here - Satellite Beach

Courtney H. Barker, AICP
TAB 4
and capital funds. The City’s General Fund budget is $34.4 million and the Total Budget is $104
million.
The three most important issues facing the City of Titusville are the following:
1. Declining Revenues. Over the past six years, the City’s ad valorem tax revenues have
steadily declined along with the tax base. Due to the economic downturn and coupled
with rising pension costs, the City has been undergoing pension reform while instituting
furloughs to meet budget deficits. This has caused dissatisfaction among existing
employees and has made it difficult to recruit new employees.
2. Unemployment. The retirement of NASA’s Shuttle Program disproportionately affected
the North Brevard area, leaving Titusville with an unemployment rate of 11.5%. The
City’s major focus of economic development in the last six years has led to the
participation in the North Brevard Economic Development Zone in partnership with
Brevard County, as well as economic development grant programs. Despite recent
successes, this issue will likely be at the forefront of the City’s agenda for years to come.
3. Redevelopment & Revitalization. Due to the declining economic base and the housing
market crash, the City has significant redevelopment and development opportunities and
challenges. The City will need to continue to use strategies ranging from abatement and
demolition to the purchase and redevelopment of vacant and abandoned buildings.
Additionally, the City will need to continue to invest in infrastructure and aesthetic
improvements.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT STYLE & EXPERIENCE
I have a strong desire to be a leader in my hometown and to assist in its continuous improvement
and preservation as a special, one-of-kind place. I see this position as the next step in my career
that will keep me engaged in my community and challenged until retirement. While there may
be some concern that I lack “city manager” experience, it should be noted that I have served in a
leadership position in this County for over seven years, and I am well established in the area as a
leader and expert in City government. I have solidified relationships over the years that will
allow me to assume the City Manager position for the City seamlessly. Additionally, the
complexity of issues and problems that I have found solutions to throughout my career have
prepared me for any current and future issues confronting us in the City of Satellite Beach.
I have a results oriented but relaxed management style. I prefer to provide advice and
encouragement rather than direct orders; however, I will give directives when I believe it is
necessary. I prefer to work with and create a team that collaborates to accomplish projects,
resulting in a sense of pride in the joint effort. I believe family is first. I believe that this provides
a sense of security for employees, as they understand the City values their contributions while
recognizing and respecting their family life. I believe this outlook on family life elicits a great
deal of loyalty and dedication to the City in return. My management style has given me a very
low attrition rate on my team over the years.
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