Quote:
Originally Posted by billethkid
Increases in community budgets, fees, assessments need to be challenged. Challenge meaning why the increase?
Did they do a zero based budget or just incrementally increase expenses? Did they look at what it takes to stay within the previous years budget (no increase)?
It is not the size of the increase it is the philosophy of budgeting....the understanding line by line of actual vs budgeted amounts....there are some line items that will not spend the budgeted amount. There are others that may have been a one time (one year) expense.
It is too easy and convenient to just raise the revenue to accommodate increased expenditures.
From past experience on community boards I can assure you most members do not approach budgeting as advocated above. They do not understand the budgeting process....they do not take the time to understand what is spent where.....and it is always easier to ask for more of other peoples money......especially if the other people just roll over and pay.
Demand to know why any increase is deemed required.
Ask what needs to be done TO NOT HAVE an increase.
Just my 2 cents. The silent majority is a benefit to those who control community expenditures.
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The entire budgeting process is open to the public and is conducted at the CDD board meetings and budget workshops. There are very very few residents attending these meetings and in my 3 years on the CDD board and PWAC I do not recall a single person asking any questions about the budget, budget process, or any of the line items on the budget. There are consistently questions asked by the Supervisors who serve on these boards delving into were the money is spent and why. And by the way, it's the Supervisor's money too, they pay the same taxes and fees as everyone else in their district.
I for one would love to see more community involvement in the governance of our community. The only people I've seen that show up are those with a specific complaint or those completing the Residents Academy.
When was the last time you showed up and spoke up at a District Board meeting? Or is yours just digital courage?
Your last statement "The silent majority is a benefit to those who control community expenditures." is a personal insult to those of us who take the time and initiative to actually get involved with trying to make The Villages a better place for all. You insinuate nefarious doings by the boards because no one shows up and asks questions. You have grossly over valued your opinion on this matter, it's not even worth 2 cents.