Barron County Comprehensive Plan Public

Opinion Survey, 2008

David Trechter
James Janke
Shelly Hadley

Survey Research Center Report 2008/22

October 2008
Staff and students working for the Survey Research Center at UW-River Falls were instrumental
in the completion of this study. We would like to thank Denise Parks, Jim Janke, Ramona
Gunter, Jolanda Stammler, Mandy Speerstra, Bethany Barnett, Megan Glenn, Megan Keune,
Hannah Stuttgen, Grady Stehr, Aaron Peterson, Ted Cannady, Michelle Landherr, and Ashley
Julka. We gratefully acknowledge their hard work and dedication. In addition, we would like to
thank Catherine Tuminaro and the Barron County Plan Commission for their input and
assistance through this process. Finally, we thank the citizens of Barron County who took the
time to complete the questionnaire.
Table of Contents

Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 2

Study Purpose................................................................................................................................ 4

Survey Methods ............................................................................................................................. 4

Profile of Respondents .................................................................................................................. 5

Quality of Life ............................................................................................................................... 6

Programs and Services ................................................................................................................. 9

Communication ........................................................................................................................... 10

Natural and Cultural Resources ................................................................................................ 11

Housing ........................................................................................................................................ 13

Agricultural Use/Land Use ........................................................................................................ 14

Transportation ............................................................................................................................ 18

Economic Development .............................................................................................................. 19

Key Functions of Barron County Government ........................................................................ 21

In terms of demographic differences: ....................................................................................... 22

Conclusions .................................................................................................................................. 23

Appendix A – Non-Response Bias Test ..................................................................................... 24

Appendix B – Written Comments ........................................................................................... 26

Appendix C: Quantitative Summary of Responses by Question ........................................... 36

Page 1
Executive Summary

From mid-August to early October, the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the University of
Wisconsin – River Falls mailed surveys to 1,130 County residences. The SRC received 425
completed surveys, which is a 38 percent response rate. The 2000 Census gives the County’s
adult population as 33,583. With 425 responses, the estimates contained in this report are
expected to be accurate to within plus or minus 4.7 percent. Statistical tests indicate that “non-
response bias” is not a problem with this sample. However, the demographic profile of the
sample does not align well with the underlying population (too few women, renters and young
people included). The SRC notes differences of opinion of different demographic groups
throughout the report and, in one instance, adjusts the results to reflect more accurately the
opinions of all Barron County residents.

The bottom line is that Barron County residents are reasonably happy with the quality of life they
enjoy. More than 80 percent rate the quality of life as good or excellent and few rate it as only
fair or poor. Older residents and those with higher household incomes are particularly content
with their quality of life.

The factors that induce people to live in Barron County are its small town atmosphere and the
proximity of family and friends. The physical environment (recreational opportunities and
natural features) and economic opportunities are also important reasons they have chosen to live
or own land in Barron County.

Most County services (county parks and trails, emergency management, highways, public safety,
UW-Extension, the courts, community services, public health and child protection services) were
given positive ratings by a majority of the respondents. A majority gave less favorable ratings to
animal control and economic development efforts. Many of the ratings align with the key
demographic groups using them; the more likely a service is to apply to a group, generally, the
more highly they rated it. This is a positive result in terms of the effectiveness of County offices.

Direct mailings and newspapers are the preferred means of receiving information about County
government. Based on the low percentage who indicated that they would likely participate in
future meetings about the comprehensive plan, it appears that face-to-face exchange of
information is not likely to be effective. This reluctance to attend meetings increases the
challenges facing local officials. As noted throughout this report, the views of different
demographic groups (men versus women, renters versus homeowners, long-term residents versus
more newly arrived ones) vary significantly. To the extent that the composition of elected or
appointed boards don’t reflect the demographic profile of the County, it will need to work hard
to understand the people’s preferences overall and act accordingly.

Respondents indicated that they have a high level of concern about preserving the County’s
environmental and cultural heritage. As noted, these social and physical amenities are the
primary reason many have chosen to live or own land in Barron County. So, it makes sense that
they would be concerned about preserving these features. Women and homeowners are
particularly concerned with these preservation issues. Support for purchased development rights

Page 2
(PDRs), one means of preserving the environmental features prized by County residents, is not
strong.

With respect to housing, strong majorities agreed or strongly agreed that more specialized
housing (for the elderly, affordable housing, and starter homes) are needed in the County.

Barron County residents want to see productive agricultural land used in agriculture and are wary
of seeing it converted to residential or commercial uses. That being said, a majority would only
allow the expansion of large farms (500+ animal units) outside of a 2-mile radius from
incorporated areas. Solid majorities also feel that the visual impact of developments should be
considered and landowners should not be allowed to develop their land in any way they see fit.

Nearly 90% of respondents feel that the current road network meets Barron County’s needs and
that alternative modes of transportation (ATVs, walking, biking, etc.) are important. Currently,
support is not strong for using tax revenues to expand rail service.

Respondents were willing to use tax revenues to recruit new businesses to the County. There is a
reasonably strong preference for new commercial or industrial buildings to be built in or near
existing cities or villages. The types of businesses that respondents would like to see recruited,
as judged by what types of business they consider important to the County, include agriculturally
related businesses, tourism and recreation, industry and manufacturing, and service industries.
Support is also strong for pursuing wind and solar energy as economic development options.

Respondents identified ensuring public safety and providing efficient and effective government
as the most important functions of County Government. Surprisingly, they did not rate the key
County functions of providing social services, regulating land use, and providing an effective
transportation network, highly.

Page 3
Study Purpose

The purpose of this survey was to understand public opinions about a range of important land use
issues facing Barron County. The results of this survey will provide input into the
comprehensive plan that the County is developing.

Survey Methods

From mid-August to early October, the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the University of
Wisconsin – River Falls mailed surveys to 1,130 County residences. The SRC received 425
completed surveys, a 38 percent response rate. The 2000 Census gives the County’s adult
population as 33,583. With 425 responses, the estimates contained in this report are expected to
be accurate to within plus or minus 4.7 percent.

Surveys have to be concerned with “non-response bias”. Non-response bias refers to a situation
in which people who do not return a questionnaire have opinions that are systematically different
from the opinions of those who return their surveys. For example, Question 2 of the Barron
County survey asked residents to rate the overall quality of life in the County on a scale from
“excellent” (= 1) to “poor” (= 4). In this survey, residents rated the overall quality of life a 2.1,
which means that, on average, people feel that Barron County has a “good” quality of life.
Suppose only people who were relatively happy with the quality of life in the County responded
to the survey. If this were the case, the overall quality of life rating in the report would overstate
the true level of satisfaction of the overall population and we would have non-response bias.

The SRC tested 109 variables included in the questionnaire and found 8 instances in which
responses from the first mailing and those from the second were statistically different. In most
instances, the differences don’t change the interpretation of results. Based upon a standard
statistical analysis that is described in Appendix A, the Survey Research Center (SRC)
concludes that non-response bias is not a concern for the Barron County survey.

In addition to the numeric responses, respondents provided additional written comments that
were compiled by the SRC from the surveys. As appropriate, selected quotes will be used in
some sections of this report to illustrate these comments. Appendix B to this report contains
the complete compilation of comments.

Appendix C contains the survey questionnaire with a quantitative summary of responses

by question.

