FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
I believe in the conservative financial management of taxpayer funds and investments. I have found that the residents of Port Orange believe in and demand a higher quality of life and services than what other cities may find acceptable. While there is a cost associated with that expectation, it is still prudent that every dollar spent matters and is accounted for. I like to think of our residents and business owners as more than taxpayers, but instead as investors in our community. I will watch over those investments with effective oversight.
I am proud that as a member of the City Council we have worked hard to maintain one of the lowest property tax millage rates in all of Volusia County, yet still be able to provide a full array of quality services for our residents. Currently Port Orange ranks as having the 4th lowest tax millage out of 17 County and City taxing authorities in Volusia County.
When I first took office as an elected official in the City of Port Orange in 2014, the General, Police and Fire pension funds were in failing condition and were one of the most concerning aspects of our City financial obligations. The cost to the taxpayers at that time was an enormous funding hardship. I am proud to report that through consistent hard work, oversight and disciplined management, none of our municipal pension funds are in failing condition any longer. In fact, these plans have begun to thrive and the cost of funding these pension plans has been significantly reduced for the taxpayers. I will continue to provide effective oversight and responsible management to all of these plans for the benefit of our employees, and to protect the investments made by our residents.
The overall financial status of the City of Port Orange is excellent! Through consistent oversight and conservative spending practices, and even with the unfortunate natural disasters of past years, our City has maintained more than double the reserve funds recommended by the GFOA Best Practices (Government Finance Officers Association.) This is critically important to maintaining a financially stable city during unexpected events and disasters. It keeps our taxes low. Unlike the federal government, the City cannot just print more money when and if it needs it, we must have it in reserves for those rainy days and unexpected events. Taking on unexpected and uncalculated debt is a bad idea just because a city has failed to plan and prepare, and we will not do that. Under my watch as Mayor, maintaining responsible financial reserves will be a high priority, and we will keep Port Orange in excellent financial shape for the future.
Public safety
Public Safety services must be the top priority for our residents and business owners...Our Police Officers will be properly equipped and well trained with the tools they need to protect our community and respond to the needs of our residents.
fiscal responsibility
I believe in the conservative financial management of taxpayer funds and investments. Under my watch as Mayor, maintaining responsible financial reserves will be a high priority, and we will keep Port Orange in excellent financial shape for the future.
responsible growth
I am proud to say that I have a clear and consistent voting record that reflects not voting for or approving zoning requests or zoning changes that increased the residential density for building / development. I will continue to lead and vote in that manner.
quality of life
We live in a community that wants to be active, outdoors, have events to attend and things to do. As a member of council this is a focal area that has always been a passion for me. As your Mayor I will continue to promote and support a high value quality of life in Port Orange, because it matters.
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