Residents Give Plano High Marks

Plano residents give the city high marks for quality of life and services -- even taxes and fees -- according to a city survey.

According to the survey, 92 percent said they are either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the overall quality of life in Plano. Furthermore, 91 percent were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the delivery of city services.

The numbers outpace the national average by 34 percent and the Southwest regional average by 32 percent.

The city's data even show that 74 percent of residents show high satisfaction levels when it comes to taxes and city fees.

Plano released on Tuesday the results of the $14,000 survey to assess attitudes on about 50 city services.

"Over the last three or four years, we've cut about $39 million from the budget and 140-some positions," City Manager Bruce Glasscock said. "We felt it was important to get an idea of what impact that has had."

The Collin County city has long been a national favorite, ranking as "America's Safest City" and topping other lists for quality of life.

"We've always strived to set the standard and set the bar," Glasscock said.

Residents say they agree with the survey results.

"Anything that ends with an 'est' -- I think Plano has got it on lock," said Matthew Smith, who has spent most of his life in Plano.

Denisa Moore relocated to East Plano with her family about 12 years ago. She said she plans to stay because of the high quality of life.

"I think probably we'll retire here," she said.

The city contacted a random 2,000 households for the survey, with 444 responding.

Plano is planning to conduct a similar survey of the business community later this fall.