Page 4
 Profile of Respondents

Table 1 summarizes the demographic profile of respondents to the Barron County

Comprehensive Plan survey. Where comparable data were available from the 2000 Census of
Population and Housing, they were included to indicate the degree to which the sample
represents the underlying adult population in the County.

Table 1: Demographic Profile of Respondents

Gender Count Male Female

Survey 389 67% 33%
Census (18+) 44063 50% 50%

Age 18+ Count 18 - 24 25 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65+

Sample 395 1% 5% 13% 27% 25% 30%
Census 33,583 11% 15% 21% 18% 13% 22%

Employment Full- Part-

Status Count Time Time Self Unemp Retired
Sample 387 46% 5% 13% 2% 32%
Census 33,968 57% 7% 3% 32%

Housing Count Own Rent Other

Sample 394 95% 4% 1%
Census 17,851 76% 24%

Number in Sample
Count 0 1 2 3
Households
Adults 389 18% 72% 11%
Children (sample) 361 72% 11% 12% 5%
Children (Census) 5,965 67% 33%

$15 - $25 - $50 - $75 -

Income Range Count < $15,000 $24,999 $49,999 $74,999 $99,999 $100,000+
Sample 368 7% 13% 29% 25% 12% 15%
Census 17,816 17% 15% 36% 20% 7% 6%

Length Town
Count <1 1-4 5-9 10 - 24 25+
Resident
Survey 396 2% 10% 13% 21% 54%

Concerns about Sample Bias. The sample differs from the Census figures in a number of places.
This is important for reasons similar to the preceding discussion about non-response bias. A

Page 5
sample skewed in a particular way can generate results that don’t accurately reflect the opinions
of the overall population in Barron County.

For example, there are substantially more males in the sample than would be expected. The SRC
did some statistical tests that show that men and women have statistically significant differences
of opinion in about 20 percent of the questions included in the survey. Many of the gender
differences are associated with environmental preservation. Women are consistently more
concerned about environmentally related issues than are men. For example, 78% of women said
that it is “essential” or “important” for Barron County to use tax dollars/regulations to protect air
quality; only 65% of men felt this way. If the sample contained 50% women, we would expect
the overall proportion of the Barron County population who feels it is essential or important to
use tax dollars and regulations to protect air quality to be 72% rather than the 69% observed in
this sample. As we summarize the various elements of the survey, we will note differences
between the opinions of men and women.

The other key deviation from the expected demographic profile is with respect to age. There are
substantially fewer people under 45 years of age in this sample than the Census indicates should
have been included. This shortage is probably related to a couple of factors. First, our
experience is that younger residents in most jurisdictions are less likely to participate in surveys
than are their older neighbors. Second, the County’s property tax list was used to identify people
to be included in the sample. Younger residents are less likely to be property owners than are
older County residents. As was true with gender, nearly one-fifth of the variables tested showed
a significant difference between the opinions of those older than 45 and those younger than that.
These age-related differences are more difficult to categorize than was the case for gender.
Younger residents are more supportive than their elders of County policies that would allow
farmland to be used for residential development, are more open to siting large-scale farms in the
County and are less concerned about restricting commercial development to existing cities. On
the other hand, they believe that it’s more important to have alternative modes of transportation
and that there should be more bike and walking lanes on public roads. Differences of opinion
based on age will be noted as we proceed through this report.

Quality of Life

Chart 1 shows that more than 4 of 5 Barron County residents feel that the overall quality of life
in the County is “good” (70%) or excellent (11%). There is a correlation between the age of the
respondent and household income and how they view the quality of life in the County. With
respect to age, those who are 65 or older rate the quality of life substantially higher (87% good or
excellent compared to an average of 78% for those younger than 65). With respect to income,
satisfaction with the quality of life in Barron rises consistently with income levels. For
households reporting less than $50,000, 73% say that the quality of life in Barron is good or
excellent; this rises to 84% for those in the $50,000 - $74,999 category, to 85% for in the
$75,000 - $99,999 category, and to 94% at the $100,000+ level. In sum, there is an overall high
level of satisfaction with the quality of life in Barron County, particularly among older residents
and those with higher incomes.

Page 6
Factors Important in Choosing Barron County as a Place to Live. Some of the key reasons for
property owners’ satisfaction with life in Barron County are summarized in Chart 2.
Respondents were asked to identify the three most important reasons they have chosen to live in
Barron County. Clearly, most people in the County value the small town atmosphere of their
local community. It is also clear that being close to family and friends is a critical reason for
choosing to live in Barron County. More than half of all respondents identified these items as
one of the three most important reasons for living in Barron County.

The next three most important reasons for living in Barron County are closely grouped: being
near their job (29% in top 3), recreational opportunities in the County (28%) and the natural
features of the area (27%).

The items in “Other” included being born and raised in the County, inheriting land there, the
proximity to the Twin Cities, and the natural amenities (lakes, rivers) available in the area.

People who fall into different demographic categories identified different features of the County
as reasons for living in Barron. Perhaps the most interesting and important results are associated
with how long the respondent has lived in Barron County. People who have lived in Barron
County for shorter periods cited the natural features of the area, the quality of the County’s
communities, and the area’s recreational opportunities. The things that are most important to

Page 7
longer-term residents included the agricultural opportunities in the County, proximity to
employment, and to be near family and friends. To the extent that elected officials and those
serving on plan commissions are drawn disproportionately from either long-term or newly-
arrived citizens, they need to be aware that their personal priorities may not align well with
people who arrived in Barron County either long before or long after they did.

Other demographic differences in the reason for living in Barron County include:

Being near their job was noted as important by higher income households, those younger
than 65, and those with full-time employment (as well as longer-term residents).

Men were much more concerned about property taxes and recreational opportunities than
women.

As one might expect, households with children were more likely to say that quality
schools were important in their choice of Barron as a place to live.

Lower income households said that a low crime rate and being near family and friends
were very important to them while higher income households identified recreational
opportunities and being near their job as reasons for living in the County.

Page 8
Programs and Services

In Chart 3 the ratings citizens gave to Barron County services are grouped into “Fair” and “Poor”
(top bar in each pair) and “Good” and “Excellent” (the bottom bar in each pair). Roughly two-
thirds of County residents rated the County’s outdoor amenities (park-forest-trail system),
emergency management, highways, and public safety (sheriff, jail, 911) as good or excellent.
About half of the citizens gave good or excellent ratings to UW-Extension, the courts and
community service, public health and child protection services.

In contrast, about 50% of respondents said that zoning and animal control services were only fair
or poor and nearly two-thirds felt this way about economic development efforts.

One-third or more of the respondents had no opinion about the quality of veteran’s benefits,
elderly programs and child protection services.

Opinions about services offered by Barron County vary widely by demographic group:

Page 9
 Older residents rate veteran services, programs for the elderly and transportation for the
elderly and disabled more highly than younger residents. Since this group is probably
more likely to use many of these services, it is significant that they tend to rate them more
positively. Respondents in the 45 – 64 age categories were less satisfied with the
County’s economic development efforts.
Higher income households were significantly more likely to say that many County
services were not applicable to their circumstances including child support services,
veteran benefits, sheriff and other public safety services, programs for the elderly, and
social services. High income groups were less satisfied with economic development
efforts. Lower income households were significantly more satisfied with public health
and transportation for the elderly and disabled.
Those who have lived in Barron County for longer periods tend to give higher ratings to
emergency management services, child protection, programs for the elderly and with
UW-Extension. Longer-term residents are less satisfied with veteran programs, the court
system, and public safety.
Retirees gave substantially higher ratings to veteran benefits, programs for the elderly,
transportation services for the elderly and disabled, and social services. Those who have
full-time jobs are less satisfied with economic development efforts.

