9/13/23 @ 9:30 a.m. 

​Nassau County recently received notification from Fitch Ratings, Inc.  (Fitch) that its Outlook has been upgraded to positive from its previous rating of stable in 2021, further demonstrating the County’s commitment to managing its debt and improving its ability to meet financial obligations.
 
Fitch is an American credit rating agency nationally recognized by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that provides independent assessments of the County’s creditworthiness, similar to a consumer’s FICO or credit score. A Positive Outlook Rating indicates an upward trend on the rating scale and shows that the County is fiscally strong and disciplined.
 
In announcing its decision, Fitch analysts cited several key reasons for the increase including:

• Continued durability in the growth of Nassau County’s economic base
• Improved expenditure flexibility evidenced by a sustained decrease in governmental fixed carrying costs as a percentage of total government spending well below 10%

 
Board of County Commissioner’s Chairman Klynt Farmer stated, “The County has worked hard to produce sound financial policies including reducing existing debt and increasing its emergency reserves. I am very proud of this Board and its budget staff for their hard work and for being good fiscal stewards for the County.”
 
As the County’s Clerk of Courts and Comptroller, Mr. John A. Crawford is governed by statutory authority as the County’s auditor, recorder, and custodian of all funds. The Clerk works directly with the Board to ensure the County has adequate financial controls and actively manages the investment of County funds.  Following the notice from Fitch, Clerk of Courts John Crawford stated, “What great news! Fitch Ratings, an independent rating agency, has once again affirmed the County's high credit ratings and upgraded our outlook from stable to positive. I am incredibly proud of the Board (and their staff) for prioritizing financial planning and dedicating efforts to strengthen the County's financial position." 
 
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If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Management & Budget at (904) 530-6010, Option 2.

9/8/23 @ 3:55 p.m.

​The first public hearing for consideration of the Fiscal Year 23/24 budget will be held at a Special Meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. The final hearing for adoption of the budget will take place during the regular meeting scheduled for Monday, September 25, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Please note that the budget being considered for FY 23/24 does include a millage (tax) rate reduction for the 3rd consecutive year. This was achieved while continuing to fund the critical capital improvement plan, pavement management plan, chip seal program, and improving public safety.  Additionally, the budget provides for the development of a comprehensive stormwater management program to deliver a proactive maintenance program. It also includes additional funding for investment into land conservation and management programs, pursuant to the voter approved referendum in November 2022. 

The agenda for the budget hearing can be located on our website. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com                       
 
 
BOARD PROPOSES THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF REDUCED MILLAGE RATES
 
Nassau County, Florida, July 24, 2023  – On Monday, July 24, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners held a workshop to review the tentative budget and maximum millage rate for Fiscal Year 2023/2024. Based on the budget presented, the Board is proposing a structurally balanced budget which includes the third consecutive year of millage reductions, while continuing to fund the critical capital improvement plan, pavement management plan, chip seal program, and improving public safety.  Additionally, the budget provides for the development of a comprehensive stormwater management program to deliver a proactive maintenance program.
 
Understanding the community demands for parks and improved fields, the tentative budget also reallocates staff for additional field maintenance and continues to focus on improving the quality of life through the Parks and Recreation Department. 
 
While still providing a reduced millage rate, the budget is structured to include additional funding for investment into land conservation and management programs, in line with the request from the community and pursuant to the voter approved referendum in November 2022.
 
As the County continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in both the State and the Country, this population growth requires additional service capacity to meet these demands. The Board understands these growing demands and has continued to focus on supporting public safety operations through the Sheriff, Fire Rescue, Emergency Operations, and Animal Control. 
 
The Board’s engagement and efforts in the budget process through the annual winter strategic planning sessions; the development of the strategic plan, capital improvement plan, pavement management plan, chip seal plan, and forthcoming stormwater management plan; along with the annual review and updating of the guiding county policies, continues to result in smart financial planning. These actions also provide for a transparent and results driven budget process that focuses on reduction of the millage rates and improving services to county residents. 
 
The July 24, 2023 budget workshop can be viewed online at www.nassauclerk.com/watch-meetings.
 
If you have any questions regarding the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2023/2024, please contact Chris Lacambra, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, at (904) 530-6010, Option 2, or via e-mail at clacambra@nassaucountyfl.com.

5/8/23 @ 4:30 p.m.

