Winter Haven City Manager David Greene spoke to a capacity Chamber breakfast audience this morning outlining the current state of the community. The presentation was an overall comparison of Winter Haven 2000 vs. Winter Haven 2009 and the statistics were impressive. Winter Haven’s current financial position is strong in spite of current economic challenges.
Here are some interesting Winter Haven comparisons of 2000 vs. 2009:
2000 2009*
Population: 26,487 34, 464
City Size: 23 sq. mi. 39.7 sq. mi.
# of Employees 488 475
Millage rate/$1,000 6.325 5.79
Taxable Property Value $814 mil $1.9 billion
Ad Valorem Tax Collections $4.9 mil $12.5 mil
General Fund Balance $3.8 mil $9.5 mil
Gen Fund Avail Reserve $1.7 mil $7.9 mil
Self Insure Healthcare Fund ($.5 mil) $3 mil (est.)
State and Federal Grants $1.3 mil $7 mil
Invested Cash $39.4 mil $65 mil
Library Borrower Cards 18,257 40,015
The 2009-10 City budget includes Police protection $9.4 million, Fire protection $6.2 million and Quality of Life/Leisure Services $5.2 million.
Greene noted that the city has no interest in growing to compete with Lakeland in size. He complimented the neighboring city for their success and vision. He stated that Winter Haven’s plans have been to grow within our general area and protect that which makes us unique and distinct. When asked what his “dream list” for the future among the projects he listed:
- continuing necessary infrastructure and capital improvments
- a firm commitment to support the USF Polytechnic Business Accelerator and expanding
downtown technology core
- extension of the Chain of Lakes Trail southward along Third Street, SW.
- a beautifully landscaped “Roundabout” at the intersection of Third St./Magnolia
Avenue/Avenue B, SW providing a newly renovated gateway to downtown
- construction of Trailhead Park adjacent to the Garden Center and Chain of Lakes Trail
- renovations and improvements to Inman Park at the City’s Northern gateway
Test Your Knowledge:
List the top property owners of taxable value in Winter Haven. (Answers at bottom of this post)
David Greene has served as City Manager since July of 2001. He brings more than 31 years of experience to the job. As he looks to the future considering the current economic environment he predicts it will be 2012 before area municipalities see an improved economic picture.
Perhaps one breakfast attendee summed it up best when they commented, “Great to know our city is in such great shape during such a difficult time.”
* 2009 figures are unaudited at this time
(Top taxable value property owners in the City of Winter Haven: Wal Mart – $50 million taxable value; Carlton Arms Apartments – $36 million taxable value; State Farm Insurance Company – $29 million taxable value; Hansen Pipe – $16.3 million taxable value; Lake Ashton II – $15.7 million taxable value)
I see no comments about the airport, the justification of spending 1.2 million dollars for a building to tear down, a library that was at capacity when it opened the doors, a downtown project that doesn’t improve business opportunities for the businesses downtown, a terrible Avenue T streetscape project that we are still paying for, a section of town that is surrounding by the city but still in the county (tax base he do not want) and the fact that the voters decided to fire the incumbents. I have never heard of a city manager giving a “State of the City” speech, so what gives?
Mr. Butler,
Mr. Greene covered many topics this morning some of which did not make the post. He addressed the potential 1+ million sq. ft. office park at the airport, increased downtown parking and visual appeal at the former site of the Hill building and other matters throughout Winter Haven.
No one could have projected the popularity of the new Winter Haven Public Library as visits doubled the first year it was open. That is beyond projectable growth in service. It remains very popular.
I know of many downtown merchants that will not share your assessment of whether the improvements have helped businesses grow. Our 2009 Industry Winner (100 employees or less) is a downtown business that has grown 400% and made a $250,000 private investment in their property. It is also helpful to note that there are now at least seven restaurants where once there was only one.
Yes, we have two new City Commissioners and we welcome a continued constructive, cooperative partnership to move the community forward.
As for “State of the City” addresses, David Greene has given several over the past eight years as did former City Manager Carl Cheatham. County Manager Mike Herr has a similar county overview he presents. I have no idea where you were when they were presented, but I can assure you this is no new concept.
I attended the presentation given by City Manager David Greene this morning and found it very informative and very positive. With the current state of the economy, all municipalities are struggling to provide the level of services the city residents expect. I think David Greene and the city commissioners have been fiscally prudent and have Winter Haven in an excellent position to weather the storm and also maintain quality services. I consider David a visionary and Winter Haven is very lucky to have him as a city manager.