Communication

Respondents were asked to identify the two most effective ways for Barron County to provide
people with information about its services and programs. Chart 4 summarizes the responses of
Barron County citizens and indicates that direct mail and articles in newspapers are, by a large
measure, the preferred information conduits. Other surveys of this type that the SRC has done
around the state have consistently identified direct mailings as a preferred means of getting
information about public services. However, relatively few of these surveys have indentified
newspaper articles as one of the two most-preferred information conduits.

The County website, while not identified as one of the two most preferred means of receiving
information about programs and services, does appeal to specific subgroups in Barron County.
Respondents in the 45-54 age category identified the website as a preferred means of getting
information about County services in much higher proportions. The preference for the website
increased with the reported level of household income and for those who have full-time jobs.
Newer residents use the website more than longer-term ones.

Longer term residents, while less enthusiastic about the website, reported stronger preference for
newspaper articles and radio programs about County services than did their more newly arrived
neighbors. Somewhat surprisingly, respondents in the 35-44 age group also identified radio
programs as a preferred source of information about the County.

Interestingly, in a separate question, only slightly more than one-quarter of Barron County
residents said they were “very likely” (3%) or “likely” (24%) to attend a visioning session or
other public participation event related to comprehensive planning.

Page 10
Natural and Cultural Resources

Chart 5 indicates that residents in Barron County are quite interested in preserving natural and
cultural resources in the area. Respondents were asked how important it is that the County use
tax dollars and/or regulations to protect the resources included in Chart 5. The percentage of
respondents saying that it was “important” or “essential” to do so ranged from a low of 55% for
preserving historic and cultural sites to a high of 91% for protecting groundwater. Given that the
question was framed as, “should the County use taxes or regulations to protect these resources,”
the fact that a majority of respondents said this is important or essential is a remarkably strong
result.

Sample Bias Adjustments. As noted in the section describing the demographic profile of the
sample, we noted that, compared to the Census, men and homeowners are disproportionately
represented. This is a particularly important consideration in this section of the survey because
the opinions of men versus women and homeowners versus renters are significantly different.
Women are more willing to use the County’s regulatory authorities and tax dollars to preserve air
quality, farmland and the rural character of Barron County than are men. Homeowners are more
willing to use these resources to protect groundwater, open space and rural character than are
renters.

Page 11
Table 2 illustrates what happens if we rebalance the results to reflect the fact that women make
up 50% of the population (rather than 33% in the sample) and renters make up 24% of the
population (rather than 5% in the sample). Giving greater weight to the voices of women
increases the level of importance residents place on preserving farmland, air quality and Barron
County’s rural character. Placing greater weight on the opinions of renters reduces the
importance attached to preserving open space, rural character, and groundwater. Probably the
most important conclusion to be drawn from Table 2 is that, with the possible exception of
preserving open space, a
Table 2: Impact of Reweighting Environmental Opinions majority of respondents
Unweighted Gender Renter favor actions to preserve
Variable
Result Balance Balance these resources even when
Open Space 59% 49% the results are rebalanced
Rural Character 65% 66% 61% to reflect the opinion of
Air Quality 70% 72% Barron County
Farmland 74% 76% landowners.
Groundwater 91% 87%

The importance respondents place on environmental and cultural dimensions of Barron County
also comes through in the comments compiled in Appendix B of this report. Respondents were
asked, in an open-ended question, to identify the things they most like about living in Barron

Page 12
County. Of the 461 comments received, nearly half noted things associated with the
environmental and cultural features contained in this section of the report (small towns, nature,
hunting and fishing, etc.).

Purchased Development Rights. The conclusion that environmental issues are very important to
Barron County landowners is, however, somewhat undermined by the results from a different
section of the survey. One way of maintaining open space, preserving the County’s rural
character and its farmland is to purchase development rights (PDR) from landowners. When
asked if the County should use tax dollars to purchase development rights on prime farmland,
only 19% were supportive, 52% said no, and 29% were unsure. Women, in particular, registered
a high percentage of “don’t know” responses. If PDRs are to be used to pursue the
environmental preferences of the citizens of Barron County, a substantial amount of education
will be needed to convince the populous that this is a good idea.

Housing

Barron County respondents were asked if additional units of affordable housing, housing to meet
the special needs of the elderly, and starter homes were needed in their jurisdiction. Affordable
housing was defined in the survey as housing with rent or mortgage payments that are no more
than 30% of a household’s gross income, which is in line with the federal definition of this type
of housing. As noted in Table 3, 65% of respondents felt that more affordable housing is needed
in their area and only 20% disagreed with this assessment.

Table 3: Housing Needs in Local Jurisdiction

Strongly Strongly No
Count Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Opinion
Need Affordable Housing 393 26% 39% 14% 6% 15%
Need Elder Housing 395 29% 44% 9% 3% 16%
Need Starter Homes 390 19% 41% 19% 4% 17%

More than 70% feel that additional units of elder housing are needed (12% disagree) and 59%
feel that more starter homes (for first-time buyers) are needed (23% disagree). In short, roughly
3 times as many respondents feel that more of the three types of housing identified in Table 3 are
needed than disagree.

By demographic slice:

Support for affordable housing was lower among higher income households but higher
among renters, longer-term residents and full- and self-employed residents.
Support for elder housing was also lower among higher income households but higher
among renters and older residents.
Support for starter homes was particularly high among renters.

Page 13
Agricultural Use/Land Use

Use of Agricultural Land. Chart 6 shows that there is a near consensus on allowing productive
farmland to continue being used in agriculture. In contrast, a majority of Barron County
landowners are opposed to using productive farmland for residential or commercial purposes.

There are few differences across demographic groups in terms of how they feel agricultural land
should be used. Opposition to converting productive agricultural land to residential uses grows
with age and retirees are more likely to say they have no opinion about the conversion of
productive agricultural land for commercial uses than those currently in the workforce.
Otherwise, there are no statistically significant differences by demographic group in the sample.

Siting Large Farms. A second set of questions asked Barron County respondents to consider
where large farming operations, those involving 500 or more animal units, should be allowed to
expand. Survey responses (Table 5) indicate that a majority of property owners in Barron are in
favor of allowing expansions that are 2 miles or more from incorporated areas. Only between
one-fifth and one-third are willing to allow expansion within one mile of incorporated areas
(33% strongly agree or agree that this should be permissible), anywhere at all in Barron County
(25%), or no-where in the County (21%). So, the extreme positions of allowing expansions

Page 14
anywhere or nowhere were both roundly rejected by respondents but they fairly clearly indicate
that they are in favor of restricting where expansions of large farms can occur.

Table 5: Large Scale Farms Involving 500+ Animal Units Should Be Allowed to Expand:
Strongly Strongly No
Count Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Opinion
2 Miles from Incorporated
368 14% 45% 18% 8% 16%
Area
Anywhere in Barron County 380 11% 23% 38% 19% 9%
1 Mile from Incorporated
353 7% 18% 38% 16% 21%
Area
Nowhere in Barron County 368 8% 13% 42% 24% 13%

Older residents were significantly more likely to oppose expansion of large farms anywhere in
the County or outside a 1-mile radius from incorporated areas. More older residents and retirees
were in favor of prohibiting expansion of large farms anywhere in the County than younger
residents. Women were more likely to say they didn’t have an opinion about allowing
expansions more than 1 mile from towns.