We are excited to announce that Nassau County has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its adopted budget for FY 22/23. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is the highest award in governmental budgeting and is given to counties with a governing body and staff dedicated to meeting the highest principles of government budgeting.
 
In order to be considered, the Board had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. The guidelines are designed to assess how well the budget serves as a policy document; a financial plan; an operations guide; and a communications device. The County had to be rated proficient in all four categories, and in fourteen mandatory criteria within each of those categories to receive the award.
 
GFOA’s Senior Program Manager, John Fishbein, stated, “To receive the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is an outstanding achievement. We have 25 criteria that government tries to fulfill on its way to receiving this award. So, congratulations to Nassau County”.
 
The Nassau County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office has recently won their 16th consecutive GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the GFOA’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for the 11th consecutive year.  Continuing to achieve these awards, combined with the Board’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, shall now make Nassau County eligible for the coveted Triple Crown Award. This is the highest honor a local government can achieve in financial reporting and further demonstrates the County’s commitment and dedication to achieving the gold standard in transparency, financial responsibility, and public outreach.
 
Clerk of Court and Comptroller, John A. Crawford, stated, “I am very proud of the Board and their staff for achieving this goal. Meeting the requirements and criteria of these awards helps ensure that we continually improve our skills and elevate the quality of work from our offices. The hard work involved in receiving these awards allows us to build a higher level of trust and confidence in what we deliver to the public.”
 
“This is the first time that Nassau County has been a recipient of the Distinguished Budget Award”, stated Board Chairman, Klynt Farmer. “Receiving this award is a testament to the care and attention we place on being transparent through the budget process. I appreciate the hard work of the County Manager’s office, the Office of Management & Budget and our Clerk of Courts Office for being good stewards of taxpayer dollars”.
 
To learn more about the GFOA and the Distinguished Budget Award, visit https://www.gfoa.org/awards.
 
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer 

4/26/23 @ 4:45 p.m.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has proclaimed April as National County Government Month. Each day this month, we will provide different facts about Nassau County, including information about its history, services provided and more.

​PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION
Are you aware that for the last 2 fiscal years, the Board of County Commissioners has reduced its countywide millage rate, with the goal of having no tax increase for homesteaded properties? In fact, a County budget policy was updated on October 1, 2021 to read, "The County shall adopt a “revenue driven” budget philosophy where expenditures are limited to expected revenues based on the existing millage rate adjusted to account for changes in the percent change in the “Save Our Homes” (SOH) assessment limitation.  This amount shall be equal to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is less". 

What is a millage rate you ask? Millage is the rate charged per thousand dollars of taxable value. For example, ad valorem taxes on a home with a taxable value of $350,000 would be calculated by dividing the value by 1,000, then multiplying the total taxable value by the current millage rate. For the current Fiscal Year (October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023), the total millage rate is 9.3182, down from 9.6008 the previous year. (Countywide millage rate of 7.1041 + Municipal Services Fund rate of 2.208 = 9.3182).

So in this example, a home with a taxable value of $350,000 would pay the County $3,259.48 in taxes ($350,000/1,000 * 9.3128 = $3,259.48). Please note this does not include millage rates charged by other taxing districts such as the School Board, St. Johns River Water Management District, the Florida Inland Navigation District, the School Board, or a Municipality (charge to those residing in a City or Town). This is strictly ad valorem taxes paid to the County to support the Constitutional offices (Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, and Tax Collector) and the Board of County Commissioners. The funding to the Board of County Commissioners is then further allocated to the Court, Department of Health, Emergency Operations, Fire and Rescue, Road and Facilities Maintenance, and other county operations.

Below are sample bill tax calculations that show how millage rates charged by Nassau County are distributed. In the first example, you will see that out of the $3,259 collected by the County for a property with a taxable value of $350,000, only $973 is distributed to the Board of County Commissioners. In the second example, you can see how the $973 allocated to the Board is distributed amongst the various Board departments. 

Millage rates are established annually as part of the budget process. Based on the current budget policy, this year's budget would also include a reduced countywide millage rate. The Board will remain focused on seeking operational efficiencies and alternate revenue sources to continue supporting the Constitutional Offices and the operations of the County. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer
​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com

Standard & Poor’s Increases County’s Issuer Rating to “AA+”

Nassau County, Florida, April 24, 2023 – We are excited to announce that Standard & Poor’s has raised Nassau County’s long-term rating on non ad valorem bonds from an AA to AA+, citing the County’s “improvement in operating performance and fund balances as a result of proactive management practices”. Standard & Poor’s is one of the world’s largest credit rating agencies known for measuring changes in a securities market. They assign letter grades to companies and government entities that indicate their degree of investment risk.

