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SUN ‘N LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
ANNUAL REPORT FOR LANDOWNERS MEETING
JANUARY 25, 2008
2008 Address: Annual Report for 2007
Honorable President, Board Members, Landowners, Residents and Guests,
Good Morning:
In accordance with Section 9-110 of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District’s Charter, I am pleased to present the 2007 Annual Report and State of the District on behalf of the Board of Supervisors.
As we look at calendar year 2007, it was a year of transition, clean-up and forward movement. It was a year of constant evaluation: where have we been; where are we now; where are we going – what actions do we need to initiate to reach a most efficient organization?
Ongoing, continuous and evolving it has begun; however, it is not concluded. We started the process with a shift in our core values with a new attitude and atmosphere building a consistent system with clear constraints but giving our employees freedom and responsibility within the framework of that system. We have realigned the work force with self-disciplined people who don’t need to be managed; we manage the system, not the people. Our realignment has saved in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) without impacting service delivery while our centralization of office supply purchases has saved in excess of $12,000.
We continue to evaluate and streamline processes. We have completely reorganized the District files to comply with Florida Statutes and the Florida General Records Retention schedule thereby eliminating clutter, space constraints and reducing duplication. Our realignment of responsibilities and personnel was the cause for an increase in utility collections of $22,138 for one year with an anticipated ongoing higher collection rate.
We are using enhanced technology as an accelerator of momentum and not a creator of it. We reduced overtime expenditures by $11,000 in fiscal year 2007. In response to a concern from residents, we implemented identification badges; in response to a community concern, we implemented an office recycling program; and, in response to Board of Supervisor direction, we implemented the Uniform Method of Collection of Non-ad Valorem Assessments levied within the District boundaries although it did not work as envisioned and has been terminated.
While it remains a work in progress, we are upgrading our web site to enhance communication with our residents to complement our e-blasts of information. Our aim as we move forward is to constantly flow information to our residents and make it available to them at the Community Center and District Office.
We are moving forward with our District priorities. Reclaimed water, our number one priority, is in the permitting stage (permit submitted July 30, 2007) with Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Although we have had no response to date, we hope to complete the permit process by February of 2008.
A new Golf Clubhouse, our number two priority, is on track. A very practical and functional temporary facility is operating, the construction manager request for qualifications and architect and engineering services request for qualifications have been advertised and the demolition of the old facility has occurred.
Additionally, a complementary and supplementary Recreational Complex, authorized by the Board of Supervisors is on track with FRDAP grants applied for and construction manager request for qualifications and architect and engineering services request for qualifications have been advertised.
At the end of fiscal year 2007, the District had increased our overall financial health by $2.2 million. Cash balances at the end of the fiscal year were $4.2 million in the General Fund, $1.2 million in the capital project fund (golf clubhouse) and $2.4 million in the Water and Sewer Fund.
With our 10 year Financial Plan done by Burton & Associates in conjunction with our annual Operation and Maintenance assessment rate study, a new five year Capital Improvement Program being formulated by our Finance Director and an anticipated new six year Pavement Management Program to be undertaken by our Public Works Director in January of 2008, we are well on our way to planning our future to make Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring the premier destination in Central Florida (outside of Orlando) to live and recreate. With our Highlands Today People’s Choice Championship Golf Course and our upcoming new Golf Clubhouse and Recreational Complex, we are the place to be. With proper planning and prudent financial habits, we will move forward in a positive, cooperative atmosphere with the Board of Supervisors, employees, landowners and residents.
Al Grieshaber Jr.
General Manager
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