Like many of my fellow Villagers I have lived in many communities both large and small and in different States . My observation is that it has always been standard protocol for a special fire crew with a special emergency vehicle to be called to any emergency along with
an ambulance service .
During my career I recall several emergencies where a co-worker collapsed . In each case the fire crew beat the ambulance to the scene and provided the initial first aid .
It seems to me a bit strange that writers on this site would feel that the well trained and equipped fire staff should not be part of the response team .
Some feel that it is a " waste of funds " others feel that it may take the fire crew away from a possible fire . Yet we all seem to understand that there are far more non-fire emergencies here in our community than the type of serious emergencies which happen often several times each day such as medical and accidents of all types .
So if I follow the recent threads it would seem that some Villagers feel that we should do as follows "
1] Eliminate Community Watch
2] Eliminate the Fire Professionals as First Responders to accidents and medical emergencies .
3] Some have even questioned the cost and necessity of the beautiful and seasonal flower plantings we all enjoy .
Very often the argument they put forward comes under the general heading of " Wasted Expense ".
Again I suggest that we should consider the Math . These expenses are spread over 45,000 homes . So if we eliminated all of the above what would one save annually ?
Let`s pick a number say $3 Million annually which I believe would be on the high side . Using the $3 Million estimated savings to eliminate the above services would among to $66.00 per homeowner annually of a grand total of $5.50 per month .
Now when you or a loved one has an unfortunate medical emergency and is laying in pain or has slipped into unconsciousness will that savings have been worth it ? Do you feel that you would wish that the well trained and equipped fire rescue team were at your door ?
Would you prefer not to have an Official looking Community Watch vehicle driving down your street several times each day and while you sleep ?
Would you prefer to save about $5 to $10 per year over being able to enjoy the beautiful and well attended flower plantings which add such joy and character to our special community ?
Whats next that some would propose to eliminate ? The regular mowing and care of the grass and shrubs and trees which line our many road-ways ?
I have been reading such complaints and suggestions to eliminate something or other in order to avoid " wasting money " since I moved here 3 years ago . Yet I do not recall a single person who demonstrated the true math as to what the resulting savings might be at the homeowner level .
Many people constantly " carp " about the Developer . However from where I sit I say " thank God " that he / they still strive to keep high standards which make our community a beautiful and relatively safe place to live .
Further I am also certain that nearly 100% of the people who have chosen to live here did so because of the unique offerings and beautiful surroundings . I would go as far as to say that the many who complain proudly show off this community to their family and guests .
Personally I do not look forward to the time when the Developer turns everything over to be managed by elected representatives of the community . I could easily predict that the standards will be forced downward for the sake of " savings " of a few dollars per month per homeowner ---- what $10 to $20 per month ? But at what cost to the attraction , general quality of life and yes even resale value of our homes .
Many have commented on this forum in the past as to why they were attracted to purchase a home in the Villages . Many compared the surroundings of other near-by retirement communities to the Villages and indicated that none-other compared .
I would suggest that we attempt to take a realistic view of how much would be saved in what amounts to HOA fees vs what we would be giving up .
Thanks for your time . Please let the angry , misdirected and irrational snipping commence . Best Wishes to All and a Huge Thank-you to the Developer . Buffalo Jim
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