Land Use Decision Factors. The next set of land use questions focused on factors that
respondents feel should be considered in land use decisions (Chart 7). By a margin of 85%
(agree or strongly agree) to 9% (disagree or strongly disagree) respondents feel that visual
impacts (view of the landscape) should be considered when evaluating a proposed development.
By a nearly four-to-one margin, they are in favor of having a minimum lot size for developments
in rural areas. Finally, by a nearly two-to-one margin, respondents rejected the idea that
landowners should be allowed to develop land in any way they want (35% in favor vs 61%
opposed). Similar questions about how much latitude landowners should have in how they
develop their property asked in other parts of the state have generated similar results.

Homeowners and households with a single-adult are particularly supportive of considering the
impact of developments on the view of the landscape.

Minimum Lot Size. Chart 8 on the following page indicates that about half of the respondents
feel that lots in rural residential developments should be 1 – 5 acres. Only 11 percent feel that
the minimum lot size should be less than an acre, compared to 18 percent who would like to see
a minimum of 6 – 10 acres and 12 percent would prefer 11 – 40 acres. Those who own fewer
acres tend to prefer smaller minimum lot sizes than those with larger holdings.

Page 15
Page 16
Land Issues. Respondents were asked how many acres they own in Barron County and the
minimum number of acres needed to constitute a farm. Table 6 shows that two thirds of the
respondents own fewer than 10 acres of land and another fifth own more than 40 acres.

Slightly less than

Table 6: Acreage in Barron County a majority feel
Count < 10 10 - 29 21 - 40 40+ that 40 acres
Acres Owned 388 67% 5% 6% 22% need to be owned
Minimum Size for Farm 387 7% 21% 24% 47% to be considered
a farm in Barron
County. Older respondents, men, those with full-time or self-employment, and homeowners
generally said that larger acreages were needed to be considered a farm than did their
counterparts (younger people, women, retirees, or renters).

People included in the sample were asked if their land is currently farmed and to speculate
whether or not it would be farmed in the future. Only 24% of the respondents said that their
land is currently farmed. Chart 9 shows that two-thirds of the sample said that the question about
their land being farmed in the future was not applicable to them.

The larger the number of acres owned, the more likely it is that the landowner believes his/her
land will be farmed in the future. Surprisingly, only slightly more than half of respondents who

Page 17
reported that their land was currently being farmed said that they believe it will still be farmed
16-20 years from now.

Transportation

The data in Chart 10 indicate that the overwhelming majority of Barron County property owners
feel that the current road network meets the needs of its citizens and that alternative modes of
transportation (ATVs, snowmobiles, bicycles, and walking) are important. Nearly two-thirds of
the respondents in the sample feel that more biking and walking lanes are needed along public
roadways. With respect to the wisdom of using tax dollars to expand rail services in Barron
County, respondents were split almost equally between those who agreed and those who
disagreed. Nearly one in five said they had no opinion about using tax dollars to expand rail
transportation in the County.

In terms of demographic differences:

Women agree in higher proportions than men that bike lanes are needed and are more
likely to say they don’t have an opinion about using tax dollars to expand rail services.
Support for alternative modes of transportation and biking/walking lanes falls with age.

Page 18
 Though a majority of renters agrees that the road network meets Barron County’s needs
and that alternative transportation modes are important, substantially lower percentages
of renters feel this way than do home owners.
Higher income households are more likely to disagree that tax dollars should be used to
expand rail services in the County.

Economic Development

Chart 3 indicated a fairly high level of dissatisfaction with the County’s economic development
efforts. Chart 11 indicates that residents are willing to “walk the walk” by using tax dollars to
recruit businesses to the County. Nearly 80% agree (49%) or strongly agree (20%) that tax
dollars should be used to recruit new businesses and industries; only 22% disagree with using tax
revenues in this fashion. Men, who were more concerned about property tax rates, were more
supportive of using tax dollars to recruit businesses than were women.

If the County were successful in their business recruitment efforts, Table 7 indicates that
commercial or industrial building should be built in or near an existing city or village. Seventy-
percent or more agree or strongly agree that commercial or industrial construction should be
located in or near existing cities or villages; only 28% agree that such buildings should be built
anywhere in the County.

Page 19
Table 7: Where Should Commercial or Industrial Buildings Be Built
Strongly Strongly No
Count Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Opinion
In Existing City/Village 377 20% 50% 14% 3% 13%
Near Existing City/Village 375 13% 59% 11% 3% 14%
Anywhere 371 9% 19% 38% 21% 13%
There are relatively few demographic differences of opinion about where commercial or
industrial buildings should be built. Women were more likely to say they have no opinion about
building commercial or industrial buildings near an existing city/village or anywhere in the
County. Likewise, older residents and higher income households were more likely to say they
have no opinion about building anywhere in the County. Somewhat surprisingly, higher
percentages of the self-employed disagreed with the idea of allowing industrial or commercial
building to occur anywhere in the County than did retirees or those with full-time jobs.

A hint of the types of businesses respondents would like to see recruited to the County is
provided by Chart 12. Residents were asked to rate the importance of the businesses listed in the
Chart on a scale of “Essential” to “Not Important” and Chart 12 shows the percentage that rated
these businesses as essential or very important. Between 60% and 70% feel that agriculturally
related businesses, tourism and recreation, industry/manufacturing and service industries
(financial services, health care, etc.) are essential or very important to Barron County.

Page 20
Fewer than half the respondents felt that technology-related businesses, downtown development
or home-based businesses are vital to the economic future of the County.

The biggest demographic differences of opinion about the importance of the business sectors
shown in Chart 12 are based on reported household income. Generally speaking, support for
commercial/retail, downtown development, home-based businesses, industry and manufacturing,
tourism, technology-related firms, and service-based businesses increase with household
incomes. Older residents are more interested in agricultural-related businesses and less
interested in technology firms. The self-employed are substantially more supportive of
agricultural and service-based businesses than are other employment categories.

Table 8 summarizes the opinions of Barron County landowners with respect to another economic
development strategy – generating alternative, or renewable, energy. Both wind and solar power
are seen as worthy economic development options by more than 80% of the respondents; about
two-thirds feel this way about biofuels.

Table 8: Should Barron County Pursue Alternative Energy as an Economic Development

Strategy
Strongly Strongly
Count Agree Agree Disagree Disagree No Opinion
Wind 386 39% 45% 5% 2% 9%
Solar 380 34% 49% 7% 2% 9%
Bio Fuels 379 21% 45% 17% 6% 11%
Other 137 25% 13% 1% 0% 61%

“Other” alternative energy options included hydroelectric power, nuclear, waste-to-energy

plants, geothermal and a variety of other energy-related ideas (see Appendix B, Question 26).

Large majorities of both genders agree that solar and wind energy are important to Barron
County but men are more enthusiastic about solar and less about wind than women; women are
more likely to say they have no opinion about these options.

Key Functions of Barron County Government

Near the end of the survey, respondents were asked to identify the three most important functions
for Barron County government. Their responses are summarized in Chart 13 on the next page.
Perhaps the most surprising result in Chart 13 is that there is a fairly large variation in the things
that citizens think are the most important functions of Barron County Government. None of the
options was identified by anything close to a consensus as being a vital County function.
Another interesting thing about Chart 13 is that some of the traditional County government
functions did not garner more support as critical functions. For example, the County’s role in the
area’s transportation network, land use regulation and providing social services were all
identified by fewer than a quarter of the respondents as one of the top 3 functions of the Barron
County government.

