Youth make top of list in survey

Providing services for youth became one of area business leaders' top concerns in a recent survey.

The results of the 2010 Round Table Survey, sent to 40 businesses in the area were compiled in a four-page pamphlet by Clarke County Development Corporation.

CCDC Executive Director Bill Trickey said these results, and other surveys, show which areas the community needs to focus on to improve and expand. The last time this survey was conducted was 2005.

Youth ranked as the number one priority out of 16 areas.

"I was pleased to see that," said Trickey. "It says a lot about our community."

Economic development came in as the second top priority for business leaders, with water resources following.

Trickey said this falls in line with what city and county leaders are currently trying to accomplish.

"Water resources are really an important priority of ours to continue growing as a community," Trickey said.

In the long run, these results will help the development corporation understand how they can better support existing and  prospective companies.

The survey takers said Osceola's strengths included: affordable housing, friendly service, one stop shopping, financial benefits of gaming and access to transportation.

Areas the community needs to improve were thought to be: not having a water supply for company expansion or a new industry, a lack of sidewalks, not having a landfill in the future and numerous buildings are in disrepair.

High property taxes were also a concern.

Police and fire protection were ranked high in the survey. On a scale to five, planning and regulatory enforcement came in the lowest; both ranked a "2."

Trickey said this number should improve since the city added the zoning administrator position.

"Enforcement and planning haven't been a part of our fiber, but it's becoming that," Trickey said. "It requires a change in our attitude. Buildings and houses weren't inspected on a step-by-step basis in the past. Now we have to take a step back and look at the planning and zoning requirements."

For amenities within the community, events ranked the highest. Shopping or retail, dining, recreation, leisure facilities or activities and advanced education all ranked the lowest with a "2."