Last updated on July 31, 2022
I’m not sure how another survey will assist Belleair residents? Since 2016 Belleair has generated several faux surveys. However, the 2022 Belleair Community Survey. Even though many of the 37 questions are leading and loaded, other questions aren’t necessary or actionable and it offer no open-ended questions with space allowing residents to compose their replies and better explain their feelings, frustrations, or approval. It’s the first correspondence from Belleair requesting my participation in Belleair’s future.
In 2016 Belleair officials sent a communications survey to residents. Town Management Analyst Chelsey Gordon discussed the survey with town commissioners. The “Survey” was allegedly provided through the mail, the town’s website, social media, and an email blast. To better understand the communication preferences of Belleair residents. Indeed, a contradiction in terms.
In 2018 former town manager JP Murphy proposed a “Strategic Planning” survey for all 4000 Belleair residents. Belleair commissioners unanimously approved his request to pay $60,000 to the Florida Institute of Government and USF. To organize and collect data: their surveys —one for Belleair (selected) residents and one for the Belleair employees.
While Murphy made sure an impressive 100% of Belleair’s employees contributed. Of Belleair’s 4000 residents, less than 5% or 171 lucky residents participated in the survey. At the cost of $350 tax dollars per completed survey! A 5% response is not much more than gossip! As well as a waste of money!
After countless months, the Florida Institute of Government and USF submitted a 6-page report recommending five changes to Murphy and Belleair town commissioners, advising more financial responsibility, proactive policing, pavement quality, preservation of the bluffs, and Belleair’s water supply. All obvious goals were previously acknowledged and voiced by anguished residents. For years!
Then two years later, the $60,000 6-page survey report became the bases of Belleair’s 51-page strategic plan. The strategic plan was to get feedback and input from Belleair residents. Like most important issues that impact Belleair residents. Only a tiny percentage of residents. We’re aware of the strategic plan formation and participated in structuring Belleair’s 51-page strategic plan. Over the past 5 years I’ve seen little progress.
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