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