Impact of the January 29th Constitutional Amendment - The Amendment recently passed by voters will result in less Ad Valorem (property tax) revenues to the County.  Increasing the $25,000 homestead exemption is anticipated to result in approximately $8 million dollars less than last year.  The other elements of the Amendment (portability of Save Our Homes and the tangible personal property tax exemption) are estimated by the State of Florida to reduce Charlotte County's budget by another $4.5 annually. County staff is currently reviewing services that each department provides, distinguishing between those services that we are required to provide versus those for which we have choice.  Strategies will be developed and presented to the Board of County Commissioners in April and May during their annual budget review.

Annual Retreat  Sets County Goals - The Board of County Commissioners held a very productive retreat this month.  This is an annual event that focuses on the top priorities of the Board. Financial concerns will impact all of the programs and services that we provide and level of service was the center of the discussion.  Other goals established include:  Re-writing the Comprehensive Plan, focus on water supply issues and water conservation, revise the MSBU system of property assessments, continue the local option sales tax, continue to improve communication - both internally and with our residents, and continue to promote economic development.

Habitat Conservation Plan Approved - Charlotte County received the Capital Improvement Projects Incidental Take Permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) this week allowing the County to now move forward with permitting for the Edgewater Corridor and Winchester Boulevard capital improvement projects.  The Florida Scrub Jay is a unique species to our area and listed on the endangered species list as threatened. Without this permit the Winchester Boulevard, a hurricane evacuation route, and Edgewater/Flamingo expansion projects could not be permitted nor constructed. The Incidental Take Permit is the result of a four year process in which a Habitat Conservation Plan was written by the County and submitted to USFWS for approval. The permit requires the county to purchase property with specific conditions that could support the Florida Scrub Jay. This preserved property is required for use by the species possibly displaced by the construction of these two projects. The Board of County Commissioners has been very supportive of the Habitat Conservation Plan and was thrilled to receive the news of the issuance of the Incidental Take Permit.  In the case of Winchester Boulevard, the mitigation property is adjacent to the existing Amberjack Preserve. With the Incident Take Permit in place, Charlotte County can now move forward with permitting through the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for work within environmental sensitive areas.

Charlotte County 2007Annual Report - Charlotte County Government proudly announced the first video version of it’s Annual Report. “Charlotte County 2007Annual Report”, subtitled Back to the Future, details not only the accomplishments and challenges of 2007, but explains how hurricane recovery has impacted County operations over the last three years.  This year’s Annual Report is the first time the County has offered a video version. In addition to the video, the County website also offers an interactive document. Visitors can watch the video while they click on links that lead to additional information on the topics discussed such as the budget, construction projects and a variety of other subjects. To access the 2007 Annual Report click here.

Murdock Village Update -  As mentioned in previous newsletters the Board of County Commissioners selected Kitson and Partners as the developer to purchase and redevelop the approximately 870 acres within the Murdock Village Community Redevelopment Area. Approval of this agreement allowed County staff to negotiate the next level of detail and approvals needed to allow the purchase of the property to take place. On October 9, 2007 the Board of County Commissioners entered into a Disposition Agreement with Murdock Village for the sale of the property.  This agreement sets forth both the financial package the County will receive from the selected developer and identifies the components of the conceptual master plan that will be developed to achieve the county’s vision for Murdock Village – a vibrant, mixed use community. The Agreement included a 90 day Inspection Period, which terminated on January 15, 2008. The Developer requested and received two extensions. The Inspection Period is currently scheduled to end on March 31, 2008.  On February 26, 2008, the Developer presented the County with an alternative phasing proposal for the redevelopment of Murdock Village. The County will take the next 30 days to review the impacts of the proposal.  For a full update, and other documents relating to this project, visit the Murdock Village pages on our website.  

Want more say in County government? - Volunteer!  There are a variety of opportunities available for volunteers on County committees and advisory boards.  Check out our Meetings page and scroll down to the Request for Volunteers listing.

Ask the Building Department Series - The Building Construction Services Department, located at 18400 Murdock Circle, is hosting "Owner/Builder, Guidelines for Doing It Yourself" on Thursday, March 13 from 5pm to 7pm.  This program is designed to educate homeowners, who want to act as their own contractors, about the do's and don'ts of building in Charlotte County.  Learn about permitting, building codes and inspections and ask staff members any questions you may have on the building process.  For more information call 941.764.4108.

Need a night out without the kids? - The South County Regional Park hosts "Kid's Fun Fridays" on the second Friday of each month from 7pm to 10pm. Drop your kids off for this parents night out! Leave your kids in a safe, active environment while you enjoy a night out with friends or just sitting at home enjoying the peace and quiet.  Evenings will be filled with games, crafts and snack time and are well supervised.  Ages K-5, $15 per child per night.  Please pre-register by calling 941.505.8686.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MEETINGS

Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners holds its regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.  Land use issues are addressed on the third Tuesday. These meetings are held at the Murdock Administrative Complex, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, Room #119.

To view the agenda for the Board meetings click here: Commission Agenda.  The meetings can also be viewed live on CCTV-20, (Comcast Channel 20) or can be viewed via live stream on our website - Streaming Video. 

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A variety of government meetings are archived for on-demand viewing. Check out our inventory here: On Demand Video.

Charlotte County has dozens of official meetings and activities each month.  For an itemized listing click here: Meeting Calendars

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