Quote:
Originally Posted by Muncle
Then attend your CDD meetings. They are open to the public. There was a column in last Thursday Rec section almost begging residents to attend the various budget workshops and meetings.
http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/c...ns/recnews.pdf
Click on the above and go to the second page.
I'm sorry if it appears that I'm dumping on you, JimJoe, because that's certainly not my intent. It's just that there are so many sources of good information in the community that people just ignore. There's the CDD website, the weekly column cited above (sometimes informative and useful, sometimes a complete waste of paper stock), the 751-6700 number for general questions, direct email access to all members of the district staff -- http://www.districtgov.org/slcdd/staff.asp --, and of course, the CDD orientation classes held every Thursday. And there's such things as the VHA Newcomers Orientation at which they attempt to introduce new folks to a variety of services and functions in TV.
Now for the flip side. The developer and the district could do a much better job of getting information out there and explaining the intricacies of our government, both structure and in practice. This is a tough one, but the developer should produce a document for all prospective buyers that explains CDDs, bonds, numbered districts vs. VCDD/SLCDD, and similar issues. I say it is tough because obviously this could well dampen the enthusiasm of a prospect. In order to be readable, such a paper must be pretty succinct and many of these are not issues that can be explained in a paragraph or two. An easy example is your residence bond. It would hinder sales if the prospect thought this was just a $20K add-on for which he was getting nothing. The document would have to explain A) how this is authorized under Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes, B) in what manner they money was used, C) how the amount was apportioned so that his bond was $20K while the villa down the street was only $13K, D) how the bond can be paid, and of course, E) that all new home buyers pay this cost but that it's normally buried in the cost of the house. And this bond would likely be the simplest to explain.
The CDD Orientations. I wish they could make them mandatory, tied to closing maybe. But they really are woefully inadequate as is. Firstly, most attendees don't know enough to ask pertinent questions (and there's always that guy -- normally a male -- who is either fixated on a single issue, like cart paths up north, and keeps asking questions/making statements about it so the lecturer can't get on to other issues) and get lost if the discussion gets into any detail. I suggest that the district develop two separate classes. The first would remain an orientation aimed at new residents, that paints the CDD program with a very broad brush. No nitty gritty. Then the should offer periodic sessions aimed at folks who've lived here a while, folks who thought they understood but now have more questions than answers. These would not be at 10AM at the district office but would be at various times at the different rec centers. And they should tailor their presentation to fit the prospective audience. There would bee minimal interest and few questions about trains at an evening session at Canal Street, but when the session was held at the Chathum Rec Center, the presenter better know a lot about trains and be able to discuss the noise.
They say TV is a community of rumors. If you haven't heard a good one by 10:00 AM, you are obligated to start one. But there are rumors and then there are rumors. The story that there is going to be a massive mosque built in what's left of the buffalo land as LSL is absurd and no one takes it seriously. But the tax-free bonds issue is another matter entirely. Thanks to Ritchie's hatchet job, many, many of TV residents know there may be something, but no one really knows the facts. To my knowledge, no one in authority has commented. I can understand that in a way, because one does not want to give legitimacy to a hack such as Ritchie. Regardless, the rumors persist I know there are likely legal and tactical reasons why they cannot bare all, but the developer and he distract owe it to us (not legally or even morally but logically) to provide what comments they can.
And there's a lot of other little things they could do, but I'm tired of typing.
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WOW.. Do you feel better now? I have tried very hard to obtain information on these subjects from more than just the sources you cite so please don't scold me for asking questions. The problem is no one apparently has been able to clearly explain all of this.. and I think it should be clear both to the current residents and potential buyers. Don't you agree all of this should be clear to all of us? If not, why not? The Villages is a FANTASTIC place to live!! Is there a problem in us knowing the financials involved in it?
Was your answer a yes or a no? Can you confirm that the central CDD is controlled by a few owners and it makes the decisions about the recreational bonds for everyone (amenity fees)? When I read that I didn't make much sense to me but this IRS issue makes me wonder. That was my question.
No one disputes the need for infrastructure that is paid for with "the bond" (20k or so on a new house). It is either inside the cost of a new house (like up north) or paid for separately in the Bond (as done here). Either way it should be and will be paid for by the homeowner. But for example what happens when a repair or replacement needs to be made on that infrastructure? Will that be paid for by special assessment against the property (some places up north), by property taxes (most places up north), or by the annual Development District Assessment?
Don't Forget, The Villages is Florida's friendliest hometown!!