City of Boca Raton Receives Financial Awards, “AAA” Rating and Property Value Increase

The City’s Financial Services Department and Office of Management and Budget were recognized with three financial services awards highlighting their efforts in government budgeting, financial reporting, and public procurement. Additionally, the City received a “AAA” bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service, and with the 2023 increase in taxable property values, has the highest property value of any city in Palm Beach County.

The City’s Financial Services Department, Accounting Division and Purchasing Division received two awards:

· Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

The Certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. 42nd Consecutive Year

· Award of Excellence in Public Procurement for 2023 from the Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials (FAPPO)

The Award recognizes organizational excellence in procurement, and the agencies that meet or exceed benchmarks in the procurement process. The City received high ratings for criteria including innovation, professionalism, e-procurement, productivity, and leadership attributes. 16th Consecutive Year

The City’s Office of Management and Budget received the following award:

· Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association

The Award reflects the commitment of a government agency and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. The City met nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation across four categories, including a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device. 40th Consecutive Year

“The City strives to provide the highest quality fiscal services to the residents and businesses of Boca Raton,” commented Linda Davidson, the City’s Financial Services Director. “The awards are a reflection of the City’s commitment to integrity, accountability and customer service in financial reporting, budget and procurement.”

The awards come at a time when the City is experiencing overall strengthening of its financial standing and property value.

The City’s rating for its special assessment revenue bonds were upgraded from “AA 1” to “AAA” by Moody’s Investors Service after a review of the City’s non-ad valorem debt. All the City’s bonds are now rated ‘AAA’ and are reflective of the City’s strong revenue raising flexibility and solid revenue growth prospects related to a vibrant economy, affordable long-term liability, and sound financial management.

County wide, taxable property values increased according to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s 2023 Estimated Tax Roll. With a tax roll increasing almost 12 percent, Boca Raton now has the highest property value of any city in Palm Beach County. The increase in taxable property value, combined with the City’s financial management procedures, helps ensure Boca Raton can continue to provide outstanding services to its residents and businesses while maintaining one of the lowest property tax rates for a full-service city in Florida.

Honoring the Bravery and Sacrifice of U.S. Service Members

Every year, the United Service Organizations (USO) honors junior enlisted service members who have exhibited a commitment to protecting and serving others both on and off duty.

Nominated by their command leadership, the seven 2022 USO Service Members of the Year come from every military branch, and government officials, military leaders and USO supporters recently celebrated their achievements at the USO’s Annual Awards Dinner in Washington DC, hosted by Drew Carey.

“From defending an Air Base to rescuing civilians in accidents and fires, these honorees have performed inspiring acts of heroism, exemplifying the values of both the USO and the Armed Forces,” said USO president and CEO, J.D. Crouch II.

Here’s what to know about this year’s honorees:

• USO Soldier of the Year: Sergeant Erick Ceja was responsible for enabling the first U.S. Patriot missile engagement in combat in more than 19 years after incoming enemy ballistic missiles were identified as threats to the Al Dhafra Air Base. He analyzed the incoming threat, manned his battle station to ensure all launchers were operating properly and led his crew members through a perfect assumption drill. His actions ensured the safety of more than 3,500 service members and Department of Defense civilians.

• USO Airman of the Year: Without hesitation, Staff Sergeant Blake M. Metscher climbed through an overturned minivan to rescue a trapped family suffering from head trauma and lacerations in a multi-vehicle highway accident. His actions were key to the victims’ survival and lauded by first responders.

• USO Coast Guardsman of the Year: Maritime Enforcement Specialist Second Class Jacob Flores saved three lives on an uncharted section of the Rio Grande River while operating a Response Boat early one morning. Upon spotting two women and an infant struggling with no life preservers, Flores dove in to pull them from the unforgiving river despite imminent personal danger. His actions ensured the safety of all three victims who received emergency medical care after the rescue.

• USO Marine of the Year: Corporal Alec T. Cruz saved the life of a fellow Marine after responding to a 911 call requesting medical assistance for an unconscious service member. He quickly placed her in the recovery position, evaluated her condition, and initiated CPR when her breathing stopped and a pulse could no longer be located. Cruz revived the Marine after two cycles of CPR and provided lifesaving support while awaiting medical care.

• USO Sailor of the Year: While off du- ty near his home base in Virginia, Cryptologic Petty Officer Third Class Ty Knight responded to the sound of gunshots from a drive-by at a nearby intersection. He and another sailor took action, supported the survivor at the scene and remained with them until emergency officials arrived.

• USO National Guardsman of the Year: Specialist Solomon Doss responded to a fire early one morning while on duty as a police officer in Alabama. He brought an elderly woman who had become incapacitated due to smoke inhalation to safety before the building was engulfed in flames. His composure and rapid response saved her life.

• USO Guardian of the Year: Sergeant Octavio Cesar Castruita was off duty when he witnessed a pregnant woman cry for help as a visibly distraught man attempted to seize her vehicle. He ran to the woman’s aid, then detained the offender long enough for emergency responders to take him into police custody. Castruita’s rapid response saved the woman and her unborn child from harm.

To learn more about the 2022 USO Service Members of the Year, visit https://www.uso.org, and join the conversation by following the USO on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and using the #BetheForce hashtag.

“America’s service members put their lives on the line to keep us safe. That is why it’s so vital to honor their service and sacrifice,” says Crouch.

Why You Should Consider a Hybrid for Your Next Vehicle

penses. In fact, today’s hybrids achieve 20-35% better fuel economy than conventional internal combustion engines, according to Green America. In the short term, hybrids are a cost-effective option compared with most all-electric vehicles currently on the market. While a battery electric vehicle will save you even further on fuel costs down the line, the average transaction price for one of these rides is still well above $60,000.

more than doubled since 2019.

With gas prices surging and national efforts being made to reduce carbon emissions, you may be eyeing car models that promise to reduce or even eliminate your reliance on gas. However, depending on your lifestyle, location, finances, driving habits and other factors, you may not be ready to go fully electric just yet. The good news? A hybrid is a great transitional vehicle to put you on the path to more sustainable driving now. Here’s why:

Hybrid vehicles, which combine smaller gas engines with battery-powered electric motors, make it possible for anyone to contribute to the fight against carbon emissions and reduce their gas ex -

A hybrid is also a key alternative to electric vehicles for those who live in locations where the current electric vehicle infrastructure doesn’t yet support everyday transport, or for those who don’t own a home where they can charge a vehicle at night. With greater fuel economy than a traditional internal combustion engine, and requiring no lifestyle overhaul to operate, hybrids are one way to reduce carbon emissions today.

Given these varied benefits, and the rising number of available vehicles with a hybrid powertrain, it’s no surprise that annual hybrid sales in the United States have

As you shop around, be sure to look for manufacturers with hybrids available across their entire lineup, from pickups and SUVs to sedans. This will help you find a model that matches your needs. Sporting blue badges, it’s easy to spot Toyota’s hybrid options on the lot. While hybrid technology has historically cost more, prices are leveling, and budget-conscious buyers will find options under $30k, including the Corolla Hybrid and the allnew Prius. Boasting all the latest safety and multimedia features, along with sleek exterior design, you won’t have to compromise on style or performance in the quest for efficiency. To learn more about electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plugin hybrids, fuel cell electric and battery electric cars, visit toyota.com/electrified.

Whether you are experiencing pain at the pump or simply want to live more sustainably, making your next vehicle a hybrid is an effortless step you can take to save money at the gas pump and reduce your carbon footprint.