Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The Palouse Planning Commission survey results have been released.
The first effort of its kind since 1995, the survey polled Palouse residents on a range of city matters, both present and future.
Sharon Tharp, secretary for the Palouse Planning Commission, said that more than 200 surveys were turned in, after being sent out to all residents in November.
Earlier this month, the raw data was released to the public via e-mail, then a full release occurred after resident Jim Farr filed a public records request for each individual survey, including written comments.
The planning commission consulted Palouse city attorney Stephen Bishop, who, after reviewing the surveys in question, advised them not to make any redactions.
So, against the planning commission’s intentions, the entirety of the results were released, including names of city officials as part of critical comments.
Nonetheless, Tharp said the survey was positive.
“The overall results were excellent,” she said. “There were some pretty definite comments on how to improve Palouse. I take them as community improvements, community concerns. I think it will be good for the community because everybody knows what people want.”
Concerns noted in the surveys ranged from barking dogs and junk cars to burning rules, the compost facility and more.
“Some people complained, but they also suggested things,” Tharp said.
She indicated that the purpose of the survey is to use them to develop a comprehensive plan for the city, which would be its first since 1997.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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