District 1
Commissioner Andy Kesselring
The last two years have been an exciting time for Marion County.
We have accomplished a lot in a short period, ranging from our first-ever
long-range capital improvements plan, to expanded fire services, to
identifying areas where we want to encourage industrial economic development.
We have made strides in our relationships with the municipalities by
agreeing to the first interlocal agreement with the City of Ocala that
establishes ownership and permitting control of all roadways within
the city limits. We also reached agreement with all five municipalities
on the distribution of the recently approved sales tax increase.
While we have accomplished much, there is still much to do. While
we have been moving forward on the issue of growth management, this
coming year will determine if, and how, we are going to implement the
policies needed. Also during this year we will finally receive the road
management study that will provide us with the data necessary to determine
the extent of our road deficit. One of our major challenges will be
how we address this issue and balance this with the funding sources
available. Our schedule for solid waste indicates that by October 1st
we will begin shipping a portion of our trash to an out-of-county site.
During the up-coming months considerable discussions will take place
to determine how this major change will be implemented.
I am happy that of the four goals established last year, significant
progress was made of all four. I am hopeful that similar results will
be accomplished this year. However, none of this can happen without
your input and help. If you have comments or questions about any
county issue, please contact me or anther commissioner so we can work
together to make Marion County the place we want it to be.
