PUBLIC SERVICE MATTERS
2012 Annual Report
! PUBLIC SERVICE MATTERS
Home Rule Charter How Your County Government Works
Sarasota County support services include financial Law of the Land Sarasota County incorporated in 1921 planning, information technology, With the exception of emergency and adopted a Home Rule Charter communications and human resources. ordinances, commissioners adopt new in 1971. The charter establishes a ordinances by affirmative vote of three commission form of government with A Charter Review Board is responsible members. In the event of a conflict county commissioners as the county’s for review and changes to the County between a municipal (city) ordinance governing body. Five commissioners Charter. That board is comprised and a county ordinance, the municipal are elected to four-year terms of 10 members — two from each ordinance prevails within the limits countywide, but each commissioner commission district — who serve four- of the municipality. Land use is must live in a specific district. year terms without compensation. governed by the Sarasota County They are elected countywide by Comprehensive Plan. The County Commission appoints voters during each general election. only two employees – the County Because Sarasota County values the Administrator and the County How the Charter can be Changed participation and input of its residents Attorney. The County Administrator There are four ways to propose a in the decision-making process, is the chief administrative officer change to the County Charter: a the county also has more than 30 for the county and serves at the petition, signed by at least 5% of citizen advisory boards, councils and pleasure of the County Commission. registered county voters; a special committees, whose members are All employees under the County law enacted by the state legislature; appointed by the County Commission. Commission, with the exception of an ordinance; or a recommendation Each board focuses on a specific issue the Office of the County Attorney, by the Charter Review Board. Charter or topic in areas such as economic report to the County Administrator, amendment proposals must be development, the environment, who is solely responsible for hiring approved by voters. libraries, and health and human and dismissing employees. services. Membership requirements, When the Commission Meets meeting frequency and length of Sarasota County provides fire Unless otherwise advertised, all terms vary. To learn more, see protection and EMS service to regular meetings of the Sarasota page 40. unincorporated areas and some County Commission are held at 9 a.m. municipalities. There are three on the second and fourth Tuesday Who Else Helps Run the County? utility service operations – water/ and Wednesday of each month. Sarasota County has five sewer, stormwater and solid waste. Meetings are held at the Sarasota Constitutional Officers, each elected The county also operates typical County Administration Center, 1660 for terms of four years: a Sheriff, infrastructure programs such as Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, and the Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, transportation and facilities, and Robert L. Anderson Administration Supervisor of Elections and Clerk of a countywide transit operation. Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. the Circuit Court and Comptroller. The county provides a full range of community and human services, in the form of parks, recreation, health- related services, planning, zoning, permitting and environmental resource management. The primary
941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT In 2013, Sarasota County updated its structure to more efficiently meet the demands of citizens. Some department titles were also changed to more effectively communicate their functions. For example, in 2013 Neighborhood Services moved to Planning and Development Services, but for the purposes of the 2012 Annual Report, is shown under its previous alignment 2 to Community Services. In late 2012, Public Works was Board of County Commissioners designated Capital Assets. The term Public Works is used in this report to reflect the department’s alignment to the Fiscal Year 3 2012 budget. Going forward, Sarasota County is structured into Mission, Vision, Values three functional groups. Community Services 4 • Health and Human Services A Letter from the County Administrator • Libraries and Historical Resources • Natural Resources 6 • Parks and Recreation How Your Property Taxes are Allocated • Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension 8 Community Planning • Planning and Development Services Sarasota County Financial Information • Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) 10 • Environmental Utilities Public Works • Economic Development • Neighborhood Services 14 • Community Redevelopment Agency Community Services • Economic Development Management Systems 20 • Financial Planning Health and Human Services • Human Resources • Enterprise Information Technology 22 • Fire and Emergency Services Environmental Utilities • General Services • Field Services 26 • Capital Assets (Public Works) Emergency Services • Capital Projects • Traffic Engineering 28 In addition to the three functional groups listed above, four Planning and Development Services departments report directly to the County Administrator: 30 Communications; Ethics and Compliance; Community and Intergovernmental Relations; and Sustainability. Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) 32 Sarasota County is funded through: Economic Development Taxes 1. Ad Valorem (property taxes) 34 2. Infrastructure Surtax Operations and Maintenance 3. Tourist Development Tax 4. Communications Services Tax 36 5. Various fuel taxes Support Services Permits, fees and special assessments 1. Fire and Rescue Assessments 40 2. Solid Waste Assessments Citizen Advisory Boards 3. Stormwater Assessments 4. Electric Franchise Fees Back inside cover Intergovernmental The Path Ahead 1. Federal Transit Administration Grants 2. Court-related Functions 3. State Revenue Sharing 4. Community Development Block Grants Charges for services The 1. Utility System Charges Sarasota County 2. Solid Waste System Charges Courthouse 3. Ambulance Charges 4. SCAT Charges 1 www.scgov.net PUBLIC SERVICE MATTERS
Dedicated to Quality Service The 2012 Board of County Commissioners
Christine Robinson District 3 Commissioner Chair [email protected] Carolyn Mason District 1 Commissioner Vice Chair [email protected] Joe Barbetta District 2 Commissioner [email protected] Nora Patterson District 4 Commissioner [email protected] Jon Thaxton District 5 Commissioner
Charles D. Hines Your Sarasota County Commission Commissioners are elected at-large Newly elected, 2013 Sarasota County incorporated in 1921 for four-year terms They appoint a District 5 Commissioner and adopted a Home Rule Charter Chair and Vice Chair, who serve one [email protected] in 1971 in accordance with the state calendar year. The Chair presides constitution and Florida law. The charter at all meetings of the commission established a commission form of and is recognized as the head of the government with county commissioners county for all ceremonial purposes. representing five districts as the county’s Every year, Sarasota County governing body. commissions a Citizen Survey. This video gives an overview of the 2012 survey. 2 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
Sarasota County’s Mission, Vision and Values
Values As Sarasota County employees, WE are committed to demonstrating Vision each one of these values at all times. To be the premier community where people choose to live, work RESPECT and play. WE demonstrate mutual respect Mission through our professionalism, courtesy The Mission of Sarasota County and appreciation for diversity. Government is to be the most livable and best managed community ACCOUNTABILITY in the country, providing quality WE are individually and collectively services, programs, and facilities that responsible for our actions as stewards reflect the goals of the community. of the public’s trust.
INTEGRITY WE adhere to ethical principles, demonstrating mutual respect and conducting ourselves with honesty and sincerity.
QUALITY WE take pride in providing quality public service with passion, innovation and excellence.
TEAMWORK WE foster a collaborative environment that values creativity, sharing information and ideas, and working together to solve problems and accomplish goals.
TRUST WE seek mutual purpose, honor commitments, and use our skills, knowledge and abilities in a way that builds confidence and loyalty.
