-15
years
(n=126)
62%
63%
65%
65%
30%
More
than 15
years
(n=237)
59%
59%
62%
64%
33%
Live in
Fort
Scott
(n=212)
62%
64%
64%
65%
34%
Live
elsewhere in
Bourbon
County
(n=188)
61%
63%
65%
64%
33%
60%
61%
63%
New jail is an “Excellent/Good idea”
New jail is a “Fair/Poor idea”
“Strongly favor/Favor” 3/4-cent sales tax increase
“Strongly favor/Favor” 5/8-cent sales tax increase
“Strongly favor/Favor” 1/2-cent sales tax increase
68%
30%
Children at
home (n=124)
Overall
score
Response
60%
61%
62%
62%
35%
No children at
home (n=276)
63%
64%
65%
66%
32%
Own home
(n=338)
44%
49%
53%
56%
44%
Rent home
(n=52)
60%
62%
64%
61%
34%
Female
(n=211)
60%
61%
61%
67%
33%
Male
(n=189)
37
Cross-tabulation: Combined “Excellent/Good idea” and “Fair/Poor idea” percentages for the idea to build a new jail, and combined “Strongly
favor/Favor” percentage for each potential sales tax increase by presence or lack of children under 18 in the home, own/rent the home, and gender.
Note: “n” equals the number of respondents in each group, and “Own/Rent” will not square with the “overall” score, because 10 respondents refused
to answer this question.
“Strongly favor/Favor” 1/2-cent sales tax increase
“Strongly favor/Favor” 5/8-cent sales tax increase
New jail is a “Fair/Poor idea”
18-34
(n=76)
Overall
score
Response
Cross-tabulation: Combined “Excellent/Good idea” and “Fair/Poor idea” percentages for the idea to build a new jail, and combined “Strongly
favor/Favor” percentage for each potential sales tax increase by age, length of time living in the county and location of residence. Note: “n” equals the
number of respondents in each group. “Age” will not square with the “overall” score, because two respondents refused to answer this question.
Finding 7: Bourbon County residents appear to be active news “consumers,”
as three potential sources of news about Bourbon County and Fort Scott are
consulted frequently by more than 70% of the survey participants.
The final substantive portion of the survey presented respondents with a list of 12 potential
sources of news about Fort Scott and the rest of Bourbon County. Participants were asked to
identify those that they consulted “frequently” for such information.
This information is helpful for two reasons.
First, it informs decision-makers about how interested typical residents are in keeping up to date
on news of this type. The results suggest a fairly high level of interest, with three sources topping
a score of 70% of respondents saying that they consult these sources frequently, and three others
scoring between 31% and 42%.
Second, it helps with planning for communications about a ballot issue, by pinpointing the most
frequently consulted sources. In this case, the local news media, the Bourbon County
Commissioners themselves, and general conversation with friends and neighbors all scored high
on this exercise. It will be particularly important to engage with the newspaper and area
television stations on this matter, as the proposal is finalized (and leading up to Election Day), as
these seem to be the primary sources of choice.
31. Finally, I’m curious to know where you turn for news and information about what
is happening in Bourbon County and in Fort Scott. I’m now going to read a short
list of places you could turn to for such information. As I do, please say, “yes,” if you
consult this source frequently and “no” if you consult this source either every so
often, or not at all. List was read and rotated, but “The Larry Gazaway radio show”
was always read before “Information on other radio stations.”
Response
The Fort Scott Tribune newspaper or website
Area television stations
Friends and neighbors
The Bourbon County Commissioners, either in
person, or when a Commissioner is quoted in the
news media
Information on other radio stations
The Larry Gazaway radio show
Local civic groups
The Bourbon County website
The conversation at McDonald’s
The Chamber of Commerce
The fortscottbiz.com website
The Topix website
Percentage
76%
74%
71%
42%
38%
31%
20%
19%
14%
12%
7%
3%
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Finding 8: Demographics
The demographic questions that close the survey are not guided by a quota, but are simply
collected so that additional data can be gleaned from the findings, based on key factors, such as
age, and the presence (or lack) of children under 18 in the home, etc.
The results of these questions reveal a survey participant group that:





Tilted toward long-term residents, with 60% having lived in Bourbon County more than
15 years
Had a good mix of ages, with 60% being between age 25 and 54
Had 31% who said they had children under 18 living with them
Consisted of mostly homeowners (85%)
Was 53% female and 47% male
My last few questions will help to divide our responses into groups.
32. How long have you, yourself, lived in Bourbon County? Is it...Choices were read to
respondents.
Response
Less than 2 years
2 years to 5 years
More than 5 years to 10 years
More than 10 years to 15 years
More than 15 years
I’ve lived here all my life
Percentage
2%
8%
14%
18%
36%
24%
33. In what age group are you? Is it...Choices (except where indicated) were read to
respondents.
Response
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 or older
Refused (not read)
Percentage
3%
17%
21%
22%
20%
18%
1%
40
34. Do you have any children under 18 who live with you at your residence right now?
Response
Yes
No
Percentage
31%
69%
35. Do you own or rent your home? Choices (except where indicated) were read to
respondents.
Response
Own
Rent
Refused (not read)
Percentage
85%
13%
3%
36. RECORD GENDER
Response
Female
Male
Percentage
53%
47%
41
Summary
The December 2014 survey of 400 randomly selected, head-of-household, registered voter
citizens in Fort Scott and the rest of Bourbon County suggests the presence of a population that
has some clear “likes” and “dislikes” – both of which are factors that will play a role in how it
eventually votes on a proposal for a new jail.
Based on this research, their “likes” are as follows:



A small-town, easygoing lifestyle, surrounded by friendly people.
Information – and lots of it – considering how much they consult the local and regional
news media for updates.
A feeling of safety both in their homes, and in the community at large.
Their “dislikes” include the following:




The lack of businesses and employment that make it hard to live and work in the area,
and make it particularly difficult to attract newcomers.
A feeling that crime has increased – either from statistics, from their own perception or
from conversations with others.
A level of taxation that, they believe, places an unfair burden on residents – a burden
which could be eased if more businesses came to town.
Paying other jails to house prisoners – taking much needed funds out of the county
coffers.
Those dislikes rise to the surface when the subject of money being paid out, a lost opportunity to
gain revenue, and the design situation with the current jail that sounds unsafe are discussed.
Residents value safety and their financial resources, and they appear ready to support a plan that
would address both of these topics.
It is vitally important to stress that the arrival of a specific proposal will likely generate
opposition – individuals and, perhaps, groups that will point to what is already perceived to be a
high level of taxation. As such, making the most frugal decision possible on such a proposal is
not only good for a community that is weary – and wary – of taxes, but it also gives the proposal
an additional message to share: “Our proposal was cut back, because we want it to be as
inexpensive as possible.”
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It will also be important that whatever the final proposal consists of, that the messages be clear,
simple and consistent. A new jail is about enhanced safety, and benefiting the county’s resources
by keeping more of its funds here, and attracting funds from elsewhere. Once the project is
complete, the sales tax will cease, but the financial and safety benefits will continue for decades.
43