Police Department "In recognition of our responsibility to be responsive to the needs of our community, the Punta Gorda Police Department shall nurture trust by providing quality police services that promote the highest quality of life and a sense of safety for all residents, businesses and guests. We recognize and affirm that we shall work in partnership with the community for the good of the community we serve."

City Manager The City of Punta Gorda is representative of progressive government providing quality services to the residents and visitors of the area. The City provides full government services under the direction of Mr. Beck.

Utilities The City of Punta Gorda Utility Department is organized into 5 separate divisions: Administration, Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Water Distribution, and Wastewater Collection. The Utility system serves all of the City of Punta Gorda as well as surrounding areas of unincorporated Charlotte County.

City Council An asterisk (*) following a name denotes inclusion in the CHARLOTTE SUN's First Annual (2002) "SUN 100" list of "The County's most influential, involved, charitable, powerful and important people;" two asterisks (**)denotes inclusion in the Second Annual (2003) "SUN 100" list.

Fire Department The City of Punta Gorda Fire Department was established in 1897 as an all- volunteer department. The first fire station was at City Hall at 326 W. Marion Avenue with the engine housed where the present City Clerk's office is today.

Public Works The Public Works Department is made up of 8 Divisions under the direction of the Director of Public Works. Each Division has a variety of responsibilities, which are highlighted below.

Finance The Finance Director is appointed by the City Manager who heads up the Finance Department, Billing and Collection Division and is the Risk Manager for the City. The Finance Department is a service department providing many functions including accounting, auditing, financial reporting, cash management, accounts payable and payroll service to all the City departments. The department is custodian of all City funds. Duties include budget preparation and administration on a day-to-day basis and the preparation of periodic and annual financial statements.

Community Development The Department of Community Development is organized into three divisional areas responsible for departmental management and administration, comprehensive growth policy and planning initiatives, and policy analysis, and research activities to support City Council and the residents of the City in planning matters.

City Clerk The City Clerk is appointed by the City Council and serves in many capacities, most importantly as a link between the City Council and their constituency. This is accomplished by assisting the Councilmember with requests for information, answering telephone and written inquiries, keeping Council apprised of pertinent issues, maintaining a Council calendar and distribution of daily mail.

Administrative Services Bill Wishard is the Administrative Services Director.

Procurement The Division consists of the Procurement Manager, a Contract Administrator, Technical Specifications Writer and Buyers. This section handles all procurement requirements for the City. The operation consists of two (2) buyers to process all requisitions of the City under $25,000.00. The Technical Specifications Writer and Buyer II are responsible for purchases over $25,000.00 inclusive of construction, annual consumable contracts, service contracts, equipment and vehicles.

Building & Code Compliance The Building and Code Compliance Division incorporates critical enforcement areas of City government, all of which receive their enabling legislation through state statutes or local ordinances.

Human Resources The City of Punta Gorda Human Resources Department is responsible for the Recruitment, Wage & Salary Administration, Employee Relations, Training, Workers' Compensation, Employee Benefits & Services, Labor Relations, and Policy Development.