Clermont, Florida is a glorious city housed within Lake County. Clermont has undergone several changes since the Lake County was formed in 1840. Clermont is now one of the most attractive places to live in throughout the country. The area is endowed with several attractive features such as good homes, well-paying jobs, tourist attraction features, high performing schools, and it also offers the residents a peace of mind.
Clermont, FL, is suitably positioned near Orlando and other area attractions. This city is known to have various features that make it unique and quaint. Over the recent past, the city has witnessed tremendous growth with many people moving into the city due to its unique and attractive features. It is an attractive place to both the young and old, and people from all walks of life.
The buildings in Clermont were built conveniently to link homes with the shopping centers. The area has so many restaurants and small businesses and many more are coming up by the day. It is an area with all facilities a human being can wish. The city’s beauty is found in its landscaping and nature that was in existence before the huge growth and development that has greatly expanded the city’s residential space. The lakes within the city offer the residents several leisure activities such as fishing and boating. The city also has several parks that offer the resident’s opportunities for camping, as well as playground for the young children and their parents.
The most popular state park in Clermont is the Lake Louisa Park. It is most popular due to the six lakes that are an attractive site for many. It is the largest lake in the chain of thirteen lakes that connect to the Palatlakaha River. The Palatlakaha River is an excellent spot for young playful children as well as young adults who wish to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The park is also used to recreational programs such as camping. It is a full facility park with pavilions, tennis courts, soccer fields, play equipment, baseball, and diamonds among other social amenities.
The city has other social amenities such as the Hall of Presidents that is a wax museum where one can go to learn about the history of the white house and presidents of the United States. There is the National Training Center, a facility that offers athletes to practice as well as compete with others. The city has several restaurants such as Salvatore's (gourmet Italian dining), and Santiago's (Mexican Cuisine) among others.
The structure of the Clermont city government is made in such a way that the citizens elect the city council officers. These officers include the Mayor Harold Turville Jr. Mayor Pro-Tem Ray Goodgame and county members Keith Mullins, Rick VanWgner and Timothy Bates. These are the members of the city council that are elected. The appointed officials include the City Manager Mr. Darren Gray, Assistant City Manager Scott Blankebshiup, City Attorney Dan Mantzaris, City Clerk Tracy Ackroyd, among others.
The elections in Clermont, Florida are held after every two years and those elected are allowed to hold offices for not less than two terms. The current office led by the mayor Harold Turville Jr, has been involved in a number of activities to make life better for the people of Clermont. They have done an exemplary job in the time they have been in office. Clermont city is now a better city than most in the United States. It is among the most desirable places to live in within the United States. The crime rate within this city is lower compared to other places. The rate of police response in case of emergencies is also faster than other cities. The cost of living in this town is relatively lower compared to other cities within the country.
Demographics
The city of Clermont is situated at 28°32′51″N 81°44′58″W (28.547584, -81.749519). The city covers a total area of 11.6 square miles (31km2). 10.6 square miles (27.1 km2) land. The water covers a total of 1.1 square mile (2.5 km2) that is about 8.5%. The population of Clermont, FL according to the 2013 census was found to 30, 302. Of this population, 87% represents the White American population, the African American population makes up 6%. The Asians make up only 1%, mixed races 2% and the others make up 3% of the total population. The male population in Clermont makes up 51% of the total population while the female population makes up 49%.
Fiscal Policy (Budget)
The Finance Department of Clermont City is tasked with the responsibility for “accounting, accounts receivables and payables, payroll, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, debt management, fixed assets control, pension administration, purchasing and utility billing customer service.” (Clermont,FL, Official Website, 2014) This department is divided into three divisions that are the Purchasing, Finance and the Utility Billing Division.
The department of finance is also tasked with preparing the budget for the city. According to the 2013-2014 financial budget of Clermont city, the finance department projected the city will collect over $17,806,333 of revenue. The amount of expenditure was projected at $18,565,557 meaning there will be a deficit of $759,225. The budget allocated $250,000 for the construction of a Splash park. $784,000 was set aside for the construction of a Rowing Boat House Complex and related infrastructure. The budget also proposed for an amount of $2,975.000 to be set aside for the construction services for the extension of water and sewer lines to the proposed sector plan area. This budget that was adopted by the city hall represents a comprehensive financial plan for the new fiscal year. The management is also expected to continue in providing high levels of service as expected by the people of Clermont.
It is important to note that the state cut the Local Government Fund to Clermont City. This action forced Clermont County to make some budget cuts to jurisdictions within the county. These cuts by the state also affected municipalities, and the reimbursements were slashed for taxes that had been eliminated. This also affected the taxes that business firms and utilities had paid to local administrations. The cuts also affected funds for school districts and the public library. This led to more losses in the fiscal years 2012 and 2013, compared to 2010 and 2011.
Social Welfare and Education
The local education institutions for the city of Clermont are institutions such as South Lake Charter Elementary, Minneola Elementary School, Sawgrass Bay Elementary, Lost Lake Elementary, Windy Hill Middle School, Clermont Elementary School, Clermont Middle School, Grassy Lake Elementary, East Ridge High School, Pine Ridge Elementary and Cypress Ridge Elementary School. The city also hosts the campuses for Lake-Sumter State College and the University of Central Florida. Clermont City has some of the best performing schools in the country and students from these schools are relatively brighter. The education system in Clermont is well managed by the county council and even private schools are doing very well.
Over 54% of the total Clermont City population is high school graduates, 26% hold bachelor or associate degree while 6% hold graduate degrees. Less than 14% of the population has not attained high school graduation. 62% of the population is employed civilians, 36% are not in the labor force and only 2% are unemployed of the total working population. Over 80% of the population live in their own homes while less than 20% live in rental homes.
The household income levels in Clermont are that over 26% of the population earns less than $30,000. 50% of the population earns $30,000 to $74,999. Over 21% of the population earns $75,000 to $149,999. Only 3% of the population earns more than $150,000. The transportation to work within the city is distributed in that over 95% of the population uses private means of transportation to go to their working places. 15 of the population walk or use bicycles to work. Only 3% work from home and the rest of the population use public means of transport to their work places.
Work Cited
Clermont, Florida Official community website Retrieved from www.cityofclermontfl.com Accessed on April, 22nd 2014
Clermont, Florida. Community Profile Retrieved from http://florida.hometownlocator.com/fl/lake/clermont.cfm . Accessed on April, 22nd 2014
Movoto Real Estate Made Easy, Florid, Clermont, Demographics Retrieved from http://www.movoto.com/clermont-fl/34711/demographics/ Accessed on April, 22nd 2014
Policy Matters Ohio, Retrieved from http://www.policymattersohio.org/clermont-county Accessed on April, 22nd 2014
"Population Estimates" (CSV). 2013 Population Estimates. United States Census Bureau.
