City Manager's Annual Report 2017 | A Year In Review | Page 51

F I N A N C I A L H E A L T H

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POLICE DEPARTMENT SECURES GRANTS
The City’s Police Department secured a Justice Assistance Grant in the
amount of $19,537 with no matching requirement. The estimated cost of
the LED-based forensic light sources, which will be paid for by the grant,
is estimated at $19,537.
The PD utilized federally allocated funds from the JAG Countywide Program
sub-grant in the amount of $35,054 for a project entitled “Law Enforcement
Technology.” With this grant, the department purchased a Workload Analysis
Software to improve operational efficiency by projecting future staffing
requirements by using historical data of calls for service and growth rates.
The department also received a Victims of Crime Act Grant in the amount of
$128,028, with a 25 percent matching requirement from the City of $31,552.
These funds allowed the department to secure a new Victim’s Advocate
position.
HR NEGOTIATIONS PREVENT INCREASE IN COSTS
The City’s Human Resources Department successfully negotiated new
contracts with Blue Cross, Florida Combined Life (Dental), short-term
disability, long-term disability, and implemented a new Flexible Spending
Account. These contracts allow the City to maintain current cost levels in
the coming year, and only minimal increases in future years. The City also
was able to continue to partially fund the wellness program through the
Blue Cross contract.
The HR Department completed negotiations of the three civilian union
Collective Bargaining Agreements, including the implementation of a new
classification and compensation system for all civilian employees, union and
non-union. The implementation of the new Pay Plan included pay ranges
with caps for all positions, where there previously were none. The City also
instituted a reasonable pay scale relative to market rates.
RISK MAINTAINS SUBROGATION RATE
Through the leadership of the Risk Management Department, the City
maintained a 95 percent subrogation rate, which benefits the overall bottom
line of the City, by reducing expenditures for non-insured losses, as well as
for claims experience on covered losses.
BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE
In March 2017, City Council approved Resolution 17-R22 to establish and
organize a Budget Advisory Committee. The committee reviews the City
Manager’s proposed budget, budget amendments, Capital Improvement
Plan, and budget update, and after review, provides recommendations to
the City Council.
A CAREER MILESTONE
#IAMPSL
Usually working behind the scenes, the City’s Procurement Management Department
aims to provide the City with a purchasing system that ensures integrity and fairness,
with centralized responsibility for solicitation, contract, vendor selection, negotiation,
contract management, surplus property and emergency logistical support for the
benefit of the City and its citizens.
In 2017, a procurement staff member hit an important career milestone. Contract
Specialist Brenda Leo achieved the designation of Certified Professional Public Buyer.
Ms. Leo’s efforts demonstrate her dedication to strive for excellence and support
the City’s strategic goal of being a high-performing city government organization.
The designation, which is recognized throughout the world, was conferred upon Ms.
Leo by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council.