Governments
across the entire nation are evaluating their fiscal condition as increasing manpower
costs, unfunded mandates and infrastructure needs put pressure on citizen's ability to pay
for services. Margate, as well as other governments, is faced with the same dilemma; to
provide quality services without imposing higher taxes.To this end, the City of Margate has recognized the need for an economic infusion, and accordingly, is currently developing a program that will shortly provide economic redevelopment. The City of Margate has been able to attract a major employer to relocate to Margate, and employs more than 800 employees in not one, but two locations. Plans are in the works for a major redevelopment of shopping centers. Another major business is expected to locate to Margate shortly. Contracts should be signed within the next month. This business would be the first business of its type in Margate. It is anticipated that this business will employ more than 75 employees.
What else is happening in the City of Margate:
 | The City of Margate successfully challenged the 1994 U.S. Census Bureau population estimates. This successful challenge increased our population to 50,575 residents, and accordingly, the City of Margate has become an Entitlement City, eligible to receive both Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, as well as State Housing Incentives Partnerships (SHIP) funding. This funding will assist the city in enhancing its tax base through public works projects, commercial revitalization programs and programs designed to increase home ownership and assist homeowners in the repair and rehabilitation of their homes. It is expected that the successful challenge to the census will amount to a minimum of $1,000,000 new dollars coming into the City of Margate. |
| The City of Margate, rather than continuing with a group recycling program, implemented its own recycling program. This step will produce $37,500 new revenue annual for the city, as well as serve to help protect our environment. |
| Implemented a retirement incentive program for senior ranking employees that is expected to save in excess of $300,000 annually. |
| Began implementation of a Total Quality Management initiative that will lead to more innovative thinking by our employees. |
| Our Fire Department has received the first annual Gold Standard Service of the Year Award, given by Emergency Medical Services Magazine, a nationally recognized journal for emergency care, rescue and transportation. This award was based on the care and administration of our pre-hospital EMS service, as well as the overall operations of our Fire Rescue Department. The Department has also been awarded the State of Florida EMS Provider of the Year Award, and the U.S. Department of Labor - O.S.H.A. Recognition Award. In addition to these prestigious awards, our Fire Chief has recently been named as AMS Administrator of the Year. In addition, the Fire Department has increased revenue collection for ambulance transport from $140,000 in 1992 to $800,00 in 1998 (571% increase). |
| Increased the size of the Fire Department by 46% since 1992. |
| Our Police Department has received national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and received State of Florida accreditation from the Commission on Florida Accreditation. We were the first municipal law enforcement agency in Broward County to be state accredited and the second municipal law enforcement agency in the State of Florida to be both nationally and state accredited. |
| Increased the size of our Police force by 28% since 1992. |
| Purchased a Police Mobile Command Vehicle with Confiscated Property money; this did not cost the citizens one penny. |
| Instituted programs to stop the spiraling costs of health insurance. |
| The Department of Finance has received the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for the ninth consecutive year from The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. |
| Reduced audit costs by $50,000 annually since 1980. |
| Joined the Broward County Cooperative Bidding team; thus saving substantial dollars. |
| Through escrow restructure and refinancing on the Water and Wastewater Enterprise debt, saved rate payers a gross amount in excess of $2,600,000. |
| Received a bond rating of Aaa from Moody's Investors Service, AAA from Standard and Poor's and AAA from Fitch. |
| Implemented a Stormwater Utility Enterprise to maintain our canal system. |
| Entered into a Commercial Load Control Program with Florida Power and Light Company at our water plant to reduce costs. This has resulted in a net savings of approximately $50,000 annually. |
| Has received a Tree City USA award for 7 consecutive years. This indicates that the city recognizes the value of a proper tree canopy. |
| Established the Margate Inner-City Transit system, a low cost mini-bus system that has provided an invaluable asset to the citizens. |
| Utilized the design/build concept for our new park site, thus saving the citizens considerable money. |
| Sponsors programs for the NorthWest Focal Point Senior Center located in Margate. |
| The City of Margate, Florida welcomes your comments, questions, and interest. |
E-Mail the City Manager at: citymanager@margatefl.com