Randy Newlon City Manager City of Casselberry

In an interview with Invest:, Randy Newlon, Casselberry city manager, talked about key initiatives for the city, including infrastructure investments funded by a penny sales tax, construction of a new police station, and park development through bond proceeds. He emphasized maintaining the city’s charm amid growth by prioritizing green space and walking trails.

What were some key initiatives for the city in the past year? 

In the last decade, city focus has been on intense investment in infrastructure. Nearly $20 million has been spent on improving mobility and transportation throughout Casselberry funded by the penny sales tax. Utilities infrastructure (water, wastewater, and stormwater) has received major upgrades to ensure we can meet the demands of our residents and support growth in commercial sectors. In addition, the City Commission supported bond financing to construct a new, centrally located, state of the art police headquarters and emergency operation center ($12 million) as well as a new public works complex ($16 million).

In 2020, voters overwhelmingly authorized the city to take out $24 million in bonds to invest in parks with major upgrades to three parks, a new Casselberry Arts Center and a 10-acre park focusing on movement — biking, skateboarding and play.

How does the city maintain its charm while continuing to grow and develop? 

Casselberry is a suburb of metro Orlando as well as a gateway into Seminole County. We are bounded by major transportation corridors, along which exist high intensity commerce and development. In contrast, Casselberry boasts a chain of lakes with adjacent residential areas and a meandering public golf course. With multiple parks, trails and lakes, residents have numerous recreational options. Lake Concord Park offers visitors an Arts Center, Sculpture House, Art House, Boardwalk, and Sculpture Garden as well as regular concerts and festivals. 

How is the city addressing the need for affordable housing? 

As a built-out community, the focus for affordable housing is limited. The state legislature has expanded opportunities for developers; however, any growth is limited by available undeveloped land. Casselberry is heavily residential with housing stock ranging from options – affordable to middle class. 

What role does civic engagement play in the city’s decision-making process? 

All of our major initiatives involve some level of civic engagement. Before our park plans were approved there was a long process of civic engagement conducted prior to planning. There is a similar process when we undergo road improvements. 

How does the city leverage technology to be more sustainable? 

We are seeking to provide customers with faster, more convenient options through automation and technology. We have installed water meters that are read remotely and can be turned on and off from our offices. Building permit, development permit and business tax receipt processes are completely online now. Coming later this summer, our utility billing process will be replaced with a new portal that will provide customers with more tools to manage their bills and make payment. Staff is currently in the middle of upgrading financial systems with a new ERP program which will provide improved technology and more automation in payroll, human resources, budgeting, procurement and finance. 

How have ongoing changes in the market impacted your operations? 

As we emerged from the pandemic, staff has been challenged with high costs and shortages in materials, equipment, and labor. We had to find other sources of funding to complete projects. Inflation and labor shortages also resulted in market adjustment to employee pay to remain competitive and retain existing workforce. We continue to evaluate employee benefits to better attract workers and maintain current employees. 

What opportunities are you focused on?

Our focus is to remain sustainable. To do that, we need to continue to grow, but because we are built out, we need to encourage and foster redevelopment. We want to enhance what is possible through land use and zoning. Hopefully, people will see Casselberry as the place they want to invest their money because of our proximity to Orlando, major universities, airports, that make our city convenient as a hub.

What are your near-term priorities? 

We are making significant investment in our utility and transportation infrastructure to support redevelopment and enhance the quality of life in Casselberry. With the construction of the new Casselberry Arts Center, we continue to enhance cultural opportunities for residents and to attract new visitors to the city.