Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer Irwin Williams joins the podcast to provide an overview of the upcoming fiscal year’s proposed budget, while also touching on the brand new Transparency Portal and projects that aim to keep City services and programs financially sustainable.

The conversation begins with a look at what percentage of a resident’s tax bill goes to the City of Cooper City (2:35). Then, we look at how those dollars are used for City services (5:50). Further along, we look at the difference between a government fund and proprietary fund (7:45). When it comes to the water meter replacement project, we learn how much money the City was not collecting due to faulty water meters (9:02). In looking at City investments and methods for paying for upcoming projects, Irwin provides details (12:27). We close our conversation with information on how our new Transparency Portal will help residents understand the budget (16:55).   

Related Links:
Homestead Exemption Information: https://bcpa.net/homestead.asp
Portability Estimator: https://bcpa.net/PortabilityCalc.asp

Grants Administrator Renee Wilson and Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Joshua Rhodes provide details on the work that goes into using state and federal funding to help bring City projects to life.

Early in the conversation, we touch on two playground projects that were recently completed and the grant funding that provided assistance (4:20). We also explain how grant funding allows the City to make additional enhancements (8:30) and what residents can expect at Suellen H. Fardelmann Sports Complex with the help of grant dollars (9:43). Ever wonder why the City conducts Master Plans? We explain why the variety of Master Plans are important to pursuing grants (11:02), while also providing a list of projects for which grant funding has been secured or is being pursued.

BSO Cooper City District Chief Andrea Tianga reflects on her first few months being back in “Someplace Special,” shares details about her previous experiences, and touches on key priorities.

During the conversation, Captain Tianga talks about growing up in Cooper City (2:05), her ability to connect and collaborate with the public throughout her career (4:45), how residents of Cooper City look out for one another and contribute to public safety (8:50), how her love for animals led to a career in law enforcement (9:45), her passion for being an animal advocate and improving crisis intervention training (13:30), and the importance of the experience she gained prior to returning to Cooper City (18:00). 

A conversation with Nick Gonzalez, who shares his family’s experience in the grocery business, as he works toward the grand opening of a new supermarket in Cooper City. Nick dishes on what to expect inside the store (4:54) and the challenges he has faced (9:39).

An important infrastructure improvement is in the pipeline in Cooper City, centering on the culvert located along SW 49th Street, between Natalie’s Cove Road and SW 120th Avenue. Akin Ozaydin, Utilities Director for Cooper City, and Michael Wills, with the Corradino Group, explain what a culvert is (17:53) and the importance of replacing this piece of infrastructure (20:50).