7/5/17 @ 4:45 p.m. - The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) presented Nassau County Commissioner George V. Spicer with the Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) designation following completion of a comprehensive study program developed by the Association. Commissioner Spicer received the designation along with 17 other county commissioners during an awards ceremony held at the FAC Annual Conference in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Upon completing the Advanced County Commissioner Program, George Spicer stated, “I highly recommend the Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) program to any Commissioner who wants to gain a better understanding on ethics, the Sunshine Law, and how to provide their citizens with the services they desire while keeping taxes low. This program has also provided me with superior leadership skills and has given me the knowledge I need to effectively represent my district, as well as Nassau County”.

Launched by FAC in 2006, the Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) education program is an advanced leadership program designed for graduates of the Certified County Commissioners (CCC) program. This year, the program saw 18 commissioners graduate in June with a total of 204 graduating since the inception of the program in 2006.

“Graduates of the Advanced County Commissioner program have shown an exemplary commitment to public service” said FAC Executive Director Ginger Delegal. “This invaluable program brings together veteran commissioners from throughout Florida to work collaboratively on Florida’s most pressing challenges.”

The ACC program is organized as a series of three seminars, with 27 hours of course work. The course content focuses on leading within Florida’s counties. Participating Commissioners must commit to fully participate in all three seminars in order to graduate.  Seminars include: Tough Policy Choices in Florida During Tumultuous Times; Leading Your Communities During Turbulent Times; and, Understanding and Working with Stakeholders and County Decision Makers during these Turbulent Times. The University of Florida/IFAS Extension has sponsored this program for the last nine years in Alachua County.

For more information about the ACC program and courses, visit the FAC web site at www.fl-counties.com. 

For more than 85 years, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that government closest to the people governs best. The Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education and collaboration.

If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

 

7/5/17 @ 3:50 p.m. - At the July 6, 2017 Hilliard Town Council Meeting, OMB Director/Assistant County Manager, Justin Stankiewicz, will be doing a presentation to provide factual information on the proposed 5 cent gas tax currently under consideration by the Board of County Commissioners. The Town Meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Hilliard Town Hall located at 15859 West County Road 108, Hilliard, FL 32046. The public is welcome to attend to hear the presentation and ask questions. To view the agenda, please visit the Town of Hilliard's website.

Note: The Board of County Commissioners has a public hearing scheduled for Monday, July 10, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. to consider a Resolution which would provide for the levy of an additional five (5) cents of the Local Option Gas Tax upon every gallon of motor fuel sold in Nassau County. If approved, the tax would generate approximately $1.6 million dollars in annual revenue to be used for reconstruction or resurfacing of existing paved roads or the repaving of existing graded roads. Routine maintenance is not considered an authorized expenditures and funds collected can not be used for any other purpose. This meeting is also open to the public and will be held in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097 (James S. Page Governmental Complex).

If you have any questions, please contact Justin Stankiewicz, at (904) 530-6010 or via e-mail at jstankiewicz@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

6/26/17 @ 11:50 a.m. - This is just a reminder that the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioner's meeting for tonight at 6:00 p.m. HAS BEEN CANCELLED due to County Commissioners attending the Annual Florida Association of Counties Conference.

The next regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will take place on Monday, July 10th at 6:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager's Office at (904) 530-6010 or e-mail contact@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

6/26/17 @ 3:20 p.m. -  Chief Brady Rigdon began his employment as Nassau County Fire Chief today. Chief Rigdon brings with him 26 years of experience, as well as numerous degrees and certifications in fire technology, emergency medical services and public administration. For more information on Chief Rigdon's background, please read the original story we shared regarding him being selected as Fire Chief on June 6, 2017.

We are certain that Chief Ridgon has the skills and experience necessary to effectively manage Nassau County Fire/Rescue and we are excited to have him on our team.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

6/6/17 @ 8:20 a.m. - Late yesterday afternoon, Brady Rigdon accepted the position as Fire Chief. Mr. Rigdon began his career as a Firefighter/EMT with the City of Jacksonville in 1991 and moved his way through the ranks, achieving the job as the Division Chief of Operations in 2006. He retired after 26 years of service in April 2017. He has also been serving as the Procurement Manager for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation since November 2013.

Mr. Rigdon's education and employment background made him an excellent candidate for the position. He has numerous degrees including an Associate in Arts Degree from FSCJ, an Associate in Science in Fire Technology Degree from FSCJ, an Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services Degree from FSCJ, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Flagler College, and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of North Florida.

An official start date will be determined following a routine background check, drug screen and physical. We are happy that Mr. Rigdon has accepted this offer and we look forward to working with him.

If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Human Resources at (904) 530-6075.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

The Board of County Commissioners is pleased to provide the attached list of road projects that have been funded for 2017, as well as their associated District.

If you have any questions regarding these projects, please contact Nassau County Public Works Director, Scott Herring, at (904) 530-6225 or via e-mail at sherring@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

01/25/17 at 2:15 p.m. - On Wednesday, January 18, 2017, the Board of County Commissioners recognized County Manager Ted Selby on his upcoming retirement after eighteen years of service with Nassau County.

