Do you think we need an Independent Fire District? Please consider the following:
--- fire control service within The Villages has been working well for many years. It is funded by Sumter County tax revenue and operated by The Village Public Safety Department. The County has always provided adequate funding for this.
--- Sumter County canceled the poor-performing AMR contract ambulance service
--- Sumter County decided to use the successful fire control service as a model for creating a new locally-run ambulance service.
--- On Oct. 1, 2022 The Village fire stations, funded by Sumter County, started running the new red ambulances.
--- The Villages now has a 5-1/2 minutes response goal for all fire and ambulance calls.
--- The Nov. 8 vote on whether to create an independent Fire District does not change the fire and ambulance service currently offered in the Villages or surrounding areas.
--- Estimates provided by The Villages District show a Yes vote to create an Independent Fire District will increase property tax bills somewhat, but do not reflect the maximum tax rate permitted by the referendum.
--- Although the Fire District amendment caps the amount of tax, if the Villages decides to charge the maximum permitted rate, it appears that property taxes for many homes would increase by $200 to $400 or more.
--- Other cities and counties with property in The Villages decided to not create an independent fire district.
It appears a Yes vote would create a new bureaucracy and increase our taxes, but have no real benefit for us residents!
