AT A GLANCE SARASOTA COUNTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS Sarasota County Fire Department: • The County opened the new Fire Station No. 13 beside Siesta Key Beach. The 2-story, 10,500 square foot station includes a workout room and designated bunk rooms for each frefghter. • This building is hurricane hardened and allows the frefghters to better serve Siesta Key and Sarasota County. 2021 Quality of Life Ratings and Surveys: • Sarasota was ranked by U.S. News & World Report, in their Best Places in the U.S. in 2021-2022 comparison of U.S. metropolitan areas, as the 9th best place to live, best place to retire, 2nd fastest-growing place, 5th safest place to live, and 15th best place to live for quality of life. • Sarasota County Government was named one of the “Best Workplaces for Commuters” by bestworkplaces.org. • Each year, Sarasota County has an annual citizen survey completed by the University of South Florida for citizen satisfaction of county services and responsiveness of the employees when contacted. The 2021 results showed that the proportion of respondents who rated their quality of life in the county as excellent or good was 97 percent and 96 percent surveyed are satisfed with services provided by Sarasota County. Fitch and S&P Global Bond Ratings: • Both Fitch and S&P Global announced an “AA+” rating for the Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A and Utility System Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2020B. • Fitch afrmed Sarasota County’s rating of “AAA” for its Issuer Default Rating, its General Obligation Bonds and “AA+” for its Capital Improvement Sales Tax Bonds. • These bond ratings refect the County’s superior fnancial management, solid operating profle and are an indication of the economic health and a growing, strong and diverse local economy. • High bond ratings allow the County to acquire debt at a lower rate. GOALS OF SARASOTA COUNTY • Exceptional County Services Aligned with Resources • High-Performing County Team • World-Class Quality of Life Amenities • Great Place to Live • Robust, Growing Business Opportunities Ringling Bridge 6 Impact Report 2021
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