Ted Selby began his employment with Nassau County on September 28, 1998 as an Internal Auditor for the Clerk of Courts. During his eight years of employment with the Clerk, he also served as Budget Supervisor and Financial Services Director. Ted was hired by the Board of County Commissioners on January 23, 2006 as the Administrative Services Director where his duties included overseeing fiscal operations including preparation of the annual budget and enforcement of internal auditing controls. Ted was always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty and he served as Interim County Administrator on two different occasions; once from March 1, 2007 to October 8, 2007 and again from April 10, 2010 through June 1, 2010 when he was hired for the position of County Manager.

During his time as County Manager, Ted always searched for ways to make the County more efficient and often analyzed departments and policies to find cost saving measures. He revised the Employee Leave Policy where new hires were placed on a "Paid Time Off" plan instead of a traditional Vacation/Sick Plan, thus drastically reducing the number of hours accumulated annually. He revised County policies including the travel policy and eliminated mileage reimbursements for employees choosing to take their own vehicles to classes and conferences. He is also credited for adoption of a Fleet Replacement Program which consists of long-term planning for maintaining and replacing vehicles when needed. These are just a few examples of Ted's ability to plan for future stability of the County.

Chairman Danny Leeper expressed his gratitude to Ted for serving the County with the highest of integrity and for having the foresight needed to achieve many great things. Under Ted's leadership, the County has received numerous awards including the Florida Animal Control Association's Agency of the Year Award   and the Regional Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing from the Northeast Florida Regional Council. Major projects completed during his tenure include expansion of the Fernandina Beach Library, construction of the Emergency Operations Center, the addition of the 911 Communications Center, and construction of the new Sheriff Administration Facility. Chairman Leeper stated, "You are the best manager I've ever had the pleasure of working with. You leave behind a great team and that is a sign of great leadership". The other four commissioners echoed Chairman Leeper's comments and agreed that Ted has been an outstanding asset to the County and has provided exemplary service to the citizens.

Ted has been a humble leader who sincerely cares about his staff and he is widely recognized throughout the County organization for his honesty, integrity and leadership ability. During the January 18th meeting, several employees came forward to express their gratitude to Ted.

Public Works Director, Scott Herring, stated "I don't say this lightly, you were the best boss I ever had. The confidence you've shown in me, the mentorship... the past seven years have been wonderful and I appreciate everything you've done for me".

Assistant County Manager, Shanea Jones, said "I'm really just grateful for all the patience you've had with me and all the opportunities you've given me. You deserve to retire and do something enjoyable".

Ted thanked the Board and all the previous Commissioners for providing him with the opportunity to be the County Manager. "It has certainly been challenging at times, but at the end of the day, it was very rewarding. I appreciate the support you've given me and the trust you've placed in me to lead this organization". Ted also thanked his wife, Bunny, for being with him "every step of the way" through two careers which included 22 years of service in the United States Navy. "I've been paying into social security since 1966 and it's time for me to get something out of it", joked Ted.

Ted's last day of employment is Friday, February 3, 2017. He will be greatly missed by those who had the honor to work with him, as well of the citizens of Nassau County. We wish Ted many years of health and happiness and extend our congratulations on his retirement.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

12/30/16 at 10:00 a.m. - Nassau County Manager, Ted Selby, presented his annual report to the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, in accordance with his employment contract. This report provides insight to the County’s current financial situation while illustrating some of the major achievements for Fiscal Year 15/16 which ended on September 30, 2016. This presentation can be found on the County’s website under Live Board Meetings.

Below are some highlights of achievements from Board of County Commissioner Departments in FY 2015/2016:

• Animal Control hired a veterinarian and was able to reduce costs associated with outsourcing animal care. They also increased the live release rate to 92% and reduced euthanasia rates by 20%. This was accomplished by a variety of methods including participation in seven major offsite adoption events and use of animal behaviorists to make the pets more adoptable.

 

• The Building Department worked with FEMA to conduct a complete audit of the Floodplain Management Program and attained compliance for 45 structures, thus granting the county approval to submit an application to the Community Rating System. If accepted, Nassau County residents could see a significant reduction in their flood insurance rates.

 

• The County Attorney assumed control of pending litigation previously accomplished by outside counsel, provided legal representation to all of the County’s Constitutional Offices, and supervised and directed the work of the State Lobbyist.

 

• The County Extension provided educational programs to nearly 16,000 residents on a variety of topics including landscaping, plant clinics, and small farming. The department utilized volunteers who provided a total of 3,947 hours assisting Nassau County residents and saving them approximately $87,000 (versus cost of hiring a professional).

  

• The County Manager’s Office created and monitored a new general contact email address for the public to submit inquiries when unsure of which department to contact. They also created a process for issuing permits for disabled persons to leave items on the beach following adoption of the Leave No Trace Ordinance.