I commend David Greene and his staff on a job well done. The City of Winter Haven has progressed greatly from both a fiscal and quality of life standpoint.
The Chain of Lakes City has so much to be proud from a vibrant business core centered with a downtown park; a wonderful library, outstanding medical care lead by the award winning Winter Haven Hospital and the educational facilities of Polk State College. All these were furthered by our citizens vision plan which City Manager Greene used as his blueprint to lead our city. All cities have challenges today but let’s keep our positive momentum.
I feel fortunate to live in a community whose leadership has made “quality of life” a top priority, and I frequently enjoy using the walking and biking trails. The city staff works diligently to provide activities and events at various locations throughout the year, and the huge crowds in attendance are evidence of their success. There is no community that is perfect, but I appreciate those who are working hard to make our town as good as it can possibly be.
Great program this morning. The slide presentation helped to jog our memories on
how Winter Haven used to be and how far we
have come in just 8 or 9 years. Thanks to the leadership at City Hall and the citizens and businesses of Winter Haven who have taken an active part to make this a better community.
Although I couldn’t attend this morning’s breakfast, I for one have always thought Mr. Greene does a great job. I also know many people in Lake Wales that still lament his leaving. He’s not afraid to make the hard decisions that are not always popular and the city staff people I have had contact with respect him. I feel like he gives his job 110%. It is a largely thankless job, and I find it wonderous that someone wants it with all the abuse those types of positions take.
As a business and building owner here in downtown Winter Haven for 18 years, I know we have come a long, long way. Being here in downtown has helped both attract/retain employees and new clients. Recently an observant relative visited me who hadn’t been here in 10 years, since right after we purchased the building. They were astounded when they saw the changes that have taken place here in that time period and marveled at our city management for getting so much done. I am truly proud to be part of the Winter Haven business community and a resident. No place is perfect but at least we have people here who strive to improve things.
Regular reports and communications are some of the basic things I’ve been raised to expect. We should count our blessings more.
The City of Winter Haven has prospered greatly during the last eight years, and in general the entire community has benefited from city government activities. I am a supporter of the city’s progressive vision.
During this morning’s Chamber breakfast, Mr. Greene opened the floor to many questions and answered sensitive issues thoroughly.
Individuals and organizations that have differing perceptions or challenging issues relating to the many projects undertaken by the city and its vision can and must do so in a public forum that encourages open and didactic dicussion. It is through such forums, such as this morning’s presentation and the City Commission meetings, that opposing opinions can be aired and criticisms openly discussed and opportunities for potential solutions found.
I unfortunately missed the presentation this morning, but I did not need to attend to realize the improvements I have seen in our city. Growing up in Winter Haven and in a family owned business on Central Avenue for almost 35 years, it is very easy to realize how much improvement has taken place. Mr. Greene has provided the vision and leadership for the majority of the projects that have changed Winter Haven for the sooooooo much the better. We have more to do and its reassuring to know we have the right man in place to keep it on track. Mr. Greene and his team ought to be commended for the excellent work.
I was in attendance at the meeting and Mr. Greene and his staff should be commended on the hard work and success that they have achieved for all of us that either live, work or visit our Chain of Lakes City. As Mr. Greene stated, they are not perfect, but they do give it 110% and I like that honesty. Keep up the great work!
I attended David Greene’s presentation. I firmly believe that the progress the city has made under his leadership has been remarkable. Our downtown area is now alive with shops, restaurants, a beautiful library, and lovely park. We now have nature parks that help to improve lake water quality and provide public access to our beautiful lakes. Plus we are developing biking/walking trails that further enhance our quality of life. Mr. Greene and his staff have done an outstanding job. I sincerely hope they will get the support they need to continue with the plans outlined during the presentation on Wed.
My wife and I have been property owners and residents of the city of Winter Haven since 2002. Our time here covers much of the period discussed in Mr. Greene’s presentation. We love the way Winter Haven has developed and enjoy much that it has to offer. During that period of time we have had an opportunity to attend many meetings to offer input to specific departments as well as City Council meetings. We have always found the city employees and City Council open to hear comments and suggestions. We are most impressed with city of Winter Haven staff. They are wonderful and are eager to make things work well for everyone. We need to keep things moving in the direction we are going inspite of a difficult economy. This is our city where we live, work and play. We are so fortunate to have our present leadership and staff. Keep Winter Haven moving ladies and gentlemen!!!