3 www.scgov.net PUBLIC SERVICE MATTERS
A Letter from the County Administrator PUBLIC SERVICE MATTERS
Dear Citizen I am pleased to present to you the Public service matters, because if you 2012 Annual Report, my first as live in Sarasota County, you probably Sarasota County’s Administrator. Over know at least one county employee the past year I have been honored personally. Their children attend to use my leadership experience, as school with yours. They attend the 2012 well as the talents and skills that I same places of worship. They fight the developed over a number of years, fires, keep our community safe, build We consider this the beginning to help benefit an organization for our roads, clear our storm drains, of a new era, in which Sarasota which I’ve held a great deal of respect. protect our water and preserve our County and its citizens can Sarasota County has always been one lands. County employees are a vital create a community that is of the premier counties in Florida. component of the local economy, environmentally, socially and In 2012, we spent considerable and county government direction is economically sustainable. time developing a common set of integral to ensuring an exceptional goals — and values — that mold this quality of life and growing the This is your government, and organization and empower us to local economy. perform for the public the way the our commitment to you, the This report documents what we have public expects. We worked hard citizens of Sarasota County, is to accomplished with our programs and to assure our reputation as a place ensure that you have access to services. It provides accountability and that can compete nationally and demonstrates the value that citizens your government, that we are internationally as a fine place to live, are receiving for their taxpayer dollars. transparent in all our dealings, work and play. and that we create meaningful More than 100 programs exist to protect public health, encourage dialogues throughout the I value public service, as do our employees. Because we deeply believe economic development and support county, about our shared future. in it, the theme of this report is, numerous community organizations. “Public Service Matters.” As the county’s economy maintains Citizens’ first association with that an encouraging but gradual recovery phrase is generally public safety, but from the recession, we have carried public service means immeasurably out a conservative financial strategy more. It encompasses transparency, based on community funding accountability, respectability and priorities for capital projects and integrity in our actions. It is clean air essential programs and services. We ! and water, protection and preservation have maintained adequate reserves of natural lands, community health and to keep the county on firm financial human services. It means safe roads ground and achieved an AAA bond and transportation planning. And rating by Fitch Ratings based on yes, it means keeping property conservative budgeting practices, and individuals safe from damage aggressive budget management, and harm, and restoring both after economic recovery initiatives, strong emergencies and natural disasters. reserves and a low debt burden. 4 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
County Administrator Telling the story Randall H. Reid of Sarasota County
This report begins with an overall look at the Sarasota County budget and how your property tax dollars are spent. We follow that with overviews of how each department All of these actions will prepare has brought value to our community us for an expected influx of new citizens — by one estimate, Florida and performed financially over the will welcome 170,000 new residents past year. Together, they provide a in 2013 and 200,000 the year after. This report is More people will come to Florida available online at snapshot of who we are as a local in 2013 than in 2008, 2009 and www.scgov.net 2010 combined. As an outstanding and contains links to government, and how we serve place to live, work and play, we will videos. You’ll recognize undoubtedly get our share of these this community. new residents, and must focus on them by this graphic. planning wisely for this growth. We consider this the beginning of a new era, in which Sarasota We encourage you County and its citizens can create a to take a moment community that is environmentally, to see in real time socially and economically sustainable. how the community This is your government, and benefits from county our commitment to you, the government initiatives. citizens of Sarasota County, is to ensure that you have access to your government, that we are transparent in all our dealings, and that we create meaningful dialogues throughout the county, about our shared future.
In Public Service,
Randall H. Reid Sarasota County Administrator 5 www.scgov.net PUBLIC SERVICE MATTERS
Sarasota County (Unincorporated) How Your Property Taxes are Allocated
Sarasota County Sarasota County School Board $0.234 Sarasota County General operating revenue for the Sheriff’s Office, $0.344 School (State) Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, Tax $0.247 School (Local) Collector, SCAT, Health and Human Services, Parks, Libraries and other services. $0.018 Sarasota County Debt $0.002 Mosquito Control $0.050 Sarasota County EMS
$0.58 School Total $0.30 County Total
6 58¢ 30¢ 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
Property Tax Allocations Let’s see how our demographics may shape This illustration represents our economic future. the allocation of property tax that is collected from properties located in unincorporated Sarasota County.
The largest portion of 58¢ property taxes (58 cents of every dollar collected) goes to the Sarasota County School Board.
Fiscal Year 12 County government, Sarasota County 30¢ highlighted in blue, receives (Unincorporated) 30 cents of each tax dollar collected. Most goes to support the Sheriff’s Office, Health and Human Services, parks, libraries, public transportation (SCAT) and For illustrative purposes other elected officials. The only. Does not include remaining amount supports Non-Ad Valorem Mosquito Control, Emergency Assessments. Totals include rounding. Services and debt related to the voter-approved Environmentally Sensitive Districts Lands Protection Program. $0.030 Southwest Florida Water Management The smallest portion supports $0.003 West Coast 12¢ various districts, including Inland Navigation those for Southwest Florida $0.083 Sarasota Memorial Water Management, West Hospital Coast Inland Navigation and Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
$0.12 District Total
12¢ 7 www.scgov.net PUBLIC SERVICE MATTERS
Operating Expenditures • Capital Expenditures • Millage Rate Sarasota County Financial Information
Operating Expenditures Financial Information by Business Center Charts Elected Officials, Support Services The charts on this page Appointed Officials 18% represent actual operating and Boards 20% and capital expenditures by Emergency Services business center for Fiscal Year 11% 2012. Capital expenditures Operations and include purchase of land, Environmental Utilities Maintenance 25% construction of buildings, 9% major improvements and construction of basic infrastructure. Operating expenditures are the ongoing costs of providing services and the maintenance and operations of facilities Public Works Planning and and infrastructure. 3% Development Services 6% Health and Human Services Community Services 3% 5% The Operating Expenditures FY12 graphic includes some areas Actual Operating Expenditures that are not included in the $679,488,926 body of this report, such as Environmental Utilities Operations and Maintenance the Elected and Appointed $170,067,829 $58,594,579 Officials (Sheriff, Tax Collector, Elected Officials and Appointed Planning and Development Services Officials and Boards $39,589,231 Property Appraiser, Supervisor $134,323,177 Community Services of Elections and Clerk of the Support Services $37,072,678 Circuit Court and Comptroller). $123,103,821 Health and Human Services Emergency Services $20,608,956 $77,425,040 Public Works $18,703,616 8 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
Capital Expenditures by Business Center
Environmental Utilities FY12 30% Actual Capital Expenditures $95,208,306 Public Works Public Works $38,497,274 41% Community Services Environmental Utilities 27% $28,920,505 Community Services $25,483,410 Enterprise Information Technology $1,294,350 Emergency Services $1,007,625 Health and Human Services $5,142 Emergency Services 1% Enterprise Information Technology 1% FY12 County Operating Millage Rate
6.8065 Sarasota County 7.00 6.2993 6.3668 has one of the lowest millage 5.7771 6.00 rates in the state. 4.9063 4.8751 5.00
3.8400 4.00 3.0744 3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00 Sarasota Brevard Manatee Marion Pasco Polk Seminole Volusia 9 www.scgov.net PUBLIC WORKS
Capital Projects Construction • Traffic Engineering Public Works In late 2012, Public Works was designated Capital Assets. The term Public Works is used in this report to reflect the department’s alignment to the Fiscal Year 2012 budget.
The new SCAT Cattlemen Transfer Station will complement a future 911/Emergency Operations Center.
The most satisfying part of the job • Conducted 11 fixed span Capital Projects is to see children playing in the bridge inspections. • Oversaw an estimated 140 projects, parks we provide, or walking on • Designed and engineered a from design through construction. the roads that we’ve built. We’re five-year pavement management • Managed 85% of projects doing something that was largely program that considers current on schedule. and future pavement conditions, unheard of, and many people Met 88% of project milestones cost-effective maintenance and • thought couldn’t be done. (design, advertise/bid/award, rehabilitation strategies. and substantial completion) ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Conducted bicycle safety education on schedule. for approximately 600 children. Traffic Engineering • Averaged a customer satisfaction Implemented Phase 1 of the Managed 137 bridges, 2,328 • rating of 3.13 (out of 4) from citizens • Advanced Traffic Management lane miles of roads, more than with recently completed capital System (ATMS), which upgraded 150 38,000 road signs, 237 signalized projects in their neighborhoods. signal cabinets and installed 120 new intersections and 5,050 street lights. Held 14 public meetings, six traffic signals, more than 90 traffic • ribbon-cutting ceremonies, one • Documented detour routes monitoring TV cameras, Bluetooth groundbreaking ceremony and for all the county’s bridges to travel time sensors (for incident 32 mailings or automated calls aid navigation if unforeseen detection) and redundant fiber on The to provide project information circumstances close a structure for Legacy Trail to support emergency and status updates to citizens in an extended period of time. communications and reduce recurring impacted neighborhoods. communications costs. Major Projects Honore Avenue This $35 million project constructed 2.65 miles of two-lane road (.85 miles of new roadway). Key features include roundabouts, sidewalks, bike lanes, LED lighting and new drainage and stormwater improvements utilizing low impact development (LID) components. Ed Smith Stadium Clubhouse In partnership with the Baltimore Orioles, the spring training facilities at the Ed Smith Sports Complex were renovated and enhanced to create a 35,000 square-foot state-of-the-art clubhouse including batting cages, pitching mounds, player development areas and parking. The Honore Avenue extension created 10 a new north/south corridor for 941.861.5000 Sarasota County. 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
FY2012 Actual Operating Expenditures
Capital Traffic Engineering Projects 65% Construction 35%
SCAT Cattlemen Transfer Station This chart reflects Fiscal Year 2012 This $2.6 million intermodal transfer actual operating expenditures. facility is located at the site of the future 911/Emergency Operations ! PUBLIC WORKS Facility at 1301 Cattlemen Road. It accommodates multiple buses $18,703,616 and features a covered platform for OVERVIEW PUBLIC WORKS plans, patrons, restroom facilities, ticket Traffic Engineering maintains and operates vending and an interior facility for $12,165,095 operators. Each bus parking bay has the county’s multi-modal Capital Projects Construction electrical and data connections for transportation system $6,538,521 emergency command trailers and/ for vehicles, bicycles and or mobile offices in the event of a pedestrians. It also manages disaster for overflow from the new the county’s $1 billion capital 911/Emergency Operations Center projects program. facility to be constructed nearby.