Page 21
By a considerable margin, the County government function identified by the largest percentage
of respondents was “Ensuring Public Safety” (65%). About half of the respondents said that the
generic goal of providing efficient and effective government is one of the three most important
functions of Barron County. Between 30% and 40% of respondents said that enhancing
economic development, protecting agricultural resources and protecting cultural and
environmental resources are key functions of County government.

In terms of demographic differences:

Men were more likely to identify efficient and effective government than were women.
Those older than 65 were more likely to identify efficient and effective government and
less likely to say economic development are critical.
Likewise, retirees were less likely to say that economic development is critical but more
likely to identify efficient and effective government.
As household incomes rise, the importance attached to County government providing
social services fell but the importance of economic development increased.
The longer a person has lived in Barron County the more importance they attach to the
County providing social services; new arrivals were more likely to identify
environmental protection.
Renters were more interested in the County ensuring an adequate transportation network
than were homeowners.

Page 22
Conclusions

The results of this survey indicate that, in large measure, land owners in Barron County are
reasonably happy with the overall quality of life they have. They like the small town atmosphere
and natural features that surround them. They are generally satisfied with the services they
receive from the County and with the road network in the area.

Perhaps reflecting the bad economic times that were becoming ever clearer during the time that
data were being gathered, respondents expressed a fair degree of unease about the economic
development efforts of the County. Respondents are supportive of using tax dollars to expand
employment opportunities in a fairly wide range of economic sectors.

Respondents also expressed a strong desire to preserve the natural and cultural environment they
value so highly. They would like to see new economic developments occur in or near existing
incorporated areas and are not supportive of allowing productive farmland to be used for
commercial or residential purposes.

Finally, the challenges faced by elected and appointed officials of representing the Barron
County population are suggested by the diverse views of the population and their lack of
enthusiasm for participating in face-to-face meetings about the future of the County. Groups of
people who are often underrepresented on governing bodies (younger people, people who have
moved to the County more recently, renters, women) often have opinions that differ significantly
from their counterparts in the population (older citizens, those who have lived in Barron County
for most or all of their lives, home owners and men). Surveys such as the one that is the focus of
this report provides insights into the diversity of views that exist in the County and will, we
hope, help policy makers better understand the aspirations of the people they represent.

Page 23
 Appendix A – Non-Response Bias Test

Surveys have to be concerned with “non-response bias”. Non-response bias refers to a situation
in which people who do not return a questionnaire have opinions that are systematically different
from the opinions of those who return their surveys. For example, Question 2 of the Barron
County survey asked residents to rate the overall quality of life in the County on a scale from
“excellent” (= 1) to “poor” (= 4). In this survey, residents rated the overall quality of life a 2.1,
which means that, on average, people feel that Barron County has a “good” quality of life.
Suppose only people who were relatively happy with the quality of life in the County responded
to the survey. If this were the case, the overall quality of life rating in the report would overstate
the true level of satisfaction of the overall population and we would have non-response bias.

The standard way to test for non-response bias is to compare the responses of those who return
the first mailing of a questionnaire to those who return the second mailing. Those who return the
second questionnaire are, in effect, a sample of non-respondents (to the first mailing), and we
assume that they are representative of that group. In this survey, 276 people responded to the
first mailing and 149 responded to the second mailing.

We found only eight variables with statistically significant differences between the mean
responses of these two groups of respondents (Table A1) out of 109 tested. Table A1 indicates
that respondents to the first mailing were more likely to choose to live in Barron County for the
quality of its communities and its recreational opportunities. Respondents to the second mailing
were more likely feel it is important to preserve the County’s rural character and its hunting and
fishing, to see a need for more starter homes in their area and be less enthusiastic about pursuing
solar power as an economic development strategy. Respondents to the second mailing place a
higher priority on the goal of having the County provide efficient and effective government and
had slightly lower household incomes.

Table A1 – Statistically Significant Differences Between Responses of First and Second Mailings
Mean Mean Statistical
Variable First Mailing Second Mailing Significance
Q1 Live in Barron for quality communities 0.10 0.04 .04
Q1 Live in Barron for recreational
opportunities
0.32 0.21 .01
Q5 Rural Character 2.29 2.09 .03
Q5 Hunting/Fishing 2.05 1.85 .03
Q8 More starter homes are needed 2.69 2.39 .04
Q26 Barron County should pursue solar
energy for economic development
1.92 2.25 .01
Q29 Provide efficient/effective government 0.47 0.59 .03
Q37 Household income 3.81 3.42 .01

While these items are statistically different, with few exceptions, the absolute magnitudes of
differences are quite small and would not affect the overall interpretation of the results. For
example, we noted that respondents to the second mailing were more concerned about preserving
the County’s rural character. However, for both the first and second mailings, the rating given

Page 24
would round to a rating of “important”. So, while this difference is statistically significant, the
difference doesn’t change the overall interpretation of this result. Instances in which the
difference would modify the interpretation of results are highlighted in bold text in the Table. Of
the bolded items, only the view of respondents to the second mailing that more starter homes are
needed and their somewhat lower household income seem to be of real importance.

The Survey Research Center (SRC) concludes that non-response bias is not a concern for
this sample.

Page 25
Appendix B – Written Comments
Question 1: What are the three most important reasons you and your family choose to live in
Barron County?

‘Other’ responses (31 comments)

Born/raised in Barron County(7 responses) Proximity to Twin Cities (3 responses)

Born here (2x) Near Twin Cities
Born and raised here Proximity to Twin Cities
Born in Barron Cty To own a cabin in close proximity to twin
Born- raised, married, farmed, retired cities
I was born in this area and never left Miscellaneous (14 responses)
Lived here most of my life Family inheritance (2x)
Lakes (5 responses) Answer based on conditions in 2005--cost of
Lake property (2x) taxes etc; now make me unsure
Lake Shore Business
Lakes – water Cabin
On the lake Clean air and clean water.
Don’t Live in the County (4 responses) Family has been here for 100 years
Do not live in Barron County Inherited property
We do not live in Barron County. We live in Looks prosperous
Burnett Mayo Clinic
We dont- we live in Polk county! We used Medical facilities
to live in Barron County My business is here
We own vacant land Peace and quiet
Retirement/Downsizing

Question 4: Fill in the circles of the two most effective ways that Barron County could
provide information regarding its services and programs to residents.

‘Other’ Responses (4 Comments)

e-Mail Signs
Let people seek it out Via service center

Page 26
Question 26: Barron County should pursue the following energy alternatives as a form of
economic development.

‘Other’ Responses (47 comments)

Hydro (8x) Go mass fuels other than from corn or

Water (5x) soybeans
Any alternative fuel source (3x) Methanol (By product use already in
Geo-thermal (3x) County)
Nuclear (3x) Natural gas cars
Conservation (2x) No tax dollars
Geo-thermal heat pumps (2x) Off peak electricity programs
Water Power (2x) Refinerys for big oil. (lower cost of fuel)
Alternative biofuels not food crops Return on investment to balance tax ratio.
Chetek Dam water, Generate electricity. Sequester heat energy from incinerator
Coal Thermal pump
Energy efficient building methods. Waste to energy
Farm animal waste to energy Water on engines already since 1960
Garbage Chrysler
Water/Dam for electricity
Wood

Question 28: What do you like about living in Barron County?

