The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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Larry Moore |
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
By CHARLES BOOTHE - Staff Writer
Franklin County officials are using an online survey to find out what services residents want and any needs that may be overlooked.
Called the Franklin County Community Needs Assessment Survey, the website can be used by residents to voice their concerns.
Larry Moore, assistant county administrator, said the survey is part of the county's Strategic Plan adopted earlier this year and its goal to involve more residents in government.
"What we're trying to do is identify needs within our community," Moore said.
In order to develop a plan to accomplish that, the county formed a coalition that involved Ferrum College and representatives from Carilion and the school system among others, he said.
"We asked them to assist is in developing a way to assess the needs, so we can focus on those needs going forward," he said.
From transportation issues to parenting classes to financial counseling, the county wants to know what needs are there and how they are being met, or not being met, he said.
The county has already had some success after learning of needed programs.
"One thing we learned was the need for more parenting classes," he said. "Many agencies have stepped up to the table to help."
Moore said county leaders are focused on working with as many residents as possible, seeking their input.
"That's what we're most proud of," he said. "We're here to serve the public, offer services and improve upon those services. We are interested in our government and our citizens" and having as much participation as possible.
Surveys help accomplish that goal, he said.
"There are a lot of needs and it's a matter of how we go about addressing those needs, and setting priorities," Moore said, adding that those needs cross all socioeconomic categories, especially with the financial downturn and the cost of healthcare.
The survey, which can be found online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z376WD5 or at the county's website, www.franklincountyva.gov, is goal number eight of the Strategic Plan.
Its purpose is to "develop ongoing mechanisms to measure, assess and analyze community needs and develop indicators to determine progress and identify gaps in services for families and individuals."
Information gathered from survey participants will be utilized to begin the process of developing ongoing mechanisms to measure, assess and analyze community needs and develop indicators to determine progress, county officials said. |
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