Survey funding approved in Washougal

The Washougal City Council has given the go-ahead for ETC Institute to survey some Washougal residents.

It will involve an expenditure of $14,885, to gauge interest regarding city programs, services and priorities.

“I object to the cost,” said Councilman Dave Shoemaker, before voting against the professional services agreement with the company from Olathe, Kansas. “There are other sources of information to inform us.”

He cast the only dissenting vote.

After the Dec. 7 meeting, Shoemaker said he receives informal feedback from people.

“There are a variety of committees that work with the public, and the public can attend council meetings,” he said. “Surveys are taken by people who like to take them.

“The seven council members are getting our ears bent at Safeway and Starbucks,” Shoemaker added. “It indicates they care. We’re on the city council because we care, so it makes us soulmates.”

Councilwoman Joyce Lindsay agreed with the idea of conducting a survey every two years.

City Administrator David Scott said the survey would be conducted in March and April, and the results and final report would be released by June.

A random sample of residents will be contacted by mail, with the option to return the survey by mail, phone or online. A minimum of 400 surveys will be completed.

In 2014, the contract amount for ETC to conduct surveys and compile a report was $14,450.