Quality of Life (258 responses) Comfortable place to live and work

Atmosphere (138 responses) Community
Small town atmosphere (11x) Country atmosphere but close to town. It’s
People (7x) peaceful and what we like about our life.
Rural atmosphere (6x) When it’s so hectic you know you have a
Friendly people (5x) quiet peaceful place to go home to and not a
Country living (3x) lot of people around
People are friendly (3x) Ease of travel
Quiet (3x) Eclectic, diverse
Country atmosphere (2x) Fairly easy to walk to most places we need
Friendly atmosphere (2x) to go
Good neighbors (2x) Fairness for everyone
Great place to raise a family (2x) Friendliness
Peaceful (2x) Friendliness of the people
Quiet atmosphere (2x) Getting away to a quiet place and relaxing
Small town feel (2x) God's Country
Beautiful community Good moral values in rural communities
Caring community Good neighborhood
Close communities Great people
Close kind community Great place to live

Page 27
 How peaceful it is Quiet and peaceful
I enjoy the open spaces Quiet and very rural
Important to promote community Quiet friendly people
involvement Quiet rural communities
It has everything from crowded shopping Quiet space
centers to tranquil nature settings all Reminds me of the small resort community I
wrapped up in one small area grew up in
It is close enough to larger cities and Rice Lake
comfortable pleasant communities Rice Lake Chetek Cameron Area
It's a nice little town Rural and scenic, but also has businesses
It's more of a relaxed atmosphere than a and towns in lots of sizes
""big"" city such as Minneapolis and St. Rural area - Not industrial
Paul. Rural area with relatively easy access to
It's not Illinois large urban areas.
It's not Nebraska but close. Rural areas
Its plain simplicity Rural areas best place to raise a family
Knowing my neighbors-the good and bad Rural atmosphere with a variety of lakes,
Knowing the neighbors rivers, woods, and farmland that is within
Live in a pretty area 1.5 -2 hrs of a larger metropolitan area.
Living in Rice Lake Rural character
Location Rural culture that exist throughout much of
Love the country living the county.
My family likes how accessible we are to Rural life
several major towns and businesses. Rural living
Neighbors Rural setting yet have access to good
Nice hard working people medical care, shopping
Nice people Rural setting-not having neighbors close by
Nice small town area Rural- still small town- neighbors helping
Nice variety of things here neighbors, ect.
No big cities Rural values
Not commercial close enough to Eau Claire Small community atmosphere
and Twin Cities to get those services Small friendly communities
Not crowded Small town atmosphere, everyone knows
Open country side everyone
Open spaces Small town communities
Peace Small town farming community
Peace and quiet Solitude
Peace and quiet in the rural setting Space
Peace and quiet of the country Use of land for gardening, hunting, and wild
Peacefulness berries
People make this county a good place to live Well rounded lifestyle that puts employment
Quality and freedom to live, raise a family, in proximity to services.
own a business without too much You can travel a little distance to do a lot
government contact and regulations

Page 28
Community Size (31 responses)

No traffic (5x) Public land

Small communities (3x) Small population
Small towns (8x) Small town opportunities in which the
Area population is a good size
Dense population Smaller community
Good growth in Rice Lake community Sparcely populated
Low population density compared to many There are more and more stores and
other areas of the country restaurants in Rice Lake so I don't have to
Low population density go to Eau Claire anymore.
Not fighting crowds Uncrowded conditions
Not fighting crowds when driving or using Uncrowded rural atmosphere
resources, stores, etc

Crime (26 responses)

Low crime rate (12x) Hopefully we can continue to live without

Barren County is a safe place to live (3x) fear of gangs and high crime
Safe (2x) Police presence
Safety (2x) Safe place to raise kids
Extremely high drug problem concerns us Safe rural communities
Feeling of safety We have been vandalized twice since 1996
with property damage and theft

Family and Friends (13 responses)

Family (3x)
Close to family and friends (2x) Moved here because our daughter lives here.
Family and friends (2x) Not withstanding, we like the "small town
Great place to raise a family (2x) atmosphere"
Have family in Rice Lake area. Are in My family and friends are close
Barron Co on a weekly and daily basis. We have family and friends in Cumberland

Clean Air, Water, Land (12 responses)

Clean air (4x) Cleanliness

No pollution (3x) For the most part it is a clean area to live
At present air is fresh and clean, noise Good air and water quality
pollution non existent Please clean up the lakes and make them
clear again

Page 29
Taxes (12 responses)

Bad thing taxes are too high It is not the property taxes
Don't like the high taxes One major complaint county is billing us,
Don't over tax our senior's who are trying to bridges, concrete roads , cars and trucks
retain home ownership. with road salt. It has not enhanced our
Hate high taxes safety! Thanks
Hopefully, the county can continue with Taxation is a problem now and don't see
good services without the property tax County trying hard enough to lower it.
becoming burdensome Taxes not too bad
I love paying the exorbitant taxes. Used to be cheap living, but my taxes are 5
It is good except for taxes times what they were 10 years ago when I
purchased my home.

Agriculture (9 responses)

Farming (4x) Farmers can still farm without the worry of

Counties consideration for rural status ""new"" neighbors complaint of smells, or
Fertility of the soil farming practices changing those century
Good farming community old practices, farmers were here first
Prime Agricultural land

Climate (6 responses)

Four seasons (3x) Climate (2x)

Good weather

Infastructure (5 responses)

Good infrastructure Maintenance of our very effective highway

Good roads system
Gravel roads are not maintained well enough Roads are okay

General (4 responses)

Quality of life(4x)

Cost of Living (2 responses)

Lower cost of living

Used to be affordable

Page 30
Nature (62 responses)

Lakes (25 responses) Lakes are important, they need more

Lakes (15x) attention and must be protected and need to
Clean lakes (2x) prosper.
Abundance of lakes Lakes of Chetek
Access to lakes Northwoods feel yet close to many services
Beautiful lakes of the lake
Lakes- although they need cleaning up badly The chain is a beautiful chain of lakes that is
going bad fast

General (16 responses)

Beautiful (2x) Enjoy the outdoors

Beautiful country (2x) Environment
Nature(2x) I enjoy the diversity and abundance of
Scenic (2x) wildlife and the forests.
Diversity of land examples: farmland, Natural Beauty
forests, wetlands, lakes Natural landscape
Enjoy the beauty of the county, it is just Natural resources
right

Trees (10 responses)

Trees (4x) Forests (2x)

Woods (3x) Abundance of trees

Wildlife (6 responses)

Lots of wildlife (4x) Watching the deer

Wild creatures, birds, and such

Rivers (5 responses)

Rivers (2x) Creeks

Abundeance of rivers Waterways

Services (59 responses)

Schools (17 responses) Good volunteers for kids sports and

Good schools (8x) programs in general. Summer school
Schools (2x) program, kids sports (wrestling, football,
Excellent schools baseball, softball)
Good quality public education Need quality education/schools
Need police liason officers in our schools Schools are awesome