One of 2012’s most impressive capital construction improvements was the 11 renovation of Selby Library. www.scgov.net PUBLIC WORKS
Selby Library Remodel Key features of the remodel to this 14-year-old facility include a new HVAC system, a new Teen Center, state-of-the-art automated materials handling systems, and new carpets, furniture and interior paint. Phillippi Creek Septic Sewer Replacement Program Areas D1 through D3 Completed a major phase of the program to replace septic with central sewer in the Phillippi Creek Area, resulting in approximately 1,450 new connections to the central sewer system. Park and Beach Amenity Improvements One of Sarasota County’s most utilized public libraries is growing up. Gulf Gate Library (artist rendering above) is expanding to two stories with automated Caspersen Beach book check-in and sorting, improved parking, larger meeting rooms and Constructed American Institute of Architecture Award-winning enhanced technology. restrooms to replace failing facilities Gulf Gate Library Bee Ridge Road East and increase capacity. Finalized design and permitting to Design to reconstruct and widen this Manasota Beach replace the outdated, single-story, east county corridor to four lanes Constructed a new restroom with 17,200 square-foot library to an (for 1.7 miles) and enhance a two- improved ADA access, emergency expanded two-story facility with lane portion for .9 miles should be treatment room for lifeguards, beach automated book check-in and sorting, complete in early 2013. Improvements showers and outdoor seating. improved parking and landscaping, will include landscaping, bike Celery Fields Boardwalk larger meeting rooms, enhanced lanes, sidewalks, LED lighting, LID Completed one of two boardwalk technology and stormwater stormwater features, signalization, and nature observation areas at the management facilities. Construction roundabouts, and milling and site of the Celery Fields Regional is scheduled to begin in 2013. resurfacing. This $31.2 million project Stormwater Facility. Siesta Public Beach should begin construction in 2014. Beach Access 12 Boardwalk Completed 60% design review with North Cattlemen Road and Improved shoreline to enhance boat final design completion expected in the Aquatic Nature Center at and pedestrian access to water on mid-2013. Planned improvements Benderson Park Siesta Key. include expanded concessions The project to extend North Cattlemen Nokomis Beach and parking, renovated restrooms, Road from Fruitville Road to University Renovated restrooms and boardwalks. gazebos, updated playground Parkway is expected to be complete by and picnic areas and a pedestrian February 2013. Parallel to the road is Red Bug Slough esplanade. Construction is expected the ongoing construction site for the Nature Preserve to take 27 months. Aquatic Nature Center at Benderson Constructed a new restroom. New 911/Emergency Park — a project to construct a world South Lido Beach Operations Center class, 2,000-meter rowing facility and Rebuilt the existing nature trail and Schematic design is under way for park amenities. boardwalks using environmentally the new facility, which will include friendly materials. Opposite page, top left: The sleek, ultra- a new communications tower and modern restrooms at Caspersen Beach. Longwood Park be able to withstand a Category 5 Top right: a Menzi Muck at work dredging Miracle League ball field hurricane (200 mph winds) and fresh routes for the Benderson Park In partnership with the Miracle remain operational for 72 hours post League of Manasota, constructed a event. Construction is expected to be rowing facility. Bottom right: A boardwalk ball field for children and adults with complete by 2014. will guide visitors through the Celery special needs and abilities. Fields Regional Stormwater Facility. 12 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
13 www.scgov.net COMMUNITY SERVICES Parks and Recreation • Libraries Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension • Historical Resources Neighborhood Services • Natural Resources It’s amazing. Anyone may enter the public library. Anyone with access to a computer may enjoy Community the resources of our virtual library– and once a person gets connected, Services the possibilities are endless.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Installed a new canopy at OVERVIEW Parks and Recreation Englewood Sports Complex COMMUNITY SERVICES baseball field. is comprised of six business • Held a large variety of special Installed six new playgrounds at centers. Parks and Recreation, events for seniors, adults • and children. Pinecraft Park, Newtown Estates along with Natural Resources, Park, Englewood Recreation Center, Served more than 3,700 provides educational and • Laurel Park, Shamrock Park and children through school break recreational opportunities Tuscano Park. recreation programs. while preserving the county’s Renovated five soccer fields at 17th Increased attendance at all • natural and cultural resources. • Street Soccer, Narramore Soccer county beaches, including Libraries provides equal access Field, Venice Wellfield Soccer and Siesta Beach, Dr. Beach’s No. 1 to information and resources Glebe Park Soccer. beach in America. to support community Installed new bleachers at the Miss Hosted a full range of regattas • discussion and lifelong • Sarasota Softball field. learning. Sarasota County at Benderson Park that attracted thousands to Sarasota County. • Installed new shade structures UF/IFAS Extension provides at Babe Ruth and Englewood Enhanced parks marketing information and hands-on • Sports Complex. learning opportunities about through website improvements and interpretive signage. • Converted a little league field to a agriculture, natural resources, girls softball field. sustainability, nutrition, youth • Acquired additions to Merkle Park and Lemon Bay Park. • Hired new staff at Payne Park Tennis development and other topics. Center and began working on Continued work on the Historical Resources maintains • programming improvements. the tools to help people bid to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships. • Coordinated more than 50 user understand and preserve the groups on 100 athletic fields Opened Tuscano Park in Venice. heritage of Sarasota County. • throughout the county. ! Kick start your heart at one of Sarasota County’s pristine beach parks. 14 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
FY2012 Actual Operating Expenditures
These lands are your lands, from bustling Pinecraft Park to the boardwalk Libraries Parks and 26% overlooking a tranquil Recreation Sarasota Bay. 50% Natural Resources 14%
Cooperative Extension Historical 3% Neighborhoods Resources 6% 1% This chart reflects Fiscal Year 2012 actual operating expenditures. Community Services $36,526,594 Parks and Recreation $18,224,541 Libraries $9,604,249 Natural Resources $5,121,228 Neighborhoods $2,232,422 Cooperative Extension $913,913 Historical Resources $430,241
• Approximately 4,500 acres of parkland • 150 parks with 113 athletic fields • 14 public beaches, including one public beach campground, 35 miles of beach shoreline and 6.5 million visitors to our beaches • 25 miles of paved trails and approximately 75 miles of unpaved trails • More than 2,500 volunteers with over 100,000 hours worked
15 www.scgov.net photo courtesy visitsarasota.org COMMUNITY SERVICES
Libraries • Partnered with the Baltimore • Continued to bring University of Orioles for a second year to offer Florida research and services to • 2,756,237 visitors the Big League Reader Program, the community, including a grant (9,000-plus per day) which gives children ages 6–18 from National Sea Grant to support • 19,792 library cards issued the opportunity to attend a major coastal planning initiatives. (380 per week) league baseball Spring Training • Hosted the Post-9J5 Planning • 3,098,483 items borrowed game at Ed Smith Stadium. As a Conference with nationally result, 165 children read 495 books, 870,972 website visits recognized speakers. • an increase of 160% over 2011. • 164,357 attendance at • Acquired visualization software 4,222 library programs • Established the Library Foundation through a grant to better for Sarasota County. • 90,656 attendance at facilitate public workshops/ 4,973 community group meetings • Hosted the first Band Bash at the meetings involving contentious new Selby Teen Center, an event 85,750 volunteer hours community issues. • “by teens, for teens” that featured local rock bands. Neighborhood Services • Received the 2012 Florida Library • Continued “One Book/One • Organized National Night Association’s Library of the Year Community,” an initiative to Out Against Crime for more award. The award recognized encourage everyone in the than 2,000 attendees. our ability to deliver a diverse community to read the same Completed community projects range of services to customers • book. Activities included book in North Sarasota, including while adapting to challenging discussions, author programs, sidewalks, traffic calming and budget scenarios. community forums, arts events, street improvements. Completed the Selby Library and a partnership project with All • Completed drainage improvements renovation, which included a new Faith’s Food Bank that resulted