Public opinion split about Community Rec Center

The City of Decorah will continue its on-line survey of citizens through the end of June.  So far 416 people have filled out the questionnaire.  Their responses paint a conflicting picture about support for a Community Recreation and Wellness Center.

On the one hand, 61 percent of those who filled out the survey agreed that such a center "should remain a priority for Decorah."  But 55 percent said they opposed a property tax increase of $200/$300 a year to construct the center.  52 percent agreed that "The facility should have minimal user fees," but 65 percent approved of the statement "A proposed facility should have user fees sufficient to sustain operations."

City officials will sit down in July to analyze the results of the survey and to read over the individual comments posted by citizens.  They will find a public that is somewhat divided on the community center issue.  One commenter said, "I strongly support this endeavor and am willing to pay for it."  However, another commenter said, "Stupid idea and taxes are already to (sic) high, you greedy idiots!"