Collier Mosquito Control District Receives High Praise in State of Florida Performance Review

NAPLES, FL – In a recent performance review conducted by the Balmoral Group, the Collier Mosquito Control District (District) received praise for providing an exceptional level of service and value for the residents of the District. The review was performed under the direction of the Florida Legislature’s Office of Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), which is tasked with ensuring state and local governments remain good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

The District, established in 1950, provides mosquito control services in an effort to protect public health and comfort in Collier County. The performance review found that the District follows industry standards for integrated pest management, acts as an innovator in mosquito control and is managing its resources in an efficient and effective manner to serve taxpayers.

“Collier Mosquito Control District continually researches new methods and technologies to improve the efficiency of treatments, including the development of drone equipment to deliver larvicide to areas not easily accessible by foot helicopter, and the breeding of gambusia mosquito fish to promote biological mosquito control,” said the final report.

District staff worked closely with Balmoral Group’s auditors on this performance review, and spent countless hours reviewing financials, staffing plans and treatment guidelines and protocols to ensure the District is providing a superior public service for taxpayers. The auditors determined that in addition to following industry standards, the District responsibly uses taxpayer dollars and regularly takes steps to improve overall program effectiveness. The report also found that the District’s comprehensive mosquito control program is necessary for public health and stressed the value of the District’s status as a standalone special taxing district in the state of Florida.

“Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on the planet, and our efforts are vital in protecting our community from the diseases they can carry,” said Patrick Linn, MS, MSHAPI, executive director for the District. “We value good government for our residents and welcomed the opportunity to work with state regulators to showcase our organization. Our region would not be the paradise it is without mosquito control, and this report is a testament to the hard work our team puts in every day to help keep our community safe.”

This positive evaluation comes on the heels of several major initiatives for the District, including efforts to expand district boundaries to serve more residents of Collier County in areas experiencing rapid population growth. District expansion has the unanimous support of the District’s board of commissioners and our local legislative delegation. The new boundaries must now be approved by the Florida Legislature during the 2024 legislative session. The District is also in the process of relocating its headquarters to a new facility in Immokalee. Breaking ground early next year, this project will provide sustainability for the District by limiting the threats posed by hurricanes and storm surge to facilities and aircraft. This relocation also benefits taxpayers by allowing the District to operate at a lower average cost per treatment mission.

The full report can be found on OPPAGA’s website by clicking here. To learn more about the District or to sign-up to receive treatment notifications, visit out website at www.cmcd.org.