Rumor Has It
"Nothing is swifter than a Rumor" - Horace
This feature has been started in order to respond to some of the comments we hear in the community. Citizens are welcome to ask questions or comment about city practices, services, events or employees by using the City Manager’s Feedback Form.
Rumor: The City of Ocala is taking over the fixed-base operations at the airport.
Response: This is not true. As the City Manager recently reported to City Council, the city has no plans or desire to take over those operations. We have eight years left on our contract with Landmark Aviation. Staff has been working with Landmark to provide the type of facilities and services that will keep the airport attractive and competitive in the marketplace. Our goals are to position the airport as an economic engine for development and to make it fiscally self-sustaining. We will continue to work with Landmark to determine what steps can be taken to reach those goals.
Rumor: Ocala Utility Services' electric rates are coming down again.
Response: This is true. Beginning June 1, a 4 percent reduction in the bulk power fuel rate took effect. Since the fall of 2008, this category on the city's utility bill has decreased by nearly 40 percent.
Rumor: The Control Tower at the Ocala international Airport has a start-up date.
Response: This is true. The Federal Aviation Administration has announced that the tower will become operational beginning May 17. It will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Six air traffic controllers have been assigned to the facility.
Rumor: The Symphony Under the Stars will have to change locations beginning in 2011 and will no longer be held at the Ocala Municipal Golf Course.
Response: Months ago, city staff met with the organizers of the Symphony Under the Stars event and explained a number of reasons why it needed to be moved beginning in 2011. Those reasons include: loss of golf course revenues, damage to the newly renovated golf course caused by the volume of pedestrian traffic and service equipment, and clean-up and restoration requirements after the event. The City recognizes the importance and popularity of the event and suggested moving it to Tuscawilla Park where plans for construction of an all ready designed outdoor amphitheatre are underway. Additionally, this park setting is currently undergoing a facelift that will provide an adjoining large playground for children, added parking and the installation of new illuminated fountains and walking bridge. We believe Tuscawilla Park will be a premier centralized location for this and other events and we look forward to working with the organizing committee to make it happen.
Rumor: Ocala police officers have an incentive to write citations because it funds the department.
Response: A traffic moving violation in Ocala will cost a motorist $166. Roughly $34.50 of that amount goes to the City, which doesn't cover the cost of police personnel and the follow-through process. Citations are issued to improve public safety, not raise revenue.
Rumor: City employees remove yard sale signs.
Response: Placing a sign in a public right of way is against city code and city employees are encouraged to remove them. The signs are considered clutter and can pose safety hazards. The signs can only legally be placed in the yard of the person conducting the yard sale. There is no charge or permit required for those who hold signs.