We welcome our new city manager Greg Kisela.  Greg replaces Ken Parker, who was our city manager for the last 28 years.  Greg brings a great deal of experience in both the public and private sector.  He has already hit the ground running, and I know as we work through the different issues we will be a better Port Orange. 

This year Port Orange is celebrating its Centennial anniversary of incorporation with different events and activities throughout the entire year.  One hundred years ago, on March 17, 1913, citizens voted to incorporate the community into the Town of Port Orange.  I hope you had a chance to enjoy the Centennial Celebration at the Riverwalk Park last month on March 17.  It was a day of fun, music, and fireworks over the Halifax River.  I want to thank our many Centennial sponsors for their generous support, whether financial or in-kind donations, and their community spirit.  As I mentioned, there are many events planned each month ranging from lectures to fun activities for the entire family. 
Click here to checkout the Centennial Calendar.

In that last newsletter I mentioned the City was addressing the water meter and utility billing issues.  Here is an update on actions taken.  Already, a contractor working for the water meter manufacturer has been in the neighborhoods replacing water meter transmitters and registers that are under warranty.  The City has contracted with a new printing company to start printing the water bills.  A third auditing firm was recently selected and began working the last week of March on the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).  Soon, the results of the forensic audit will be presented to City Council.  Rest assured, the City will continue to work on these issues.   

Finally, the City recently received some good financial news.  Fitch Ratings Company from New York City affirmed their AA- rating of the City’s General Obligation (G.O.) Bond, 2006 series.  The bonds funded the construction of the new Police Station on Clyde Morris Boulevard and two new Fire Stations, station 72 on Spruce Creek Road and station 75 on Town West Boulevard.  Even with the recent financial challenges related to the water meters and billing issues, Fitch’s review stated Port Orange’s outlook was stable.  This news goes in concert with our improved Water and Sewer Bond Ratings from last year.  In 2012, Standards & Poor increased Port Orange’s bond rating from A+ to AA-, Fitch upgraded the City from AA- to AA, and Moody’s affirmed our Aa2 rating.  We have made tremendous strides to reach this positive financial position, and the City Council is committed to improving our finances and our bond ratings. 

Sincerely,
Allen Green
Mayor