In this time of a slowing economy, lowered receipts of sales taxes and decline in property values, local governments face staggering challenges.  Even so, I’m proud to announce that through hard work and wise fiscal policy, we have achieved many milestones and succeeded in many goals this year which you will see in this report.  Hillsborough County continues to demonstrate responsible fiscal management in 2008, with the Board of County Commissioners’ sixteenth consecutive property tax reduction in the Countywide millage rate.

We work smart, and we remain a good value to citizens.   For three straight years, departments have identified ongoing efficiencies which have saved more than $30 million.  The top Productivity Suggestion Awards made by staff this past year were implemented to generate savings of $186,000.   An annual independently-conducted citizen survey has shown that overall performance and value ratings are ahead of most other major metropolitan centers. 

We work to make our community a better place to live for all of our citizens.  It’s all about good foundations:  providing high quality children’s services and recreation opportunities, strengthening our affordable housing program, recruiting businesses with higher wage paying jobs, and committing to a better transportation network.

And, we work to make a difference.  Hillsborough County partners with many agencies, other governments and citizens for more efficient and effective service delivery.  We’re sharing resources and information and assisting each other with projects that make our County an even better place to live and where our citizens can be proud.   Our Green Hillsborough initiative gets stronger everyday as we find more ways to be good ecological stewards.

There may well be more difficult fiscal years lying before us.  At the same time, we know we still have improvements to make, and with fewer employees and resources to do the job.  Yet, when I see dedicated employees hard at work every day, I am reminded that county government really is a reflection of the people who live here and want Hillsborough County to be the best that it can be.

2008 Strategic Goals and Accomplishments ( PDF, 4.21MB )