RATHDRUM - Most respondents to a third-party study of citizen input on the city of Rathdrum's 557 acres on Rathdrum Mountain support phased-in, low-impact recreational opportunities.

The survey was funded by the city and performed by a University of Idaho professor and his assistant. A separate report will be given on Sept. 9 on citizen and stakeholder input on the future of the city of Rathdrum's acreage on Rathdrum Mountain.

"The vast majority of Rathdrum citizens support phased development of Rathdrum Mountain, but want a careful plan that protects open space and the natural environment," states the study performed by Brian Ellison, UI political science professor, and Juliet Carlisle, assistant professor.

"Perhaps the most important finding from the survey is that citizen interest in the phased development of Rathdrum Mountain is in tandem with their interests in the development of the parks. Citizens want more opportunities for walking, hiking and the protection of open space and the environment on Rathdrum Mountain and in the Rathdrum parks."

The survey, which cost $5,600, will be used to update the city's Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

The survey was online from May 26 until June 26 and information announcing it was sent to all households that receive a utility bill. In some areas, city employees distributed letters and surveys to these households.

The response rate of 16 percent - 400 responses from 2,427 households - provides a statistically significant sample at the 95 percent confidence level.

"This means that the chances that these results do not represent the views of the sample frame are five in 100," the study states.

One question had respondents rank activities that may be developed on Rathdrum or to report "I do not want any public use on the city's Rathdrum Mountain property."

"Sixty-six percent of the respondents listed the no-development option as their last-place choice for Rathdrum Mountain," the survey states.

As their first choice, 34 of the respondents indicated that they do not want any public use on the city's mountain property.

Possible uses for the mountain site that ranked highest were, in order: Walking/hiking, picnics, forestry education and school nature trips. Uses that ranked the lowest were: ATV, motorcycle and snowmobile riding, shooting, zip line and hunting.

Respondents were also given the opportunity to provide feedback on what concerns they have about the possible management and development of the mountain. The most common responses were allowing motorized vehicles on the mountain, garbage, pubic safety, impact on nature and the environment and increase in taxes.

"Some people expressed preferences for no development on Rathdrum Mountain, especially in the context of increased taxes," the study states.

Others expressed concerns about damage to the mountain. They also worried about homeless people, drinking and impact on law enforcement.

"These were small minority of concerns and 247 respondents skipped the question altogether," the study states.

The study also found that the respondents are "highly satisfied" with the performance of the Rathdrum Department of Parks and Recreation. More than 86 percent strongly agreed or agreed that the department is going a good job and only 1.37 percent disagreed with the statement.

Brett Boyer, Rathdrum's city administrator, said he was surprised that 400 households participated in the survey.

"We felt that was a great response," he said. "It was great to hear that people believe that our Parks and Recreation department is doing a great job. The information on the mountain was great and the city will be able to use that information to guide it on future decisions."

At the Sept. 9 meeting at 6 p.m., JUB Engineers will provide other findings on citizen input regarding the mountain site. Boyer on Monday said the meeting is tentatively being planned for City Hall, but the location could change if a large crowd is expected. The report will be based on a public open house last spring and stakeholder interviews.

After hearing the report, the city council will then give direction on the future of the mountain site.

Boyer said a public hearing on the mountain site is not scheduled, but one could be set for later.

* In other Rathdrum city news, the council passed its fiscal 2016 budget without increasing taxes.

The $8.46 million budget is slightly larger than the current $8.25 million budget. The increase is due to additional funds allocated toward capital and pathway projects.

A 2 percent cost of living increase for all full-time employees was approved along with a 2 percent merit hike for those approved by their supervisor. The total amount budgeted for salary increases was $65,683.

Other budget highlights include: A new water well, $1.25 million; electronic readerboard, $25,000; police camera units, $36,000; pathway improvements, $125,000; street improvements, $223,000; hoist/plasma cutter, $11,000; Roth Park improvements, $12,000; skate park improvements, $5,000; and two police replacement vehicles, $54,400.