OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The momentum in the community is overwhelmingly positive.

Ocala City Manager Pete Lee was the featured speaker at the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership ExCEPtional Mornings at the Reilly Arts Center Oct. 16.

Lee commended the mayor and city council for their commitment, expressing that it’s been a pleasure to work with them.

When Lee thinks of the council, he says that he’s always reminded of The Man in the Arena passage from Theodore Roosevelt’s Citizen in a Republic speech which begins, “It’s not the critic that counts…” Lee says that the council is often faced with challenges that the average citizen doesn’t have to contend with; complex issues, that are far from black and white and are in multiple shades of gray.

“We’re judged by the vision that guides us,” says Lee. “I’m reminded of Proverbs 29:18. We’re in the city. I’m an urbanist. We’re the hub of the community, the county seat; the center for our governments, the center for our infrastructure and services.”

The population continues to grow at a rapid rate and the city is responsible for meeting those services, says Lee.

“The ultimate intention is to make Ocala the most livable place, a great place to live, to live securely and safely, to work at jobs that pay livable wages, to find a range of ways to spend free time, to play to learn and to be entertained,” says Lee. “A place where businesses not only start but flourish.”

Lee emphasized the importance of teamwork. It involves collaborating with the CEP, the county, and the council to ensure that the community’s real needs are addressed, he noted, adding that it means listening to residents and gathering their feedback.

Ocala’s Vision
  • To make Ocala a great place to live, play and prosper.
Ocala’s Mission
  • The City of Ocala provides fiscally responsible services consistent with the community’s current and future expectations.
City Council’s Strategic Priorities
  • Quality of place
  • Operational excellence
  • Engaged workforce
  • Fiscally sustainable
  • Economic hub

The quality of place attracts people and keeps them within the community, explains Lee, and the process is ongoing.

The budget is something that’s worked on all year and it needs a lot of focus, according to Lee.

“Our operating budget for the general fund goes for the essential priorities, essential services, infrastructure, investing in critical services, projects that support growth and community development,” Lee listed. “Nearly 50% of the general fund is dedicated to fire and police services. The community really expects a lot from our first responders, and they deliver. This group of people is truly important to me. I’m truly impressed every time I see what they do. They do a great job.”