ETC
state of the county
County drafts “Empowering Marion For Success II” strategic plan 133-page “living document” outlines the county’s plan for upcoming years BY MARK ANDERSON
ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERIENCE Outlining how Marion County will enhance internal and external customer experiences, the Organizational Experience element bolsters employee culture and considers how Marion County can build better relationships with residents, visitors and employees. This element covers social media, cybersecurity, employee workload and much more in considering how Marion County can recruit and retain quality employees. RESOURCES AND PUBLIC FACILITIES Covering topics relating to building safety,
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| FEB 2022 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
maintenance and renovations, the Resources and Public Facilities element takes a look at how Marion County can consider either renovating older buildings or constructing new public facilities to better serve its customers. Building proposals and budgets are taken into consideration when deciding what is best for the county currently and in the future. PLANNING AND FUTURE GROWTH The Planning and Future Growth element discusses methods for Marion County to continue its growth and attract businesses and families to the community. This element also takes into consideration such aspects of the county as the Farmland Preservation Area and the Urban Growth Boundary and how those designated areas factor into the county’s growth as more and more people continue to move to Marion County. PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE Roadways, water and sewer utilities and solid waste disposal are the main focus of the Public Infrastructure element. Again, with more and more people continuing to move to Marion County, it is imperative the county makes sure roads and utilities are able to meet and exceed demand while also preserving natural resources.
PUBLIC SAFETY Finally, the Public Safety element covers how Marion County can improve safety and emergency response around the county. This element discusses improvements to radio towers, communication devices for first responders, educational opportunities and safety equipment and facilities throughout Marion. Through it all, “Empowering Marion for Success II” is emphasized as a living document, meaning it will be revised and updated in the coming years as Marion County continues to grow and evolve on the continuing journey toward success. Mark Anderson is a public relations specialist for the Marion County Government.
Photos courtesy of Marion County
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hrough the latter half of 2021, Marion County staff contributed to the “Empowering Marion of Success II” strategic plan that outlines various projects, initiatives, renovations and operations the county plans to implement over the next five years. Spanning more than 130 pages, the strategic plan covers proposals for action throughout the county, including elements highlighting resources and facilities, public infrastructure, public safety and more. With county departments providing input beginning more than a year ago, the plan was proposed and published at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Dec. 21, 2021. This new plan follows the previous strategic plan, which covered the years 2017 through 2021. Each element of the plan dives into new initiatives for Marion County and outlines how the county proposes to put each initiative into action. Here are the individual elements of the new strategic plan:
