Survey shows most favor pool, sports complex project

McCOOK, Neb. — A few weeks ago, many McCook and Red Willow County residents received a phone call or email about their opinion on the bond issue for a new swimming pool and sports complex.

The results have been tabulated and support for the McCook sales tax issue looks favorable at this point.

According to the survey, if an election was held today, 49.1 percent of those who responded would be strongly in favor of the measure to increase McCook’s sales tax by one-half of one percent to fund the recreational projects. Another 19.6 percent were somewhat in favor for a combined total of 68.7 percent currently in favor of the issue.

Women were more in favor of the issue than men, with 73.8 percent compared to 62.9 percent of those saying they strongly or somewhat favored the project.

Younger people are also showing more support prior to the Nov. 8 election.

Those ages 18-34 were either strongly or somewhat in favor at 76.3 percent, closely followed by those 35-59 at 75 percent. Those 60 and over showed the most opposition with those strongly opposed more than double the other age groups but still showed support at 59.1 percent either strongly or somewhat in favor of the project.

Those participating in the survey also responded favorably to the idea that the new public swimming project and sports complex would provide opportunities for healthy activities for children and families as well as opportunities for small businesses.

By the end of the survey, those planning to vote yes for the McCook sales tax bond issue for a new public swimming pool and improved ballpark facilities had increased. More than 70 percent of respondents said they strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that they were excited to make McCook a family-friendly town with great facilities for kids, families and residents by voting yes.

The survey included more than 300 responses to provide scientifically sound results.

Nelson Research, which conducted the survey, was impressed with the community’s response to answering the questions about the sales tax issue, funding the bond issue and general perceptions of McCook’s recreational options.

For more information about the survey or to find frequently asked questions about the bond issue, visit mccookonthemove.com or follow on Facebook.