Punta Gorda, Fl - Government Information

Type of Government

The City of Punta Gorda has a City Council/City Manager form of government. The City Council is the legislative branch of City Government and operates in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the City of Punta Gorda. The City Council is responsible for enacting ordinances and resolutions that the City Manager of Punta Gorda administers as the Administrative Officer of city government. Five Council members are elected by the voters of Punta Gorda to serve for a two-year term. Council members are elected at-large in staggered terms. Elections are held in November.

The Mayor and Vice-Mayor are elected by the City Council at the first meeting held after an election. The Mayor presides at all meetings and performs duties delegated to the Mayor by the City Council. City Council meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month, at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers (located on the first floor of City Hall). Meetings are open to the public. To add an item on a Council Agenda, please contact the City Manager's office at 575-3302. Requests for proclamations should be directed to the City Clerk's office at 575-3369.

City Manager's Office

The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and is the Chief Administrative Officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for providing the necessary executive leadership to carry out the mission, goals and policies established by City Council. The City Manager's Office oversees preparation of the City Council Agenda for every Council meeting. The City Manager advises and coordinates implementation of policies adopted by City Council.

The office is responsible for providing leadership and management of the City's operations, including guidance, coordination and planning service delivery. The City Manager is responsible for long-range and strategic planning and develops recommendations for new programs indicating scope, cost justification and impact statements for consideration by City Council. The City Manager presents an annual budget to the City Council and is charged with advising the City Council with regard to the financial condition of the city and its future needs.

The City Manager represents the City at meetings, conferences and events and maintains a cooperative working relationship with other governmental agencies, citizens, state and federal agencies. The City Manager reviews legislative activity at the federal and state level to determine applicability and potential impact on the City and advises City Council of such impact.

The City of Punta Gorda employee mission statement is to provide service to citizens through a comprehensive team effort emphasizing honesty, excellence, efficiency and hard work. Our values are: Commitment to quality services, delivered in a responsive, efficient and professional manner. Commitment to productivity which encourages creative flexibility and accountability to address changing needs. Commitment to a positive work environment built on honesty, trust and loyalty.

Commitment to community goals which also meets the needs of individuals. There are seven major departments within the City. Each is under the leadership of a Department Director, who reports to the City Manager. The Departments and their respective Directors are:

Growth Management, Dennis Murphy (941) 575-3370

Finance, Dave Drury (941) 575-3318

Fire Department, Chief Robert Hancock (941) 575-5529

Human Resources, Philip Wickstrom (941) 575-3308

Police Department, Chief Charles Rinehart (941) 639-4111

Public Works, Rick Keeney (941) 575-5050

Utilities, Steve Adams (941) 575-3339

The Assistant City Manager, Kathleen Dailey, reports to the City Manager. She supports the City Manager with the day-to-day administration of the City, and specifically oversees the MIS Division.

The City Attorney and the City Clerk are also appointed by City Council, and report directly to Council. They are: David M. Levin , Atty. (941) 575-3307 Sue Foster, City Clerk (941) 575-3369

FAQ's

Q: Where is City Hall located?

A: City Hall is located at 326 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, Florida 33950

Q: What are the normal business hours for the City of Punta Gorda?

A: Normal hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Police and Fire maintain a 24-hour schedule.

Q: I am interested in relocating to Punta Gorda, how can I find a reputable real estate agent?

A: Visit the website for the Punta Gorda-Port Charlotte- North Port Association of REALTORS. The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce located at 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Unit E43 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 or the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce are also good sources.

Q: How can I find information on Schools in Punta Gorda?

A: Please contact the Charlotte County School District or use the link on the right.

Q: I am planning on visiting Punta Gorda, how can I find a hotel/motel?

A: You may contact the Charlotte County Tourism Bureau for this information, or use the link on the right.

Q: Where can I find information on demographics about Punta Gorda?

A: Demographic information is provided on the Demographics page. Use the link on the right..

Q: Do I live inside the City of Punta Gorda limits?

A: A voter map is provided and is searchable by address.

Note: The information provided on this page was supplied by the City of Punta Gorda.

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