Last week's program was provided by Rotarian Charles Harris. Charles' guest speaker was City of Plant City, City Manager, Bill McDaniel.
Bill McDaniel was appointed to serve as City Manager effective on January 23, 2018. He has over 30 years of local government experience with the City of Plant City, most recently serving as the Assistant City Manager since 2013. Bill previously served the Plant City Police Department as Chief of Police from 1996 to 2012; Police Captain from 1994 to 1996; Police Sergeant from 1989 to 1994; and Police Officer from 1985 to 1989. Some of his accomplishments included: securing the Police Department’s initial State Accreditation and two additional State Reaccreditations during his tenure as Chief of Police; and being selected as Police Officer of the Year in 1987. Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, Florida. He also is a member of International City/County Management Association and the Florida City & County Management Association.
Bill spoke to the club about the City’s past projects and upcoming projects. Bill has recently implemented the “Community Engagement Center” which is a “one touch service” for all things city related. The goal is for a resident to call and receive a single point of contact for their question. Improved customer satisfaction experience is the goal. The Commission room has been updated with new technology, audio equipment, monitors a rotating podium and new carpet. Parks and Recreation has had remodeling done at the Planteen kitchen, playground, tennis, etc. Street resurfacing has been completed, or is underway, in two phases, encompassing 54 streets and 15.87 miles in phase I, and 23 streets and 4.2 miles in phase II for $11.5 million over the past 3 years. Fire Station 3 construction is underway with an expected completion date of March of 2020. The Sadye Gibbs Martin Community center, a first class facility with an indoor gymnasium, meeting rooms, etc., is expected to be completed June 2020. Utility extension down highway 39, and Sam Allen road improvements are also underway.
The city has won several awards over the last year…Water Treatment awards, Police Officers recognized and a Finance distinguished budget award! Plant City has an operating budget of $86 million with $37 million going to the general fund and divided up by: 31% police, 18% fire department, 16% parks and recreation, 15% other, 11% administration, 7% development services and 2% Library. The Ad Valrem millage rate is 5.7157, with no increase. Social Media and branding is a huge addition to the city with a $70,000 investment that has paid off in over 441,000 people reached with Facebook alone! Fleet replacement and general services are continuing to improve with major investments for the community. The City of Plant City continues to be a thriving, great place to live and is well positioned for future growth.