In announcing its decision, S&P cited several key reasons for the increase, including:
• The ability to maintain a flat millage rate since 2015, with one increase in 2019
• The millage rate reduction in 2022, with a second 3% reduction included in the 2023 budget
• The adoption of formalized policies
• Effort to diversify recurring revenues
• Condensing its organizational structure in an effort to create greater efficiencies and cost savings

The S&P report also includes a newer area of analysis focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG). This category looks at the County’s ability to be forward-looking to manage future risks and opportunities. As noted, they recognized the County’s investment into stormwater management and conservation (CLAM) to help mitigate risks to the county's physical assets.

Board of County Commissioner’s Chairman, Klynt Farmer, stated, “County Officials have worked hard to develop and maintain strong financial controls and continue to be forward looking for the benefit of the taxpayers. I am very proud of our team for all they do and for ensuring that we continue to be strong fiscal stewards of the County’s tax dollars”.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Management & Budget at (904) 530-6010, Option 2.

-Sabrina Robertson 
​ Public Information Officer

4/17/23 @ 4:15 p.m. - The National Association of Counties (NACo) has proclaimed April as National County Government Month. Each day this month, we will provide different facts about Nassau County, including information about its history, services provided and more.

Adopted Capital Improvement Plan
During adoption of the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 budget, the Board approved the updated Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan with $37.5 million in allocations for major projects and initiatives. Below is a sampling of some of the funded projects: 

$4.3 million in parks and recreation projects

• Hilliard ballpark improvements including new shade structure and bleachers
• Callahan Ballpark improvements including soccer and multi-purpose field lighting; shade structures; and bleachers
• Yulee Ballpark improvements including new bleachers and shade structures
• Bryceville Ballpark improvements including a new playground
• Westside Regional Park Phase One construction which includes permitting and land preparation; installation of restrooms, parking lot, and walking trails; and construction of a multi-use field
• Holly Point Boat Ramp improvements including new nature trail; updated parking lot; and new picnic area
• Melton Nelson Boat Ramp kayak launch

$13.84 million in transportation projects

• William Burgess and Harts Road roundabout
• Amelia Island Parkway Trail from South Fletcher to Via Del Rey
• County Road 121 resurfacing and safety improvements
• US 301 and Crawford Road intersection improvements

$3.9 million in Pavement Management Projects. Existing paved roads to be upgraded include

• Breakers Court
• Ashley Court
• Brittany Court
• Oaks Lane
• Sterling Court
• Magnolia Street
• Benz Place
• Summer Trace
• Palmetto Trail
• Ocean Blvd.
• Waldron Street
• Ervin Street
• Hickory Place
• Nassau River Road
• Lakeside Drive North
• Springbrook Road
• Lakeside Drive South
• Marsh View Lane
• Otter Court
• Parliament Drive
• Greenberry Road
• Raintree Lane
• Otter Run Drive
• Oliver Lane
• Maple Court
• Mentoria Road
• Joann Road
• Jeffrey Avenue
• Chazz Place
• Hamilton Street
• Lindsey Kay Court
• Terry Road
• Big Leaf Lane
• Emerald Lane
• Little Piney Island Point
• Grant Place
• Amy Drive
• Eady Lane
• Renia Street
• Kings Ferry Road
• White Oak Lane
• Eastwood Road
• Oakwood Lane
• Woodland Circle
• Iris Boulevard
• Woodridge Drive
• Duckpond Court
• Perret Plantation Road

$927,000 for Double Chip Seal (paving alternative used to treat dirt roads)

• Oelsner Drive
• Wilder Boulevard
• Arbor Lane
• Seymour Lane Myrtice Road (south of Radio Avenue)
• Boyd Road
• Myrtice Road (north of Radio Avenue)
• Myrtice Road (south of Radio Avenue)
• D. Fouraker Road
• Middle Road
• Lawhon Road
• Debbie Court
• Howard Road
• Frank Ward Road
• Freeman Road

