Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ocala public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in general with critical priority
Kratom Safety and Underage Enforcement
Mayor Marciano raised concerns over recent kratom overdoses and highlighted police stings that resulted in 10 arrests of local businesses selling to underage buyers.
Police Department Internal Payroll Audit
The internal auditor presented a review of pension fund administration, highlighting past control gaps and recommending a forensic review.
Transition of Pension Plan Administration
The retirement board needed to hire a new third-party administrator after the city moved away from in-house pension management. Trustees weighed the costs, technology, and service quality of three competing firms before selecting Foster & Foster.
Fiber Optic Utility Construction Disruption
City leaders expressed outrage over utility strikes, damaged gas and sewer lines, and unrecovered expenses caused by fiber optic installation contractors working in local neighborhoods.