Hampshire Council of Governments Survey

1. Help create the future of the Hampshire Council of Governments!

The Hampshire Council of Governments is conducting a strategic planning process. The goals are to learn more about what towns need, and to plan the future of the Council around those priorities. The Council's overall mission is to help local governments save money and solve problems through regional cooperation. To find our more about the Council, its programs, or this process, go to www.hcog.wordpress.com .

This ten-question survey will take less than ten minutes. If you don't feel like you have enough information to answer a question, leave it blank.

Please pass this survey on to other people. The more input, the better our plan will be.

Thank you for your time, and for your commitment to this wonderful corner of the world!

1. Tell us about yourself

Tell us about yourself Town administrator

Other town employee

Select Board member

Other town official

Resident

Other (please specify)

2. What town do you live in / work for / work in?

What town do you live in / work for / work in?

3. What are your general impressions of the Council?

What are your general impressions of the Council?

4. What is the main barrier to sharing services regionally?

What is the main barrier to sharing services regionally? Timing: finding a partner when you need one

Getting started

Differences with neighbors: political, cultural, financial

Lack of interest locally

Loss of local control

Funding

None, there is no barrier

5. How should the Hampshire and Franklin COGs collaborate?

How should the Hampshire and Franklin COGs collaborate? Legislative advocacy agenda

Merge

Coordinate program offerings and not overlap

Current level of collaboration is fine

6. Should the Hampshire Council of Governments grow?

Should the Hampshire Council of Governments grow? Yes, because regionalizing is a critical strategy to offset severe town budget pressures

Yes, because the Council exists to serve all towns in Hampshire County

No, because I do not see any ways to save money through regionalization

No, because it seems like regionalizing makes towns less autonomous

Yes or No because (please specify)

7. There is a growing interest in the Hampshire Council's electricity program (Hampshire Power) providing green or alternative energy options. What kinds of products or services would you like to see?

There is a growing interest in the Hampshire Council's electricity program (Hampshire Power) providing green or alternative energy options. What kinds of products or services would you like to see? Electricity made from solar power or wind

Electricity made from hydroelectric sources

Electricity made from nuclear power

Technical or financial support for micro-generation (residential wind or solar equipment that can sometimes produce surplus power that is sent back through the grid for credit)

Technical or financial support for insulation (and other ways to use less energy)

Mini-grants for green energy awareness

Other (please specify)

8. What qualities, skills or responsibilities would you like to see in the job description for a new Hampshire administrator or executive director?

What qualities, skills or responsibilities would you like to see in the job description for a new Hampshire administrator or executive director? A good command of all council activities

Consistent presence in, and familiarity with, member towns

A demonstrated commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion, and performance reporting

An ability to represent the Council and advocate effectively among legislators and in other settings

Private sector fund raising and alternative revenue generation strategies

Other (please specify)

9. How can the Hampshire Council of Governments be more inclusive, accessible, and relevant?

How can the Hampshire Council of Governments be more inclusive, accessible, and relevant? More interactive Web site and email communication

More presence in local newsletters and newspapers (printed and electronic)

More presence on local radio shows or cable access TV

More interactive council events and meetings

Annual surveys (like this one)

Other (please specify)

10. What other opportunities exist for the Hampshire Council of Governments to serve its member towns and the region (particular given economic pressures on towns and an increased emphasis on regionalization)? Please specify.

What other opportunities exist for the Hampshire Council of Governments to serve its member towns and the region (particular given economic pressures on towns and an increased emphasis on regionalization)? Please specify.

Hampshire Council of Governments Exit this survey

1. Help create the future of the Hampshire Council of Governments!

1. Tell us about yourself

2. What town do you live in / work for / work in?

3. What are your general impressions of the Council?

4. What is the main barrier to sharing services regionally?

5. How should the Hampshire and Franklin COGs collaborate?

6. Should the Hampshire Council of Governments grow?

7. There is a growing interest in the Hampshire Council's electricity program (Hampshire Power) providing green or alternative energy options. What kinds of products or services would you like to see?

8. What qualities, skills or responsibilities would you like to see in the job description for a new Hampshire administrator or executive director?

9. How can the Hampshire Council of Governments be more inclusive, accessible, and relevant?

10. What other opportunities exist for the Hampshire Council of Governments to serve its member towns and the region (particular given economic pressures on towns and an increased emphasis on regionalization)? Please specify.

Hampshire Council of Governments
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