Page 31
Government (14 responses)
I think you should have some kind of
Hate inefficiencies/fights in County insurance like Minnesota has for people who
Governement vs. City of Rice Lake are not working
Barron County has the most corrupt law I used to like the peace and quiet and hoped
there is anywhere. They don't follow to someday retire on my land, however since
guidelines. They do whatever they want. the county board opted to let the local 4-
Barron County laws are not even followed. wheeler club put a trail system through out
County can overrule the township. the Hay River the wildlife management area
County needs to work together with city without even notifying neighbors whose
County, City, and State spending too much property borders that land, I can now look
to take care of immigrants. forward to listening to 4- wheelers go
Decrease the amount of DNR and sheriff around in circles all day long 8 months out
patrols on the waterway- chasing people of the year. At least I didn't invest anymore
away. money in Barron County by building on my
Depends on the where abouts that you live land prior to this "Bonehead Decision."
in Barron County. Unincorporated small Thanks a lot.
town does not apply in community upgrades Lack of caring and knowledge of Town
or human services Board members and their piss poor building
Freedom from politics overtaking my code enforcement. Good ole boys x2.
decision making Our county’s government
I think they should put a freeze on county Police, Fire
workers salaries. Plus make them pay for
their own insurance as they are getting good
wages and can well afford it

Shopping (14 responses)

Access to trade I can go to shopping center that is not too far

Adequate shopping facilities away
Close to grocery stores No big city vendors
Enjoy the options available for all types of Not far to a store
shopping Quality of food items such as meat are poor
Food prices are too high Shopping
Good retail shopping Shopping available close by
Having a retail center (River Lake) near Shopping nearby

Healthcare (9 responses)

Clinics, Hospitals Medical care-Clinic/Hospital

Close to doctor and drug store Medical services have improved with the
Good health care options new clinics
Health care systems New hospital and clinic in Rice Lake
Health services Services for the elderly

Page 32
 Churches (2 responses)

Church Churches

General (2 responses)

Availability of essential services. Shopping, Essential service available

healthcare, recreation, convenient to other
larger communities.

Library (1 response)

Good library in the county

Recreation (43 responses)

Hunting and Fishing (20 responses) Close to fishing and hunting and other
Fishing (7x) recreation
Hunting (3x) Close to hunting and fishing area
Hunting and fishing (3x) Freedom to hunt and fish on public lands
Hunting and fishing opportunities (3x) and lakes
Good fishing

General (15 responses)

Recreational opportunities (4x) Lots to do

Recreation (4x) Multi-recreational opportunities
Excellent recreational opportunities Outdoors recreational opportunities
Good recreation Recreational choices available
Recreational options

ATV (4 responses)

ATV's and snow mobiling I strongly believe ATV's and snowmobiles

Let ATV's have the rights to the dirt roads should share the trail system. There are a lot
Recreation ATV trail more ATVs than snowmobiles. I believe
most business's would benefit from the
people using the trails since you can not rely
on snowmobiles only.

Land (3 responses)

4 wheel trails Freedom to hunt and fish on public lands

and lakes
Paths for ATV, walking, snowmobile etc.

Golf (1 response)

Golf courses

Page 33
Landowner (19 responses)

Do not live in Barron County but have I don’t live in Baron County. Have a
invested there because it is strong summer home on Chetek Lake. Use mostly
economically on some weekends and maybe a week or
I did not answer most questions on the two in summer and fall. Enjoy the fresh air
programs & services because I do not know and pine trees and quietness.
them. I don't live there-merely visit for short
I do not live in Barron County periods of time
I live 1/2 South of the Barron/Dunn County I own land only at this time, but I have lived
line in Ridgeland, but own 12 acres of land in Barron Co. in the past
in Barron County We bought a cabin by Cumberland
I grew up in Barron County, but don’t live We have a lake place on Big Butternut-its
there peaceful and beautiful
Currently own property and work in Barron We own a small piece of land so we have a
County place to walk and hunt without any other
Working on moving back to area people to put up with, it’s a place of our own
I don't feel Barron offers enough to get away from everything for awhile
information to landowners on what can and We own one acre of recreation land
cannot be done on their land We use our home as a cabin, so we don't use
I don't live in Barron County, just own. much in service related things.
I don't live in Barron County
I have lake property here

Resident (7 responses)

Born and raised in Barron County Life long resident

I was born here My wife and I went to school in Cumberland
I was born here so it is home This is my home and I love living here
We are part time residents

Miscellaneous (13 responses)

Nothing (3x) In my view, economic living standards and

County needs to wake up and move forward land use will be issues that the county will
Freedom to do what I wish with my property need to consider carefully as it moves
Get rid of ***** ***** forward. I would like to see clustering
Good growth in Rice Lake community encouraged, such development allows us to
Not much maintain those things that I think are
This is hard to answer when you haven't important without discriminating
lived in other counties development opportunity and growth.
We are extremely senior, appreciate all the Young adults have nothing to do
county’s considerations
When my 3 boys and I are together and they
are safe and happy. When a certain person
was still allowing me to speak to him.

Page 34
Question 33: Employment Status

‘Other Responses’ (8 comments)

Disabled (3x) From USPS

Homemaker (3x) Student

Question 34: Place of Residence

‘Other Responses’ (2 comments)

Live at home Twin Cities

Question 39: In what zip code do you live? (380 coments)

54868 (106x) 54603

54728 (50x) 54636
54812 (34x) 54703
54822 (34x) 54725
54829 (34x) 54729
54889 (15x) 54763
54733 (14x) 54824
54805 (10x) 54856
54762 (9x) 54857
54817 (9x) 54895
54004 (8x) 55025
54813 (7x) 55040
54757 (6x) 55075
54005 (3x) 55112
54826 (3x) 55113
54841 (3x) 55118
54751 (2x) 55123
53038 55125
54013 55416
54020 55424
54023 55434
54025 55802
54313 55901
54469 55902
54601 59868

Page 35
 Appendix C: Quantitative Summary of Responses by Question
BARRON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY

QUALITY OF LIFE

1. What are the three most important reasons you and your family choose to live in Barron County?
15% Agriculture 16% Low Crime Rate 11% Quality Schools
3% Community Services 27% Natural Features 28% Recreational Opportunities
17% Cost of Home 53% Near Family and Friends 57% Small Town Atmosphere
1% Historical Significance 29% Near Job (Employment Opportunity) 8% Other: (Please Identify)
6% Property Taxes 8% Quality Communities ______________________

Excellent Good Fair Poor

2. Rate the overall quality of life in Barron County 11% 70% 16% 2%

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

3. Rate the following Barron County Services and Not
Excellent Good Fair Poor
Programs Applicable
a. Zoning 4% 36% 39% 8% 13%
b. Emergency Management 10% 55% 18% 2% 15%
c. Child Protection 4% 44% 23% 3% 26%
d. Economic Support/Child Support 3% 32% 22% 9% 34%
e. Veteran’s Benefits 4% 24% 21% 10% 41%
f. Courts and Community Service 8% 44% 27% 7% 14%
g. Public Health 6% 45% 26% 5% 18%
h. Sheriff Patrol, Jail, 911 10% 53% 22% 5% 10%
i. Highway 9% 55% 28% 5% 3%
j. Elderly Programs 8% 35% 24% 5% 29%
k. County Parks, Forests, Trails 14% 57% 18% 5% 6%
l. Economic Development 2% 26% 43% 18% 10%
m. Elderly/Disabled Transportation 4% 30% 21% 11% 33%
n. Social Services 4% 33% 28% 7% 28%
o. UW-Extension 10% 44% 17% 3% 26%
p. Animal Control 2% 29% 30% 20% 19%