in • and a Legacy Trail connection in Teen Center, installation of an the contribution of hundreds of Laurel Park. Automated Materials Handling pounds of food items. System, and reconfiguration of • Granted $120,850 to county service delivery points to adapt to Sarasota County neighborhoods. the reduction in library staff. UF/IFAS Extension • Graduated the 600th citizen in • Opened the Osprey Library at • Supported the local food system Civics 101. Historic Spanish Point, modeled movement with classes including • Finalized financial plans and broke after “connections” style libraries. Chickens 101, canning and food ground on construction of an The service offers access to the preservation, and contemplative $8 million CRA Low-Impact Design library system’s entire collection food gardening. (LID) and redevelopment project. while honoring the rich character • Began the Sustainable Floridians • Facilitated public meetings for of the historic setting. Ambassador Program to engage controversial public projects • eBook circulations increased citizens in becoming champions such as utility line extension, 44% over 2011. for sustainability. road construction and land • Celebrated the 10th anniversary • Offered free irrigation system use planning. of Fruitville Library and the 50th evaluations to help households Historical Resources anniversary of Elsie Quirk Library. save money and water. • Coordinated a conservation and • Launched Master Money Mentors inventory project spanning six training in financial mentoring decades of Sarasota film records. and basic money management, in Catalogued the Jack West partnership with United Way. • architectural archive. The project • Created a new 4-H County was recognized with a Florida Trust Association and Master Gardener for Historic Preservation grant. Chapter of Friends of Sarasota Dedicated three new historical County Parks for enhanced • markers in the community. volunteer services. • Nominated the first archaeological site to the Sarasota County Local Register of Historic Places. 16 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
From the ground up: Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension encourages locally grown and sustainably managed produce, while Libraries bring the wonder of learning to all ages, and Historical Resources celebrates the roots of our community. 17 www.scgov.net COMMUNITY SERVICES
Natural Resources • Implemented a cattle grazing program injected $8.9 million into the local economy and created an Identified 5,377 sea turtle nests on plan on county-owned land in • estimated 92 jobs through direct county beaches, exceeding the collaboration with the USDA and indirect economic impact. previous high recorded in 1998 by and a local rancher. Expanded nearly 30%. partnerships on additional county • An Energy Upgrade education lands are under development. campaign reached more than Enhanced tree canopy by requiring • 4,500 residents, providing the planting of 7,025 trees, and • Partnered with the Florida clear steps to achieving home protected 6,878 others through Forest Service to restore pine energy savings. development review. Protected flatwoods on two sites as part 14 grand trees. of the state’s wildfire mitigation • Launched the Energy Economic program. Reducing the overgrown Zone in partnership with the The Environmental Policy Task • vegetation allowed prescribed Office of Economic Development, Force, a multi-disciplinary group fire to be applied on one site that providing new incentives for of stakeholders, reported final hadn’t been safely treated in more clean technology and green recommendations relating than 25 years. businesses to create jobs in to the conservation of native Sarasota County. habitats and wildlife to the Sustainability Sarasota County Commission. • Received a grant to install nine Implemented the Get Energy electric vehicle charging stations Managed the cleanup of 85 • • Smart Retrofit Program that has at county facilities to facilitate petroleum contaminated sites. reached 2,239 county households local residents’ transition to Fully restored 14 sites to conditions through rebates and loans for electric transportation. considered safe for the public home energy improvements. The and environment, bringing • Completed a grant-funded grant-funded program provided these properties back to their full 54-kilowatt solar photovoltaic more than $1.3 million in rebates economic potential. demonstration project at the and resulted in $5.5 million in Sarasota County Operations Installed state-of-the-art air • business for local contractors. The Center that is estimated to save monitoring equipment for accurate $7,900 annually in taxpayer reporting of air quality. dollars for building electricity. Distributed more than 300 rain • Facilitated a series of energy barrels, bringing the total to more • saving measures in facilities than 1,600 since the program’s throughout the county, inception in 2009. Partnered including lighting retrofits, with Sarasota County UF/IFAS windows, heating and cooling Extension to develop a rain barrel improvements, plug load program that trains users to harvest reductions and comprehensive rainwater, diverting potentially energy audits that will result polluting stormwater runoff from in significant energy and cost entering local water bodies. savings into the future. Managed 50,000 acres of county- • Certified a total of 118 owned environmental lands, and • Sarasota County employees protected 17,000 acres through as Green Champions of conservation easements. sustainability practices. • Provided more than 180 free nature walks, 60% of which were led by volunteers.
Saving for a rainy day: In 2012, Natural Resources continued its successful partnership with Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension to bring rain barrels to the community, and to train users how to harvest their own rainwater. 18 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
Sarasota County is leading the way in policies and public outreach programs that preserve the future of precious energy sources, as well as native wildlife — like the majestic loggerhead sea turtle and Florida scrub-jay — and the habitats that support them. 19 www.scgov.net HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health • Mosquito Management • Human Services In 2012, we brought in over $20 million in [Veterans Assistance] claims. We came up with a number Health and of ways to battle prescription drug misuse in this community…and drastically reduced the number of pain clinics. We’ve had a lot of calls Human Services from other states and counties to see what we did here.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Received grant funding for the • Launched the Healthy Sarasota • Funded more than 100 programs Ringling Health Center and the County initiative to prevent and serving 125,000 county residents. Child Health Center from the treat obesity. U.S. Department of Health and Reduced the county’s Medicaid and • Received a score of 102.69% • Human Services Health Resources nursing home billings from $6.4 for quality efforts and effective and Service Administration. This million to $3 million. oversight from the annual public funding went toward medical care drinking water program audit Assisted military veterans and their • providers and support staff, along from the Florida Department of families in obtaining $20 million in with mental health and substance Environmental Protection. new benefits. abuse services. Partnered with the School District Helped Sarasota County • • • Provided more than $4.3 million and Florida Blue Cross and Blue physicians lead the way in the of healthy foods to low- and Shield to provide North Port number of registrants in the moderate-income women, Elementary School second graders statewide Prescription Drug infants and children through the free dental care. Monitoring Program through WIC program. the “SafeRX Campaign for • Hosted “Addictions 101” forums in Expanded Mosquito Management’s Responsible Prescriptions.” • north and south county. partnership with Cooperative • Facilitated the collaborative • Centralized all vaccine purchasing Extension Services to promote the and distribution, significantly development of a regional health use of environmentally friendly improvement plan involving increasing vaccine accountability pest management policies and and decreasing vaccine waste and CEOs from 12 hospitals and educational opportunities. administrators from four county monetary loss. health departments.
20 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
FY2012 Actual Operating Expenditures
Human Services 73%
Health Mosquito Department Management 16% 11% (county-funded)
This chart reflects Fiscal Year 2012 actual operating expenditures. It only illustrates the county’s contribution. Health and Human Services is also funded by the State of Florida.
Starting young, Health and Human Services with initiatives like $20,608,955 “Healthy Sarasota.” Human Services $14,983,219 Sarasota County’s sentinel chicken Health Department (county contribution to Health Department) program comes $3,266,953 out fighting Mosquito Management against mosquito- $2,358,783 borne disease.
Free and low-cost medical services provide the vital care that every citizen deserves.!
