Page 18 - Abacoa Community News - February '24

Page 18, Abacoa
Town Of Jupiter News

By Malise Sundstrom, Connect, Collaborate, Contribute and residents can apply by visiting the town website and then
Councilor, Town of Jupiter Town staff, leadership, and volunteers take the time to get Government, then Boards & Committees. While the cutoff
As 2024 begins to take to know one another and form a welcoming community for for appointments is typically in early February, residents can
shape, some residents may those who enjoy public service. Attending a Town Council apply at any time for future consideration. These committee
resolve to get more involved meeting, a Connect with Council event or other community meetings are open to the public for additional opportunities to
in town affairs. Becoming an event is always an excellent way to get to know and interact contribute – the Planning and Zoning Commission and Historic
active participant in Jupiter’s with local leaders. Resources Board are particularly popular.
governance is easy and is a Jupiter U is another way to get connected and is a free Navigating Public Comments
great way to make a positive program to help residents learn about the services offered by When attending council or committee meetings, you
impact. There are many the town. Through classes and tours of everything from our have the opportunity to share your thoughts through public
opportunities for residents to parks to our water plant, Jupiter U sessions are a great way for comments. Offering constructive input is not only encouraged
learn more about the town, residents to meet one another and learn more about the town but also essential for success. Many residents draft comments
share their thoughts, or volunteer. they call home. Registration for this program begins in March. and read them at the podium, or submit written comments
Stay Informed For Effective Participation Town board or committee members also help the town before or during meetings to council at TownCouncil@jupiter.
Staying informed is helpful for meaningful engagement. with important input. Whether you’re passionate about urban fl.us or the town clerk at TownClerk@jupiter.fl.us. Providing a
To follow current events, consider reading the Town Times planning, environmental issues or community safety, there’s new perspective or insight in some detail is valuable in shaping
newsletter issued quarterly and mailed with the utility bill, or visit likely a committee that aligns with your experience and comprehensive and inclusive policies.
the town’s website at www.jupiter.fl.us and click on Residents, interests. These groups play a vital role in shaping policies and Participating in town governance is a rewarding experience
then Town Times Newsletter to read a digital copy. Council decisions that directly impact the town. Requirements vary, – we invite you to join us in shaping the year ahead!
meeting agendas and minutes can be accessed via the home
page (scroll to the bottom), and the town’s social media links
are also listed on the website. These resources offer valuable
insights into ongoing projects, discussions, and decisions and
take just a few minutes to read.
Clerk Alert

Making Your Tax Dollars Work
As Hard As You Do

Palm Beach County’s
investment portfolio has
enjoyed record-setting returns
in 2023, earning a record $172
million in investment income
for the fiscal year that ended
on Sept. 30.
This income is money
that Palm Beach County
will use to help ease the
financial burden on taxpayers,
supporting vital services such
as community centers, public safety and parks.
How did we achieve such strong growth this past fiscal
year? To put it simply, in my role as comptroller I lead a team of
investment professionals who safeguard and invest county tax
dollars. Unlike many other counties, our finance team operates
entirely in-house, which gives us greater control and flexibility
over our investments.
Our investment team – which includes me, Treasurer Felicia
Landerman, Investment Analyst John Burford and Radcliffe
Brown, our chief operating officer of finance – combined
have eight decades of professional investment experience.
Our investment team earned certification from the Centre for
Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) for the last 15 consecutive years.
Together, we have positioned Palm Beach County at
the forefront of investment opportunities, meeting weekly
to discuss strategy and monitor portfolio performance. This
allows us to maximize investment earnings while ensuring
that tax dollars are protected.
Our investment team is guided by the county investment
policy, developed by our in-house professionals and the
county’s investment policy committee. That policy governs
what type of investments our team can make and provides
%
guidelines related to risk management and reporting
requirements. 10
In technical terms, the portfolio benefited from money
invested in short, fixed income investments tied to rising 10 OFF
interest rates. This fueled the portfolio’s growth, with
investment income for the 2023 fiscal year reaching its highest
point ever – more than five times the $32.6 million of income OFFER EXPIRES MAR 16TH
OFFER EXPIRES MAR 16TH
earned in fiscal year 2022.
Investment balances are at an all-time high, peaking at over
$4.5 billion, and include conservative financial instruments
such as certificates of deposit, money market accounts, small
business administration pools and Israel bonds.
In addition to our role as comptroller, we play a crucial role
in maintaining accurate and transparent county records. We are
committed to providing our community with information to
help people understand how their tax money is being invested
and spent.
Visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/countyfinances for
investment information and to review other county financial
reports.
My team is dedicated to making sure that your tax dollars dr. elixir's drink-ory garden
work as hard as you do. If you have any questions, do not
hesitate to contact my office. opens 1 hour prior to showtime
Regards,
Joseph Abruzzo,
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller