County Administration
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| Douglas M. Anderson County Administrator Email: DOUGA@stlucieco.gov |
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| Faye Outlaw Assistant County Administrator Email: OutlawF@stlucieco.gov |
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| Lee Ann Lowery Assistant County Administrator Email: LoweryL@stlucieco.gov |
2006 was a good year for St. Lucie County. For the first time in two years we had no hurricanes and had the largest property tax rate reduction in recorded history of 8.1 percent. Over the past three years the property tax rate has been reduced by 12.1 percent. We recognize that this is of little comfort to businesses and non-homesteaders, but on the local level we are limited by state law on the controlling of their increased property values.
Without having a hurricane this year we were able to continue our financial recovery from the 2004 and 2005 storms and focus on bringing new jobs to the community, county capital projects and community planning. We were also able to host family recreation programs including the Zora Neal Hurston Festival, Family Campout at the Savannas Recreation Area and the National Biker's Roundup.
New Jobs:
Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Research - Through a collaborative effort between the State of Florida, City of Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County Economic Development Council, Core Communities, Florida Atlantic University and community leaders we were successful in bringing this world leader in molecular research to St. Lucie County and creating 185 jobs.
Allied Universal Corporation - This is a $32 million expansion of an existing business that will create 60 new jobs with an average wage rate of $20.50 per hour. This state-of-the-art plant will produce a high quality sodium hypochlorite used to treat drinking water and waste treatment water.
Remetronix, Inc. - This also is an expansion of an existing business that will add 10 new jobs with an average wage of $22 per hour, specializing in the installation, de-installation and transport of medical imaging equipment and pharmaceutical devices.
Community Planning:
The Town's Village's and Countryside Comprehensive Plan Amendment was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners after conducting 132 public meetings. Winning numerous state and national awards, this plan set aside 18,000 acres within the urban service boundary in the north county that will allow for large open spaces within these future developments and will include connectivity of roads, waterways, utilities and parks. These improvements will be paid by the developers of these projects.
Capital Projects:
Roads and Sidewalks -The Board of County Commissioners took a major step towards funding roads and sidewalks during the 2006/2007 budget process. They authorized setting aside a portion of the capital millage rate over the next 20 years to fund $43 million to design and/or construction of at least nine major road and sidewalk projects. This $43 million will enable the County to obtain matching grants resulting in our ability to expedite construction of these projects at a savings to local residents.
Clerk of the Courts Building - This 57,000-square-foot office building is under construction in downtown Fort Pierce at a cost of $11.5 million. Following the 2004 hurricanes, the County has been forced to rent office space for the Clerk's staff. When completed in 2007 the Clerk's staff will be once again located adjacent to the Courthouse.
The County has many other capital projects either underway or going under construction in 2007 such as a new special needs shelter/auditorium, a regional park in Lakewood Park, soccer fields, widening of South 25th Street, drainage improvements, utility expansion and a new emergency operations center.
As we grow, we will continue to strive to be the best and focus on new high paying jobs, infrastructure expansion and improvements, our environment, controlled growth and lowering the property tax rate to our residents. So join us, as we continue to move forward from good to great!
Sincerely,
Douglas M. Anderson,
County Administrator