HEALTH AND HUMAN OVERVIEW SERVICES protects and promotes the health of all Sarasota County residents through clinical services, disease control, environmental health, human services, veterans’ services, mosquito management services and disaster preparedness.
21 www.scgov.net ENVIRONMENTAL UTILITIES
Utilities • Stormwater • Solid Waste • Water Resources Environmental Utilities
ACCOMPLISHMENTS Expanded capacity at the Central
OVERVIEW • ENVIRONMENTAL Utilities County Wastewater Reclamation Facility to 4.8 MGD (millions of UTILITIES uses innovative Provided water service to more • gallons per day). approaches to provide water, than 80,000 customer accounts. wastewater, stormwater Improved odor control for the Provided sewer service to more • • wastewater collection system to and solid waste services to than 50,000 customer accounts. areas of Sarasota County, reduce corrosive gas emissions. Maintained a plan to supply water while ensuring a high • Replaced the Bee Ridge force main. to customers through 2050. • level of environmental Completed plans to decommission Produced the annual Drinking • protection and, in some • the Oak Ford Treatment Plant. Water Quality Report for Sarasota areas, environmental County Utilities customers. • Began a manual meter reading restoration. Services are program to ensure the accuracy of Installed two new production wells available 24/7, 365 days • radio-read meters. at the Carlton Water Treatment a year. This program has Facility wellfield with the aid and • Completed mandatory sewer reduced pollution loading to participation of SWFWMD. connection notifications in the our bays and estuaries, so Philippi Creek Septic System Upgraded the Venice Gardens that there is now the same • Replacement Program for areas Water Treatment Facility generator to D1, D2 and N1, of approximately level of sea grass coverage improve standby power availability. in our bays as was here in 1,700 properties. Upgraded computerized the 1950s — improving the • Increased enrollment in the control systems at the Carlton • CodeRED early alert program by quality of our waterways Water Treatment Facility and more than 4,000 citizens. that we depend on for University Wellfield. economic growth. !
Water works — making sure your water supply is safe and reliable.
22 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
FY2012 Actual Operating Expenditures [In 2012] our programs diverted almost 1.9 million pounds of material from landfill disposal. We’ve saved over $20,000 through our reuse program, Utilities Solid Waste and we’ve continued to service 65% 25% over 10,000 customers…and another 20,000 through curbside collection of electronics and oil. Stormwater 10%
Stormwater • Maintained a high level of Water Resources residential flood protection, with 0.3% no structure flooding and minimal street flooding. This chart reflects Fiscal Year 2012 • Made it possible for flood insurance actual operating expenditures. policy holders to enjoy a 25% premium discount, by maintaining Environmental Utilities a FEMA Community Service $168,391,667 Class 5 Rating. Utilities • Closed funding assessments for $108,545,660 eight drainage basins, resulting in Solid Waste tax credits to some property owners. $41,830,452 Created a draft low-impact Stormwater • Innovations development manual to enhance $17,463,663 existing stormwater management in stormwater Water Resources measures and reduce the adverse management $551,892 impacts of land development prevent structure projects on the county’s flooding while natural resources. increasing wetlands for local birds and wildlife.
23 www.scgov.net ENVIRONMENTAL UTILITIES
Solid Waste • Helped transform the county’s • Expanded the Keep Sarasota • Collected household garbage from previous landfill to a recreational County Beautiful program to 145,940 residential units and 6,496 area for radio controlled airplanes the adoption of roadways, parks commercial units in unincorporated and abundant wildlife, including and ponds. In 2012, the annual Sarasota County. The cities of North many species of birds, deer, hogs International Coastal Cleanup Port, Venice and Sarasota also and the Florida alligator. attracted a record number of more transport municipal garbage to the • Provided limited hazardous waste than 2,000 volunteers. landfill for burial. The landfill is in collection for qualifying businesses, • Began development of a Landfill a property that is surrounded by and collected hazardous residential Gas to Energy project that will 7,150 acres of pinelands preserve. waste, successfully recycling convert landfill gas (more commonly • Helped extend the expected some materials back to the public known as methane) to electricity. lifespan of Phase I of the landfill through the Re-Uz-It Shop. Nearly The project has the potential to from eight to 13 years through 1.9 million pounds of special wastes produce enough electricity to power improved compaction methods and (including household hazardous approximately 2,000 homes and an aggressive recycling program materials, used oil, computers should be in full operation by 2014. that has diverted more than 40% of and televisions) were recycled or Water Resources residential waste annually for the processed into alternative fuels. Collaborated with Florida Fish last four years. Also, through safe collection • methods focused at the waste and Wildlife researchers to install hauler and the resident, diverted continuous monitoring meters in 5,000 pounds of lancets and New Pass and Venice Inlet. needles from the landfill. • Completed the design of the first phase of the Dona Bay restoration.
24 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
Waste not: Sarasota County’s older landfill has been converted into a popular family park, complete with its own remote control airplane field, while the new landfill is surrounded by more than 7,000 acres of pinelands preserve.
25 www.scgov.net EMERGENCY SERVICES
Emergency Management • Fire/EMS • Lifeguard Operations • Public Safety Communications We save lives, we protect property, but we’ve also had people who vacuumed the carpets after a spill, Emergency who have taken care of pets. We get cards and letters all the time telling us what a big difference we Services made in their lives.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Enhanced radio communications Emergency Management by installing a “mobile” repeating • Implemented ARC360, a system in command units. web-enabled damage assessment • Increased the water carrying tool to coordinate preliminary capacity for the Sheriff helicopter storm damage assessments for more effective brush fire control. for the county and • All line Battalion Chiefs became surrounding municipalities. Incident Safety Officers to enhance • Renewed the National Weather the safety of firefighters. Service’s “Storm Ready” designation Lifeguard Operations for Sarasota County until 2015. Entered into a Memorandum of Conducted a countywide • • Understanding with the Town of functional tornado exercise. Longboat Key for water emergency Fire/EMS response in the waters in and • Recognized the following around New Pass. exceptional service: Public Safety Communications • 36 Unit Citations • Completed Phase II of the • 4 Medals of Honor 800-MHz radio system • 5 EMT, Paramedic, frequency reconfiguration. Firefighter, and Officer • Completed an upgrade to the of Quarter awards 911 dispatch center’s computer- • 76 Phoenix Awards for aided dispatch software, network, Red E. Fox and friends 15 cardiac arrest survivors desktop computers and mobile data system. — emergency officials • Received a $55,000 state grant understand that youth to upgrade EMS operations • Upgraded 911 call taking outreach is one of throughout Sarasota County. technology to a multimode network that increases reliability our most valuable Completed a biannual medical • and decreases potential downtime. tools to building protocol update to reflect the most strong communities. current treatment methods. • Replaced mobile data terminal software with an enhanced version to improve response abilities. • Implemented GPS-based traffic signal preemption for reduced response times and increased safety.
26 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
FY2012 Actual Operating Expenditures
Fire/EMS 90%
Emergency Lifeguards Public Safety Management 3% Communications 1% 6% ! This chart reflects Fiscal Year 2012 actual operating expenditures. Emergency Services
OVERVIEW $77,425,040 EMERGENCY SERVICES provides four key areas of public Fire/EMS safety: Emergency Management, $69,992,193 Fire/EMS, Lifeguard Operations Public Safety Communications and Public Safety Communications. $4,393,454 Emergency Services are provided Lifeguards $2,053,737 24 hours a day, seven Emergency Management days a week. Public Safety $985,656 Communications operates the 911/Dispatch Communications Center, the 800-MHz Public Safety Radio System and the Citizen’s Call Center (861-5000). Fire and EMS services are provided directly to our citizens from fire stations strategically located throughout the unincorporated county and surrounding municipalities. Lifeguards supervise six public beaches and one public pool. In a declared emergency, the Emergency Management staff coordinates planning, response, recovery and mitigation operations.