$14.6 million in public safety projects

• ​Upgrade to the Public Safety Radio System
• Permitting and design for placement of a new storage building at Fire Rescue headquarters
• New classroom and storage area related to Phase Two of the Public Safety Training Center
• New replacement station for Station 70 down Nassauville Road
• New fire station in the Tributary area, just west of I-95
• New security cameras at the Detention Center
• Upgrade of eight dispatcher consoles at the 911 Communications Center

 
To view the full, adopted CIP, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer 
 

3/29/23 @ 9:00 a.m. - At the Monday, March 27th meeting, Ryan Tucker, Audit Partner with Purvis Gray, presented the annual audit for Fiscal Year 21/22 which ended on September 30, 2022. This outside firm spends about 4 weeks each year studying the Board's controls and processes to ensure they are appropriate and functioning properly. 

"There are five main objectives in this report that are required by Florida Statute. The most important objective is for us to issue an opinion on the County's financial statements". He then went on to say that "Nassau County has received an "Unmodified Opinion" which is the highest level of assurance that an audit firm can provide on a County's financial statements." He further explained that an unmodified opinion means that there are no modifications needed to the Board's controls and processes. 

Mr. Tucker also explained the 7 audit reports provided including reports on the Countywide statements, the Board of County Commissioners (stand alone) statements, and the statements on the five individual Constitutional Offices (Sheriff, Clerk of Courts, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections). 

Chairman Klynt Farmer stated, "This is a testament to the Clerk's Office and the Office of Management & Budget and a testament of who we are, working for the people we serve. It means a lot to the community". 

To view the presentation, please click here. The presentation was listed under "Tab B".

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

2/3/23 @ 11:15 a.m. 

The Board of County Commissioners has begun the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2023/2024.

Nassau County greatly values the benefits and contributions made by non-profit organizations to the community. As such, we would like to extend an invitation to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Nassau County to apply to be considered for funding. To be considered, you must complete a Nonprofit Funding Request Application. The application can be found here: https://bit.ly/NFPFundingRequest.   
 
Your funding request must be provided to the Office of Management & Budget located at 96135 Nassau Place, Suite 2, Yulee, FL 32097, by the close of business on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

On Friday, May 19, 2023, a Public Forum will be held for agencies to make a brief presentation regarding your organization and its request. Agencies submitting funding requests will be contacted by the Office of Management & Budget to schedule a time for your presentation.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Sr. Budget Coordinator, Megan Sawyer, at (904) 530-6010, Option 2, or via e-mail at msawyer@nassaucountyfl.com.  

1/20/23 @ 8:45 a.m. - At the Board of County Commissioners meeting held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, the Board discussed its top Legislative Priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session. 

County Manager Taco Pope stated, "Each year, we submit to the Nassau Legislative Delegation and the State Legislature requests for local funding initiatives. You have local projects and the State makes local appropriations. A lot of your local projects are of State concern and interest. This year, working with your staff and individually with each of you, we did our best to aggregate a list of 9 projects with a total request just over $9 million. What we will be seeking today from the Board is two-fold: 1) that this is the list of projects that you would like us to submit for funding; and 2) that you prioritize them". He also added, "Some of the driving factors for naming these projects was the ability to match local dollars with State dollars". So while the County has already allocated funding for these projects, funding from the State would allow the County to maximize their contribution and do more to move the project forward. 

Below are the projects as they were approved and ranked: 

1) Spring Lake Estates drainage project- $625,000
2) Sundberg Road paving - $750,000
3) Thomas Creek Restoration Project - $1 million
4) Piney Island/America River (ICW) resiliency and development mitigation
5) Nassau County Animal Resources Center and Campus - $1.7 million
6) Sheriff's Work Ethics and Training (SWEAT) Project - $110,000
7) County Road 108 Extension - $3.46 million
8) Amelia Island Trail Phase 5 - $225,000
9) Tourism expansion via ecotourism/water access improvements, Nassau River - $600,000

Now that the projects have been identified, the County will complete all the necessary State forms. Our Lobbyist and our State Legislatures will then advocate in Tallahassee on our behalf during the upcoming Legislative Session. 

The Board's discussion regarding the Legislative Priorities can be heard by viewing the video from the January 18th meeting at www.nassauclerk.com/watch-meetings. Legislative Priorities are listed on the agenda under "Tab I". 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer