Dale Martin
City Manager
Fernandina Beach
April 7, 2017 1:00 a.m.
A frequent challenge in local government is helping others understand the distinctions and responsibilities of various levels of government. I remember my introductory high school government classes and the emphasis on the federal government. We dabbled briefly with state government but never touched local government- ironically, the level of government that has the most significant impact of the lives of most people.
The most obvious reason for the lack of education regarding local government is that it varies so much from community to community. Some concepts are common- governing bodies, departmental functions, budgets. Despite those general commonalities, vast differences exist, such as the number of members on the governing board: five-member boards versus seven-member boards versus nineteen-member boards (Jacksonville). Some communities provide a great number of services; others, very few. Local governments reflect the needs and desires of the associated community.
In some instances, people are not aware of the boundaries and jurisdictional responsibilities. In most of my Michigan communities, as well as here in Florida, the names of cities spill across those lines on the map, contributing to the confusion: you may have a Fernandina Beach address, but you are not governed by the City of Fernandina Beach. My time in Connecticut was different in that, with no county government, all 169 cities and towns were incorporated, making the jurisdictional lines much clearer.
My transition to Fernandina Beach provided an example of that confusion. The City Charter required that I become a resident of the City within thirty days of taking my oath of office (Sec. 25). As we worked from Connecticut to explore housing opportunities, the ragged boundaries of the City required close examination of where exactly a property of interest was located- in the City of Fernandina Beach or Nassau County. I had to reject several homes because they were not appropriately located (and, very fortunately, we nonetheless ended up with a place within the city limits that we truly enjoy).
But those boundaries cause plenty of other confusion. At a recent luncheon, I was asked questions about the City’s (or my) responsibility for the Shave Bridge in light of the widening of A1A/SR200. The City (and I) has limited, if nearly non-existent, jurisdiction over state and county roads. We may share maintenance and enforcement duties with other governments, but the actual legal responsibility rests with others, meaning many planning and construction details are made from distant locations, not City Hall.
Being a resident of the City also results in an additional financial burden- City taxes. A friend recently questioned me as to the increased cost to build a new home within the city limits due to the additional tax burden. With an estimated taxable value of $300,000, the additional burden to build within the City was approximately $1,100 per year, or $3 per day. As we prepare to formulate the next budget, the query of “What do I get for that additional $3 cost as a city resident?” is a fair question.
Several services and functions that are included in taxes in the City may be part of fees, not taxes, within the county, such as homeowners association fees for road maintenance or garbage collection. City officials would contend that some services are enhanced within the City- the responsiveness of public safety, which, in many cases, will never have to be used by residents. With some recent discussions related to public safety costs, the distinction between City and County public safety services may become more delineated.
Parks and recreational services are funded by the City, even though many facilities are underutilized. Those facilities represent an amenity that enhances the quality of life within the City and are maintained through City funding. As with parks, city streets and other facilities are similarly maintained and repaired with local funds.
It is the responsibility of City officials to justify the services, programs, and personnel that lead to the additional tax burden for local residents. That justification is part of the budget process and I encourage you to follow (and participate in) the development of the next budget.