27 www.scgov.net PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Planning Services • Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) • Zoning Land Development and Survey and Mapping • Permitting and Building Inspections Office of Housing and Community Development • Code Enforcement Planning and Development Services
• Processed nine amendments to the • Investigated more than 6,600 cases OVERVIEW PLANNING AND Comprehensive Plan. that resulted in a 91% voluntary DEVELOPMENT SERVICES • Coordinated the development of a compliance rate. provides unincorporated proposed Transfer of Development • Boarded up or demolished Sarasota County with land Rights (TDR) Pilot Program to 29 unfit or unsafe structures; planning, zoning, land inventory county-owned property saw an additional 41 properties that may be available for sale. brought into compliance by development, survey/ property owners. mapping, permitting and • Continued processing the “Fruitville building inspections, code Initiative,” a planned mixed-use infill Land Development Services zone district. enforcement, Sarasota County and Survey and Mapping Area Transit (SCAT) service, Zoning • Increased electronic submittals by and administration of the • Established unified enforcement external consultants. Office of Housing and methods, goals, paperwork, • Mapped all the county’s Community Development. procedures and objectives with stormwater assets. other jurisdictions within Sarasota Permitting and and Manatee counties. Building Inspections Provided 12,184 members of the ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Created an online permitting community with zoning and land • application process. Planning Services use information. 65% of all over-the-counter permits • Developed and distributed a series Reviewed and approved 6,933 • • previously issued in person are now of Demographic Profile Reports construction/building permits. highlighting recent demographic issued online. Maintained an average turnaround changes in aging, employment, • Completed 99% of all inspections time of five working days or less for • education, income and growth. on time. permit reviews. Partnered with Sarasota County Streamlined and consolidated • Processed 13 zoning code revisions • Openly Plans for Excellence • application packages, reducing the and text amendment revisions. (SCOPE) to develop an online number of pages for single-family Community Data Collaborative Code Enforcement homes from 52 to 21. demographic/statistical research ·• Provided weekend, early morning • Streamlined signage permitting tool for residents. and after-hours field inspections process, eliminating unnecessary • Processed the approval of the throughout the county. requirements and reducing sign Grand Palm Development of • Removed 312 tons of debris permit fees by $67.50. Critical Concern, a 1,999 residential from neighborhoods through 10 • Implemented an extensive public unit mixed-use development. community cleanups. education campaign to alert • Reviewed 18 rezone and special • Removed more than 12,600 illegal property owners about the dangers exception applications with an signs from county rights of way. of using unlicensed contractors. average processing length of four months (including public hearings). 28 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
Office Of Housing And FY2012 Actual Operating Expenditures Community Development (OHCD) • Acquired 21 foreclosed properties through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Fully SCAT renovated nine, and sold or rented 61% those to income-eligible citizens. Renovations have begun on 12 of those. • Provided rental assistance to 22 households. • Completed 14 home rehabilitation projects. Zoning Permitting and Provided financial assistance to 140 2% • Building Inspections households through a Homeless Code Enforcement 9% Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing 4% Planning Services Recovery Act grant. 4% • Administered a Utility Connection Land Development Assistance program that enabled 4% 71 households to connect to the Office of Housing and Community Development county’s sewer system. In 2012, Sarasota! 16% • Created 68 new housing units and County launched a This chart reflects Fiscal Year 2012 10,500 square feet of retail space major initiative to actual operating expenditures. at Phase 2 of Janie’s Gardens, alert property owners in conjunction with the City to the dangers Planning and Development Services of Sarasota and the Sarasota of unlicensed $38,682,291 Housing Authority. contractors and SCAT • The 2011 Consolidated Plan with the unpermitted repairs. $23,398,710 City of Sarasota was approved by the Office of Housing and Sarasota County Commission. Community Development $6,106,130 Permitting and Building Inspections $3,585,731 Planning Services $1,725,246 Land Development $1,577,140 Code Enforcement $1,536,717 Zoning $752,617
We’ve made great inroads in the use of technology. Online permitting now accounts for over 60% of all the permits that customers used to have to go to the counter to receive. 29 www.scgov.net SARASOTA COUNTY AREA TRANSIT Sarasota County Area Transit
ACCOMPLISHMENTS (bringing the total shelter number
OVERVIEW to 131), and obtained funding to Sarasota County Area Transit SARASOTA COUNTY purchase five vehicles to be used (SCAT) AREA TRANSIT on existing routes on Siesta Key, Sarasota County’s transit service is a Longboat Key and Lido Key. bargain. Just ask the nearly 10,000 FLEET INVENTORY passengers who use more than 2,000 Fixed Route SCAT participates in regional and bus stops every day. SCAT operates state organizations that promote 42 standard diesel buses • 26 routes, 17 hourly and five every 30 public transit and transportation • 20 hybrid buses minutes. In 2012, SCAT implemented master planning. The Tampa Bay Area SCAT TRAC, an online, real-time bus Regional Transportation Authority Express Route schedule and delay tracking system (TBARTA) has prepared a Master Plan • 8 commuter diesel buses to its Google Transit Trip Planner for showing public transportation linking easy, online bus schedule planning. the Sarasota-Manatee area with the Paratransit It also completed construction of Tampa-St. Petersburg area. TBARTA • 48 diesel buses Phase I of the North Port Park and has endorsed the North South Bus Ride lot, constructed 13 bus stop Rapid Transit (BRT) Project. TRANSFER STATIONS shelters and one pad in North Port • Gulf Gate Pavilion 6505 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • Cattlemen Intermodal Transfer Station 5951 Porter Way, Sarasota • Downtown Sarasota Transfer Station 1545 First St., Sarasota • Historic Venice Train Depot 303 E. Venice Ave., Venice ! 30 941.861.5000 We’ve got your 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT ticket to ride. Just hitch up your bike and hop on the bus. Special Features We make a difference in this society… Pedal and Ride we are not only contributing to the SCAT buses are equipped with bike economic development of Sarasota racks to transport two riders’ standard County, but by encouraging people to sized bikes. utilize public transportation, we are encouraging healthy habits. Veterans Transit Services SCAT offers veterans daily transportation (Monday-Friday) to two Services out-of-county medical facilities: Bay • Fixed Route: Operated 42 Pines VA Healthcare System in Bay fixed route buses; three Commuter Pines; and James A. Haley Veterans’ Express buses; 23 paratransit vehicles; Hospital in Tampa. This service is and 26 contract-operated paratransit provided from six pick-up and drop-off vehicles. Provided nearly 2.9 million points in Sarasota County. fixed-route trips and 173,058 paratransit trips. Security • Express Route: Limited stop All SCAT vehicles are equipped with service from the City of North video surveillance cameras, and security Port to downtown Sarasota cameras are being installed at all via Interstate 75. The specially transfer stations. Operators are trained designed suburban buses are annually regarding safety and CPR. equipped with streaming video and electric outlets. The route Community Disasters is designed to meet commuting SCAT is considered a second-tier needs of several large employers, First Responder Agency, supporting including Doctor’s Hospital and Emergency Management by evacuating Sarasota Memorial Hospital, as well the general public and those with special as downtown Sarasota businesses needs to shelters when necessary, and and offices. To accommodate more providing emergency transportation to riders, the Florida Department of Find schedules victims during weather events or other Transportation is funding a future and route emergency conditions. Park and Ride lot adjacent to the information fast Google Transit City of North Port’s City Hall. from your phone. Google Maps, a popular online • Paratransit: Providing external mapping website, now seamlessly door-to-door transportation introduces SCAT transit information to services to the transportation- riders. Bus stop/station icons appear on disadvantaged and Americans the Google map, and a “Public Transit” with disabilities. link appears as an alternative if the • Regional: Joint operation search is for driving directions. of two routes, Route 99 (Palmetto) and Route 18 Shelters (Longboat Key) with 13 bus stop shelters and one pad neighboring Manatee installed in North Port using FDOT County Area Transit. Route 99 ARRA funds. provides 30-minute service from downtown Sarasota, Park and Ride Lot north to the City of Palmetto In connection with the Express Route in Manatee County. Route service, the Florida Department of 18 (Newtown-U.S. 301) Transportation is funding a Park and Ride serves southern Manatee lot adjacent to the City of North Port’s County, connecting to MCAT City Hall. Construction is scheduled to be on Old U.S. 301 (15th St. E). completed by early 2013. 31 www.scgov.net ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Our purpose this year was to look at creating more jobs and diversifying our economy. We’ve done a lot of good Economic things, but we’re looking to do more. Next year promises to be even bigger Development and better.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS In 2012, Sarasota County
OVERVIEW • SARASOTA COUNTY’S • Our newest community committed more than $428,000 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT e-newsletter is dedicated to to help increase film and TEAM was created to enhance economic development. entertainment-related production in Sarasota County, resulting and maintain relationships To date, the Economic Development • in a nearly $3 million return on and opportunities so that Incentive Program has allocated investment in sales related to nearly $5.9 million to 30 businesses our community and business those projects. partners can thrive. In 2012, that have created 1,389 jobs paying Worked with CareerEdge, a Sarasota County was selected an average wage of $31,715. The • companies have committed to workforce development agency, by the state of Florida as one creating a total of 2,420 jobs. to develop a skills gap survey that of two locations for the Energy identified anticipated workforce More than $20,000 has been used Economic Zone Pilot Program. • needs of area manufacturers. Then to support sports tourism events like This designation will allow the convened a working group of the Offshore Grand Prix Boat Races county to incentivize clean community stakeholders, including and the Rev 3 Triathlon. technology and green businesses the Sarasota County School and cultivate green economic Board and SCTI, the Economic development. It will also Development Corporation of encourage renewable electric Sarasota County, Sarasota Area energy generation and promote Manufacturers Association, local Chambers of Commerce, Suncoast the manufacturing of products Workforce Board, area institutions that contribute to energy of higher learning, employers and conservation and green jobs. local municipalities, to develop and implement the model. !
Our temperate climate is making Sarasota County a hotbed of clean and green energy technologies. 32 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
Sarasota County’s cash rebate incentive program reimburses projects for a percentage of their qualified spending here. “The great thing about Sarasota County [is their] incentive for rebates... so that’s a wonderful incentive for any filmmaker to come here for.” -Stratton Leopold, Producer, Parker, Mission Impossible 3, Wolfman
Start your economic engines! In 2012, Sarasota County fueled events like the Offshore Grand Prix and Rev 3 Triathlon with more than $20,000. Local manufacturers and outside film companies benefited from other incentives as well.
What success looks like Millennium Coating, LLC, a subsidiary of ASO, LLC, received a 10-year Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption of 70% on qualifying real property and tangible personal property. In return, Millennium will construct a new $7 million facility in Sarasota County, creating 14 new jobs with an average wage of $40,581. The new facility will allow parent company ASO to expand, creating a commitment for 35 new jobs.
33 www.scgov.net OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Horticulture • Facilities • Fleet • Field Services
Field Services! Much of this division’s work goes unnoticed, Operations and but it is invaluable to maintaining our superior quality of life in Maintenance Sarasota County.
Facilities • Replaced seven gasoline-fueled OPERATIONS AND OVERVIEW Facilities Maintenance implemented a vehicles with electric vehicles and a MAINTENANCE variety of cost-cutting, energy-saving third hybrid bucket truck. consists of Field Services, measures in 2012: • Completed fiber optic networking Horticulture, Facilities and • Replaced 17 air conditioning of the county’s four fuel sites. Fleet. It is responsible for systems with equipment having • Significantly reduced fuel providing quality and timely a higher SEER (seasonal energy consumption and emissions by maintenance, expanding efficiency ratio) of 19. replacing two large 2-1/2 ton the life cycle performance of • Installed variable frequency drives military brush trucks with Ford infrastructure, using energy at four locations to allow powering F550- vehicles. resources responsibly, and down of operating systems during • Continued the practice of replacing optimizing the use of space off-peak hours. gasoline-fueled vehicles with and the size and use of the • Replaced traditional bulbs with hybrids when practical. county’s vehicle fleet. more energy-efficient LED and • Moved Emergency Services induction lighting at nine parking vehicles to 98% LED lighting, and lots, one warehouse, three continued to replace traditional gymnasiums, two fleet location vehicle light bulbs with LED ACCOMPLISHMENTS bays, one fire station bay and four lighting when available. Horticulture interior offices. • Replaced two EMS military • Planted 27 trees in Englewood • Installed a fan-powered air curtain vehicles with smaller fuel-efficient along Dearborn Street and 13 to reduce the loss of cool air at one brush trucks. Bald Cypress as part of the North facility’s main entrance. Minimized the contamination, Sarasota Enhancement Project. • • Modified or upgraded building recovery and environmental impact • Planted new retention pond at automation systems at four of spills by converting all existing 24th Street and Booker Street as locations to monitor and control assets used around waterways to mitigation for removal of a Grand ventilation, lighting and security. environmentally friendly mineral oil live oak at another new pond site. hydraulic systems. • Installed native Florida plantings Fleet • Purchased all F250 and F550 along Stickney Point Road, Boyd • Reduced costs by 3% by vehicles with gasoline engines, Park, Siesta Key, Lakeview Park, implementing an in-house saving up to $12,000 in the Osprey Junction Trailhead and contract-operated parts store. replacement costs over diesel Siesta Drive Circle. • By changing oil change intervals engine vehicles. • Completed five soccer field from 5,000 to 6,500 miles, saved • Purchased only diesel engine renovations at Narramore Sports 5,200 quarts of new and used vehicles with new diesel particulate Complex, 17th Street Park, Wellfield motor oil, reducing the costs of fuel filters and urea exhaust injection Park and Glebe Park. filters and the disposal of materials systems that minimize nitrous oxide • Removed nearly 600 tons of into the hazardous waste stream. and greenhouse gas emissions seaweed off county beaches. • Continued installing oil/water and diesel particulate emissions to separators at the two county car almost 0%. 34 wash areas, reducing waste and 941.861.5000 ensuring EPA compliance. 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT Sidewalks • Repaired/patched 1,058 square feet FY2012 Actual Operating Expenditures • New installation 1,724 square feet • Removed or replaced 25,500 square feet • Rehabilitated 3,755 square feet Road Right of Way Repair Horticulture Fleet • Potholes filled 3,034 15% 31% • Road cuts repaired 20,434 square feet • Asphalt overlayed 10,433 square feet Field Services 33% • Roadside cut repaired 8,661 Iane feet Facilities • Road radius repaired 3,284 Iane feet 21% • Curb and gutter repaired 575 Iane feet • Handrail repair/installed 365 Iane feet • Handrail replaced 200 Iane feet • Guardrail repaired 186 Iane feet • Roads graded 72,770 Iane feet Debris Removal Right of Way This chart reflects Fiscal Year 2012 • Dead animal under 60 Ibs. 104 actual operating expenditures. • Dead animal over 60 Ibs. 29 • Debris removed 2,183 tons Operations and Maintenance • Debris removal (outside right of way) 55 tons $55,779,184 Vegetation Control Fleet • Sidewalk vegetation removed 138,500 Iane feet $17,076,554 • Manual tree trimming 143,000 Iane feet Facilities • Machine tree trimming 81,363 cubic feet $11,446,441 Field Services Stormwater (open and closed systems) $18,638,429 • New pipe installed 262 Iane feet Horiculture • Pipe joints repaired 80 $8,617,760 • Pipe replaced 3,609 Iane feet • Pipe cleaned 19.18 miles • Structures cleaned 1,747 • Pipes televised 7 miles • Canals excavated 293,367 Iane feet • Canals mowed 57,574,943 square feet • Canal travel way moved 36,309 acres A long arm excavator clears • Canal erosion repaired 70,631 square feet a local ditch, freeing the flow • Debris removed from canals 5,589 tons of stormwater and creating • Canals treated with herbicide 426 acres greater flood control. • Ditches treated with herbicide 3,860,414 Iane feet • Erosion travel way repaired 81,060 Iane feet • Ditches excavated 113,296 Iane feet • Debris removed from ditches 15,590 tons Utilities • Mainline repairs 105 • Sewer service laterals repaired 107 • Water service repairs 938 • Sanitary sewer pipe cleaned 31.26 miles • Sanitary sewer pipe televised 3.32 miles • Fire hydrants repaired or replaced 394 • Automatic read meters installed 3,748 • Fire hydrants flushed 4,562 • Air release valves repaired or replaced 194
3539 www.scgov.net SUPPORT SERVICES
Human Resources • Office of Financial Planning Enterprise Information Technology • Communications Support Services
Human Resources
Built strong community Developed an Employee Benefits &
OVERVIEW • • HUMAN RESOURCES partnerships that resulted in Wellness Committee that creates a is responsible for paid work experience for adults shared understanding of successful managing recruitment, re-entering the workforce, and employee health improvement compensation and job served on the Advisory Board for initiatives and benefit plan designs. Sarasota County Technical Institute. classification, employee • Refreshed county values through and labor relations, • Produced a collective bargaining employee input to ensure a unified employee training and agreement with the International belief in how employees interact Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) with one another and citizens. development, and through an ongoing collaborative employee benefits • Created a new county Vision process with both sides, making and wellness. Statement to define what the concessions that resulted in a more county aspires to accomplish for balanced agreement for both the community. county and IAFF. • Upgraded the county’s Learning • Reduced temporary staffing Management System to better ACCOMPLISHMENTS services by 40% by planning track employee education and • Improved performance evaluation more effectively. training, which will include through enhanced automation, • Kept medical insurance premiums mandatory classes. a streamlined process, a more to a slight increase for the 2013 Expanded online classes so meaningful evaluation and a less • plan year. employees could learn remotely. complicated form. • Partnered with Neighborhood Services to improve and deliver an effective Volunteer Program. • Optimally managed demands for organizational service at a rate below industry standards. • Recruited candidates to fill 191 full- and part-time positions. Filled 158 OPS/temporary positions. • Reduced costs by consolidating internal HR resources and streamlining processes.
