Quote:
Originally Posted by M2inOR
The following is a simple, short comment from VHA rep Mike Dollard about the ballot measure that would create the new fire and emergency services district:
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This fall we vote on the creation of a fire district specifically for The Villages. I’ve thought about this a lot, even changed my mind a few times. I will vote yes; this will be a good thing for us. Here is why:
The cost? You will pay either way, it is just who gets the tax dollars first. One party cannot be cheaper than the other – fuel, equipment and wages are the same if you vote yes or no. The fire budget will be X amount. If I am billed that under “county tax” or under “fire tax” the budget is still X amount.
The deciding factor – when the county oversaw the ambulances, we had terrible service and nobody seemed to care. It slowly got worse and worse; still nothing was done. Tempers flared, example after example of failure but nothing was done. You had your chance (actually, many chances). It is time for new management.
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Unfortunately, because of the way the levy is based, I, and anyone else who has any sort of exemptions (homestead, veteran, disabled) is going to end up paying a larger share of this 'bucket of money'.
First, because of the 10 mil cap, there are currently 17 properties that exceed this amount and their "savings" because of this will be over $120,000. Who's going to make up that amount? The rest of us.
And second, because the levy is based upon the full value of your property (less land value) without any EXEMPTIONS, my tax is going to be based upon a much larger number that the corresponding tax I'm currently paying to the county.
So who does this benefit financially? Commercial properties, non homestead properties, non exempt properties.
Given that this is all about who gets the money and who divides up the money, and not who actually uses the money, it's a NO vote for me.