 

• The Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity amended the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and made several revisions to the Land Development Code. They also collaborated with the City of Fernandina Beach and Transportation Planning Organization for completion of the Amelia Island Bicycle & Pedestrian Study and the Nassau County Transit Study.

 

• Facilities Maintenance completed numerous beachfront parks and boat ramp projects including a new observation platform at American Beach, beach walkover replacements at Burney Park and Scott Road, and renovated pavilion at Burney Park and a new pavilion at the the John F. Claxton Boat Ramp. The Yulee Sports Complex received a new football field (partially funded by the Jaguars Foundation) and a new roof and renovated floor for the gymnasium.

 

• Fire Rescue established Rescue 71 and placed into service one (1) new fire engine and three (3) rescue units to improve response capabilities. They also coordinated recertification for all Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians.

 

• Human Resources completed all required Healthcare Reform reporting and successfully advertised and awarded bids for employee life, health, dental and vision insurance.

 

• The Library applied for and received $67,000 in grant funding to assist with operation costs, supplies, and program materials. They also generated over $57,000 in revenue processing passport applications and providing passport photo services.

 

• The Office of Management & Budget updated the Five Year Fleet Replacement Plan and Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. They also worked with a consultant to complete a Water & Waste Study for Nassau Amelia Utilities resulting in an updated fee structure and ten year sustainability financial management plan.

 

• Public Works completed many large projects including guardrail repairs throughout the County; drainage projects at 10th and Lime, Otter Run Subdivision, Swallowfork Subdivision, Bridal Road, Fouraker Road, Conner Nelson Road, Maranatha Road, and Horseshoe Circle; as well as road and ditch projects on Lawhon Road, Debbie Court, and Meadowfield Bluff Road. 

 
Due to the overwhelming list of accomplishments in FY 2015/2016, we are unable to list them all here. A complete list is available on our website and can be found by viewing individual department pages. There you will also find each department’s goals for Fiscal Year 2016/2017.
 
 
-Sabrina Robertson
 Nassau County Manager’s Office
 


 

12/21/16 @ 2:00 p.m. - We are pleased to announce that at today's Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board approved an employment contract with  Shanea Jones for the position of County Manager.

Shanea graduated from Fernandina Beach High School and went on to receive her Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Florida and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of North Florida. She began working for the County in 2004 and has worked in various positions including Budget Coordinator, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, and most recently, as Assistant County Manager. Shanea is a Certified Government Finance Officer, a member of the International County/City Manager's Association (ICMA), the Florida Governmental Finance Officer's Association and is a graduate of ICMA's Senior Executive Institue Leadership Program, as well as Leadership Nassau.

Shanea's contract will go into effect on February 6, 2017, following the retirement of the current County Manager, Ted Selby, whose last day of employment is Friday, February 3rd. Some of her duties will include administering the directives and policies of the Board of County Comissioners, submittal of the annual operating budget, capital budget, and capital program, managing the work of County departments under the Board of County Commissioners, making recommendations to the Board regarding actions or programs she deems necessary for improvement of the County and the welfare of its citizens, and addressing concerns of the taxpayers.

Shanea was an excellent candidate for the position as she is a life long resident who is already familiar with the County's demographics. Additionally, Shanea has been actively involved with the County government for 12 years and has a great understanding of County policies and finances.

We are excited to welcome Shanea Jones in her new position as County Manager and wish her many years of success!

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

0/11/16 at 5:20 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 11, 2016
 
County to Begin Negotiations with Shanea Jones for the Position of County Manager
 
In September, County Manager Ted Selby, announced his retirement effective in January 2017. Recently, the Board of County Commissioners held a workshop to discuss the process for hiring a new County Manager. Human Resources Director, Ashley Metz, distributed a proposed job description and salary range based on counties of similar size. She also provided the Board with an option of hiring a recruiting firm should they choose to begin a search for candidates. The cost estimate was $30,000-$35,000.
 
At the Monday, October 10th meeting, the Board discussed the position further and voted to offer the position to Assistant County Manager, Shanea Jones. Not only does this option save the taxpayers $30,000 by not contracting with a search firm, the Board has identified a local, qualified individual who is already intimately involved in all facets of County Government.
 
Mrs. Jones is a Nassau County native. She attended Nassau County Public Schools, went on to receive her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Florida and her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of North Florida.
 
Mrs. Jones began working for the County in July 2004 and has held various leadership positions including Office of Management & Budget Director and Assistant County Manager. Mrs. Jones is a Certified Government Finance Officer, is a member of the International County/City Managers Association, the Florida Association of County Managers, Florida Governmental Finance Officer’s Association and is a graduate of ICMA’s Senior Executive Institute Leadership Program as well as Leadership Nassau.
 
Mr. Selby stated, “I hired Shanea 12 years ago shortly after she graduated from the University of Florida. I have watched her grow from an energetic young employee into a truly outstanding, dedicated professional. She has never ceased to amaze me as I have watched her accept every challenge and commit herself to the successful conclusion of every project. I am totally confident that she will be an outstanding County Manager”.
 
Please contact Ted Selby at (904) 530-6010 if you have any questions.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office