State of the County

Marion County Residents Learn How Local Government Operates Through Citizens Academy

BY MARK ANDERSON

Ever wonder what happens to your trash after dropping it off at a local transfer station or pondered how new roads are planned and built throughout the county? You’re not alone.

Taking place over the span of three months, the Marion County Citizens Academy teaches Marion County residents how their local government operates and what it prioritizes — helping to answer many of those questions you might have asked yourself when using a county service.

With presentations and tours from 25 county departments and offices, academy attendees can learn all about various aspects of the county government — from parks and recreation facilities and the public library system to utilities and animal services. The academy is a chance for residents to learn more about the hard work and dedication that goes into keeping Florida’s fifth-largest county running smoothly.

Academy attendees receive hands-on experiences from multiple departments and offices within Marion County government. Participants also have the opportunity to meet employees and elected officials and ask questions face to face.

For Marion County, the academy is invaluable for highlighting the work governmental employees do on a daily basis. The academy is a means to show citizens how their tax dollars are put to work to help improve the lives of residents and visitors in Marion County. While public-facing departments such as Parks & Recreation or the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau may be familiar in the eyes of citizens, people may not know exactly what other departments such as MSTU/ Assessment (municipal service taxing unit), 911 Management, or Facilities Management do on an average day.

Reactions to the Citizen Academy have been very positive since its inception more than 10 years ago, with many saying the academy helped them find a new appreciation for the effort that goes into many of the county services they use every day.

“Citizens Academy gives Marion County residents a behind-the-scenes look into how our great county operates,” said Marion County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes. “Our employees work hard to provide services throughout all corners of Marion County, and I think citizens who participate in this program leave with increased knowledge about their local government.”

For those wanting to learn more about how their local government operates, the Citizens Academy is the place to be.

Mark Anderson is a public relations specialist for the Marion County Government.

Citizens Academy is free to Marion County residents 18 and older.

Beginning March 12, the program runs every Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon until the graduation ceremony in early June. Anyone interested in attending must complete a registration form and commit to attending nine out of 11 sessions to be eligible for graduation. And sign up early — spots are limited and tend to fill up quickly! To learn more about the program or to sign up, please visit MarionCountyFL.org/ CitizensAcademy.