Recognizing the need to do something is only part of the process of fully reaching the desired results. The driving force behind the Utility Business Plan is Seminole County's Vision that utility services be managed as a business.

Like many local governments, Seminole County came to the realization that their utility enterprise may not be performing to its full potential and needed to achieve desired results more effectively. This realization has been a call to action which many local governments accepted and in many cases, used to tune-up their entire government. Borrowing from the business sector, governments have found a tool which can assist in achieving the desired results. This tool is commonly referred to as a Business Plan.

The preparation of a written business plan is not the end-result of the planning process. It is the beginning point where visions, mission, goals, objectives and strategies are formulated and agreed to by all parties involved. The end-result is the realization or implementation of what was set forth in the business plan. Although as realization of what was originally set forth in the business plan nears completion, the reality is that new visions, objectives, goals and strategies are developed such that improvements continue to be achieved. Therefore the development of the business plan needs to be considered as an important intermediate step. For new, growing and established utilities, having a business plan will not only provide a tool for more effective and economical operations but also demonstrate to the public that careful consideration has been given to the development of the enterprise and that management is acting in a professional, prudent, businesslike manner.

The business plan should be a realistic view of the expectations and long-term objectives for the utility. It needs to provide the framework for which the utility operates and ultimately succeeds. Preparation of the business plan does not guarantee success. However, the lack of a sound plan can lead to utilities operating well under their potential with higher rates and lower service.

The business plan is designed to serve four critical functions:

• To help clarify, focus, research and understand the business and its prospects;
• To provide a concise and logical framework within which the utility can develop and pursue strategies over the next three to five year period;
• To serve as a basis for discussions with third parties such as regulatory agencies, bond markets, customers, etc.;
• To create benchmarks against which actual performance can be measured and reviewed.

No two business plans are alike. Certain issues are more relevant to Seminole County than to others. Therefore, our business plan was tailored especially for the Seminole County Environmental Services Department (ESD). The planning process caused those involved, generally managers and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), to understand more clearly what they want to achieve, and how and when they can achieve it with regard to the water and wastewater services they provide.

Several drafts of this business plan were prepared which included the involvement of Seminole County, management and staff. Their involvement demonstrates they know the utility business and that they have thought through the development of this business plan in terms of services, management, finances and most importantly the customers.

The importance of having a business plan is not nested in the document itself, but rather in the commitment of management to implement and refine items fostered by the plan, expanding on what works and modifying the business plan as events bring about change. This business plan should be considered a road map for the utility which can be expanded and modified over time yet always provides the forward direction for the County's utility and staff to achieve its vision. Citizens can view a copy of the business plan at the Environmental Services Administration Building during regular office hours.