Page 36
COMMUNICATION
4. Fill the circles of the two most effective ways that Barron County could provide information regarding its services
and programs to residents.
Direct Newspaper Barron CO Other: (Please identify)
Radio Newsletters Television
Mailings Articles Website __________________________
49% 25% 45% 30% 10% 23% 1%

NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

5. How important is it for Barron County to use tax Somewhat Not
Essential Important
dollars/regulations to protect the following: Important Important
a. Air Quality 29% 41% 21% 9%
b. Farmland 29% 44% 20% 7%
c. Forested Lands 35% 48% 15% 3%
d. Groundwater 58% 33% 7% 2%
e. Historic and Cultural Sites 9% 47% 37% 8%
f. Open Space 15% 44% 32% 9%
g. Lakes, Rivers and Streams 60% 30% 8% 2%
h. Rural Character 21% 43% 27% 8%
i. Hunting and Fishing 34% 40% 18% 8%
j. Wetlands 31% 40% 22% 7%
k. Wildlife Habitat 40% 37% 19% 5%

HOUSING
The following questions ask your opinion about the development of housing in Barron County
Strongly Strongly No
Agree Disagree
Agree Disagree Opinion
6. Affordable housing is needed in your local jurisdiction
(affordable housing = rent/mortgage that is no more than 26% 39% 14% 6% 15%
30% of a household’s gross income).
7. Elderly housing is needed in your local jurisdiction
(elderly housing = housing for those 65+ that accomodates 29% 44% 9% 3% 16%
special needs such as wheelchairs).
8. Starter (first time buyer) homes are needed in your local
19% 41% 19% 4% 17%
jurisdiction.

AGRICULTURE AND LAND USE

9. Productive agricultural land should be allowed to be Strongly Strongly No
Agree Disagree
used for: Agree Disagree Opinion
a. Agricultural Use 64% 29% 1% 1% 5%
b. Residential Use 9% 31% 35% 16% 9%
c. Commercial Use 11% 23% 38% 19% 9%

Page 37
10. Large scale farms (500 or more animal units) should be Strongly Strongly No
Agree Disagree
allowed to expand: Agree Disagree Opinion
a. Anywhere in Barron County 11% 23% 37% 19% 9%
b. Nowhere in Barron County 8% 13% 38% 24% 13%
c. Outside a 2 mile radius of incorporated areas 14% 45% 42% 8% 16%
d. Outside a 1 mile radius of incorporated areas 7% 18% 18% 16% 21%
11. Landowners should be allowed to develop land any
12% 23% 43% 18% 4%
way they want.
12. The visual impacts (view of the landscape) of
development is an important consideration when 24% 61% 43% 3% 6%
evaluating proposed development.
13. There should be a minimum lot size on residential
27% 43% 7% 6% 5%
development in rural areas.

Don’t
Yes No
Know
14. Should Barron County use tax dollars to purchase development rights to
preserve prime farmland? (Under such a program the farmer is paid money in 19% 52% 29%
exchange for his/her “right” to develop their farmland.)

15. In your opinion, what should the minimum lot size be for rural residential development? Fill one circle only.
Less than 1 acre 1 to 5 acres 6 to 10 acres 11 to 40 acres 41 or more acres No Limitation
11% 47% 18% 12% 3% 9%

16. In your opinion, how Less than 10 10 - 20 21 -40 40 plus

many acres of land are
needed to be considered 7% 21% 24% 47%
a farm?

17. How many acres of land Less than 10 10 - 20 21 -40 40 plus

do you own in Barron
County? 67% 5% 6% 22%

18. Is the land you own Yes No Not Applicable

actively farmed?
24% 62% 14%

19. Do you think your land will be actively farmed (by you or someone else) in the next (fill all circles that apply):
0-5 years 6-10 years 11-15 years 16-20 years Not Applicable
10% 8% 8% 14% 68%

Page 38
TRANSPORTATION
Strongly Strongly No
Agree Disagree
Agree Disagree Opinion
20. The overall road network (roads, streets, and highways) in 14% 74% 9% 2% 2%
Barron County meets the needs of its citizens.
21. Alternative modes of transportation, such as ATV, 28% 61% 7% 2% 4%
snowmobile, bicycle, and walking are important.
22. There should be more biking and walking lanes along 24% 40% 22% 4% 10%
public roadways.
23. Barron County should use tax dollars to develop and
14% 25% 29% 14% 18%
expand rail transportation in the County.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
24. Commercial or industrial buildings in Baron County Strongly Strongly No
Agree Disagree
should be located: Agree Disagree Opinion
a. In an existing city or a village 20% 50% 14% 3% 13%
b. Near a city or village 13% 59% 11% 3% 14%
c. Anywhere in Barron County 9% 19% 38% 21% 13%
25. Barron County should use tax dollars to recruit new
20% 49% 15% 7% 9%
business and industry

26. Barron County should pursue the following energy Strongly Strongly No
Agree Disagree
alternatives as a form of economic development: Agree Disagree Opinion
a. Bio Fuels (e.g. ethanol, biodiesel) 21% 45% 17% 6% 11%
b. Solar Energy 34% 49% 7% 2% 9%
c. Wind Energy 39% 45% 5% 2% 9%

d. Other _____________________________________ 25% 13% 1% 0% 61%

Very Not No
27. Rate the importance of the following: Essential Important
Important Important Opinion
a. Agricultural Related Businesses 31% 36% 26% 2% 5%
b. Commercial and Retail Development 20% 35% 35% 4% 5%
c. Downtown Development – “Main Street” 16% 28% 41% 9% 5%
d. Home Based Businesses 10% 19% 39% 22% 10%
e. Industrial and Manufacturing Development 23% 38% 29% 4% 5%

f. Tourism and Recreation 29% 32% 28% 4% 6%

g. Technology related (e.g. biotechnology, computers, 14% 34% 36% 8% 8%
etc.)
h. Service industries (e.g. financial services, health 22% 39% 31% 3% 5%
services, etc.)

Page 39
28. What do you like about living in Barron County?

29. Which THREE of the following Barron County functions do you think are most important (Only select top 3)?
a. Ensure public safety 65% b. Provide efficient/effective government 51%
c. Protect environmental/cultural resources 35% d. Protect agricultural resources 37%
e. Provide social services 21% f. Regulate land use 20%
g. Enhance economic development 39% h. Provide effective transportation network 15%
Very Very
Likely Unlikely
Likely Unlikely
30. How likely are you to attend visioning sessions and other public
3% 24% 51% 22%
participation events as related to comprehensive planning?

DEMOGRAPHICS: Please tell us some things about you:

Male Female
31. Gender:
67% 33%

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 and older

32. Age:
1% 5% 13% 27% 25% 30%

Employed Employed Other:

33. Employment Self Employed Unemployed Retired
Full Time Part Time ___________
Status:
46% 5% 13% 2% 32% 2%

Own Rent Other: __________________

34. Place of Residence:
95% 4% 1%

0 1 2 3 4 5+
35. Number of Adults (18 or older) in Household: 18% 72% 7% 4% 0%
36. Number of Children (under 18) in Household: 72% 11% 12% 4% 1% 0%

Less than 15,000 – 25,000 – 50,000 – 75,000 – 100,000 or

37. Household Income 15,000 24,999 49,999 74,999 99,999 More
Range:
7% 13% 29% 25% 12% 15%

38. How many years have Less than 1 1–4 5-9 10 - 24 25+
you lived in Barron
County? 2% 10% 13% 21% 54%

39. In what zip code do you

live? _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

Page 40