Employee development is crucial to building and retaining a 36 productive workforce. 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
FY2012 Actual Operating Expenditures
Human Resources * 53% Enterprise Information Office of Technology Financial Planning 20%
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Received the Government Finance Communications Officers Association’s Distinguished 3% Office of Budget Presentation Award for the Financial 22nd consecutive year. Planning • TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices, 24% public hearings, resolutions and more than 150 millage forms This chart reflects Fiscal Year 2012 have all been certified by the actual operating expenditures. Department of Revenue as being in compliance with no errors for the Support Services past 11 years. $75,545,587 • Restructured county debt, resulting Human Resources in $43 million in interest savings. $40,337,426 • Achieved a reduction in property * (Approximately 88% of this insurance premiums in 2011 amount is associated with despite a $22 million increase in medical and dental insurance total insurable property value. costs for employees of the • From FY2010 to FY2011, Capital Sarasota County Commission Assets increased revenue from and elected officials.) $734,000 to $5.3 million by Office of Financial Planning increasing the number of sold $18,408,289 assets while decreasing the number Enterprise Information Technology of donated assets. $14,817,460 Communications Continued to maintain superior • $1,982,412 bond ratings, grants compliance, and the financial management of hundreds of capital projects.
THE OFFICE OF OVERVIEW FINANCIAL PLANNING provides financial and resource management services in three key areas: Budget and Support Services; Billing, Collections and Capital Assets; and Safety and Risk 37 www.scgov.net SUPPORT SERVICES
Enterprise Information Technology • GIS Services managed the technical • Upgraded the Sarasota County EIT provides the technical OVERVIEW implementation of ARM360, the website (scgov.net) to a new design infrastructure, expertise and county’s new disaster assessment and technology platform. tools to support application software. ARM360 allows real-time and data management, updating in GIS with information hosting operations, network collected in the field related to damaged structures, flooded areas, In 2012, Communications security, workstation support or any other issues associated with and EIT worked hand in and telecommunications. man-made or natural disasters. hand to develop a new county website.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Maintained 3,500 computers and servers and nearly 4,000 desk phones for Sarasota County, the Sarasota County School Board, Sarasota County elected and appointed officials, and the Town of Longboat Key. • Provided internet security services to 40,000 computers at the Sarasota County School Board. • Maintained 1,000 cell phones. • Maintained 245 software applications countywide. • Maintained an email archive of more than 90 million emails to satisfy public records requirements.
38 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
Communications OVERVIEW COMMUNICATIONS ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Expanded community TV keeps Sarasota County programming to the cities of • Partnered with EIT and numerous citizens and employees North Port and Venice. community focus groups informed about county to develop a new Sarasota • Developed “Community Connections,” programs, services County government website, a weekly e-newsletter of county and initiatives. www.scgov.net. programs and services for citizens, • Developed a Speakers Bureau and “Business News,” a weekly of county experts on more than e-newsletter to promote county 200 topics. economic development initiatives. • Partnered with the Florida Institute • Televised “County Talk” and of Government to create an annual “Sarasota Business Today,” Citizens Survey. programming examining major county issues and economic Provided regular television • development in Sarasota County. coverage of all Sarasota County Commission meetings, Planning • Continued to utilize social media Commission meetings and other with the development of Facebook, local municipality meetings. In Twitter, YouTube and Flickr sites. 2012, Access Sarasota TV televised 97 board and committee meetings, totaling more than 550 hours of Communications has live television. expanded its reach to • Received the top award from citizens through social the Advertising Federation for media, distributing county designing the popular No. 1 Beach news via the internet, sign for Siesta Key. Facebook, Twitter and • Hosted the 2012 Florida YouTube. It also coordinates Government Communicators a Speakers Bureau that Association (FGCA) Conference. connects with residents on more than 200 subjects.
Access Sarasota TV provides gavel-to-gavel live coverage of all Sarasota County Commission meetings. The station also produces original programming that showcases local issues and economic development. 39 www.scgov.net PUBLIC SERVICE MATTERS
Citizen Advisory Boards
• Bicycle/Pedestrian/Trail • Human Services Want to get involved? Advisory Committee Advisory Council Sarasota County government values the participation and • Board of Zoning Appeals • Integrated Pest Management input of its residents in the Advisory Board decision-making process. To • Building Code Board of further that goal, the county Adjustments & Appeals • Keep Sarasota County has more than 30 citizen Beautiful Advisory Board advisory boards, councils • Citizen Tax and committees, with Oversight Committee • Library Advisory Board members appointed by the County Commission. • Citizens Advisory Committee • Mechanical Contractors for Public Transportation Licensing & Each board focuses on a Examining Board specific issue or topic. For • Coastal Advisory Committee a list of current Advisory • Metropolitan Planning Board openings, or to • Community Action Organization Citizens submit an application Agency Board Advisory Committee online, visit www.scgov.net. Development Services Neighborhood Initiative New Advisory Board • • Advisory Committee Grant Advisory Committee members must attend an orientation class. For class Englewood Community Parks Advisory and times, dates and locations, • • Redevelopment Area Recreation Council visit www.scgov.net. Advisory Board • Planning Commission • Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee • Public Facilities Financing (ESLOC) Advisory Board
• Fire-Rescue and • Sarasota Tree Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council Advisory Board ! Seniors Advisory Council • • General Contractors Licensing & Examining • Stormwater Environmental Board Utility Advisory Committee
• Health Facilities Authority • Tourist Development Council and Industrial Development Revenue Bond Citizens • Traffic Advisory Council Advisory Committee • Water and Sewer • Health Planning Council of Advisory Committee SW Florida • Waterways Advisory Council • Historic Preservation Board • Well Drilling Advisory Board • Historical Commission
40 941.861.5000 2012 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
The Path Ahead The purpose of our journey is to assure bodies, the resulting collaboration and Samantha Delia, the community that Sarasota County is a premier place became “Sarasota Captured Science,” a can enjoy hundreds of images that to live, work and play. In 2012, our path stunning historical record of the rivers, accurately and artistically capture the was marked by numerous successful bays, streams and estuaries that shape life blood of our region. View their partnerships, like the one forged with our landscape, nurture sea life and work online at http://www.sarasota. Ringling College of Art and Design. create a unique beauty that changes at wateratlas.usf.edu/sarasota-captured/, When the county sought an extensive the whim of Mother Nature. Thanks to and keep your eyes on the horizon for photography catalog of local water student photographers B. Paul Patterson greater successes in the year to come. 2012 Annual Report
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