Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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Presentation By: Aubrey Hale
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Discuss the goals, objectives and performance standards proposed for the Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency subareas (special districts), as required by section 189.0694 of the Florida Statutes
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Florida State Legislature passed new reporting requirements in 2024 for special districts. The intent of the new reporting requirements is to increase the accountability and effectiveness of special districts throughout the state. The Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is divided into four subareas, each officially recognized as a special district: Downtown, North Magnolia, West Ocala, and East Ocala.
The CRA reinvests tax increment financing into economically distressed areas to encourage redevelopment. As a result of these redevelopment efforts, certain properties and facilities can be transformed into productive assets within the CRA and its subareas.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The CRA will publish an assessment of its performance during Fiscal Year 2024-25 by December 1, 2025. This new reporting requirement is in addition to Section 163.371 of the Florida Statutes stipulations, which dictate that the CRA Annual Report and Audit documentation are due by March 31.
Section 189.0694 of the Florida Statutes specifies the following requirements for all special districts:
1) Beginning October 1, 2024, or by the end of the first full fiscal year after its creation, whichever is later, each special district must establish goals and objectives for each program and activity undertaken by the district, as well as performance measures and standards to determine if the district’s goals and objectives are being achieved.
2) By December 1 of each year thereafter, each special district must publish an annual report on the district’s website describing:
a) The goals and objectives achieved by the district, as well as the performance measures and standards used by the district to make this determination.
b) Any goals or objectives the district failed to achieve.
If there are no changes, staff will inform the Advisory Committees and post the document to the City’s website. Staff will also make the document available to auditors when required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Successful performance under the established goals and objectives will potentially result in a net increase of ad valorem tax revenue and other benefits for the CRA and, ultimately, the City.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Recommend changes.