DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA
DeSoto County is located in South Central Florida, covering 637 square miles and with a population of approximately 34,000. The City of Arcadia, near the center of the County, is the County Seat. Within a fifty-mile radius of Arcadia are several Florida beach communities, including Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Fort Myers.
DeSoto County’s economic base has been dominated by agriculture and cattle, and the influence of these industries is mirrored throughout the community. DeSoto County is one of those places where a friendly, small-town flavor still thrives, and the architecture, businesses, and recreation all reflect the County’s history of agriculture.
Due to its geographic proximity to the coast, its quality of life, and the availability of land, DeSoto County is being “discovered” by developers and businesses. A Walmart distribution center, which will employ 900 people, is nearing completion. Arcadia now boasts a Super Walmart, Holiday Inn Express, and numerous franchise restaurants. Chili’s is on the way.
The southern part of the County, in particular, is experiencing rapid residential development. Several thousand new up-scale homes are in the final stages of planning and approval, which may double the population of the County within the next five to ten years.
DeSoto County’s leaders recognize the inevitability of growth and embrace controlled growth which will provide additional opportunities to citizens, expand the tax base, and enhance quality of life. Simultaneously, the leaders want to assure that the flavor and traditions of the County are maintained throughout the growth process.
DeSoto County prides itself in the number and quality of recreational opportunities it provides for citizens. The Peace River traverses the County and provides many opportunities for camping, fishing, canoeing, rafting, and other water/wilderness type activities.
A source of great pride to the community is the Turner Center, a modern 4,000-seat facility that accommodates local and national concerts, craft shows, circuses, professional wrestling events, banquets, receptions, and other types of community-oriented meetings. In addition to the arena, the Turner Center has an exhibit hall and livestock barns.
Discussions are currently underway to consider incorporating the Rodeo and County Fair into the 100-acre Turner Center site, which would provide, in one centralized location, the current facilities plus the Fair and the Rodeo/Equestrian Center.
DeSoto County is home to a large, modern satellite campus of South Florida Community College. Very nearby is Florida’s newest four-year university, the state-of-the-art Florida Gulf Coast University.
From rodeos and county fairs, to country music concerts, livestock shows, canoeing on the Peace River, exploring a nature trail, or antiquing in downtown Arcadia, DeSoto County offers a fresh, wholesome lifestyle quite different from large urban centers.
The County operates under the provisions for county government established by the State of Florida. Five County Commissioners, each from a separate district of the county, are elected and serve four-year, staggered terms. The composition of the DeSoto County Commission has been relatively stable over the past several years.
The County Administrator is hired by the County Commission and serves at their will. The Administrator has full responsibility for implementing the policy established by the Board of County Commissioners and has the responsibility for hiring and supervising all staff. Appointment of department heads requires Board approval.
A full-service county, DeSoto has 175 employees. Several constitutional officers, including the Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, Sheriff, Clerk of Court and the Courts System operate autonomously, although they are funded through the County Commission.
DeSoto County’s current general fund budget is $19 million, with a total budget of $80 million. The County’s millage rate is $8.1 per thousand dollars of assessable value.
DeSoto County suffered considerable damage to private and public facilities during the 2004 hurricane season and is in the process of rebuilding, repairing, and clean-up.
DeSoto County is on the verge of experiencing rapid growth, and some of the major challenges in the County relate to managing that growth. One challenge is to diversify the County’s economy by attracting clean industry and high-wage jobs. Another challenge is to grow in such a way that the tax base and citizens’ economic opportunities are enhanced, while simultaneously maintaining the County’s agricultural industry and traditions. History and tradition are important parts of DeSoto County culture.
The County recently acquired water and wastewater capabilities. It is in the process of expanding transmission lines and planning for additional processing capacity.
These challenges call for a County Administrator who is well-versed in growth management issues, who has knowledge of and appreciation for agricultural communities, and who can comfortably and effectively interact with a broad spectrum of residents and business interests.
The ideal candidate understands economic development, understands agricultural communities, understands finances very well, likes a challenge, and can relate effectively to various constituencies and guide them toward consensus.
Work Experience ¨ Ideally, the candidate will have at least five year’s experience in county or municipal government as the chief executive officer. However, applicants with extensive experience as a deputy or assistant manager or other high-level public sector experience will be given consideration, particularly if they bring strong skills in areas such as planning and finance. Florida experience is preferred, and experience in agricultural communities is important.
• Strong, yet still able to follow the Commission’s lead
| Experience with agricultural communities |
| Strong planning skills |
| Willingness to become an active participant in the life of the community |
· Strong people skills and a diplomatic approach
| Sound knowledge of wastewater/ water utilities |
· Ability to gain the trust of the Commission, the community, and staff
| Ability to secure grants |
· A strong personality, but works well as a team player
· Communicates effectively with citizens and with the Commission
· Ability and willingness to keep the Commission well informed
| Ability to negotiate effectively with other governmental agencies |
· Friendly and out-going
COMPENSATION
The starting salary range for the position is $90,000 to $110,000, depending on qualifications.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary history for initial screening by May 2, 2005 to: Tom D. Freijo, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, The Mercer Group, Inc., Freijo@Mercerfl.com P.O. Box 9328, Winter Haven, Florida 33883. TEL: (863) 299-3571 FAX: (863) 299-6737. DeSoto County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applicants should be aware that applications in Florida become a matter of public record upon receipt.