Arrogant Sumter County Tax Appraiser

[Chellybean]

Today i talked to Joey Ho*ten our Sumter County Appraiser to ask for his Email to send a Notice to him About these outragest Tax increases and the uneven Trim Notices.
Mr. Ho*ten was not only arrogant but condescending and refused to give me his email. To say the least it wasn't to hard to figure out his email. Here it is Folks and i am sure you can figure it out to.
joey.h**ten@sumtercountyfl.gov , Sumter County Tax Appraiser.
What these Government officials have forgotten is they are Public servants and are here to service the tax payers and not to sit in there plush offices we pay for and collect their 6 plus digit salary's that we pay for also.
Instead of going to these Tax hearing that does no good IMHO fight your tax increase. Has anyone even looked at there trim notices and compared them to there Neighbors. It's all online, The trim notices are all over the board and some of the trim increases this year went up 50 to 100k in market value in one year even though the assessed value only went up marginal. Some of my neighbors have there assessed value 100's of thousand under there sale price. Can someone smell something like a dirty diapers.
Maybe its time to start asking our Sumter County Tax Appraiser why this is? Also the 194 Statue requires them to go out ever 5 years to fairly assess these neighborhoods.
Wake up folks you are being herded for continuous tax increase over the next ten years.
Maybe contacting our Appraiser for some explanation and correction will rectify some increases. Unless the Sumter county Appraiser decides to be Arrogant with you as well. I suggest standing up to him! He works for us! This is a joke what they are doing and i know some of you folks are to busy playing golf and i get it, but why are we paying for the rest of Sumter County improvements?

[njbchbum]

Don't the taxes go up every year in Lake County?

[Villageswimmer]

What’s up with the asterisk in Hooten’s name?

[Chellybean]

Don't the taxes go up every year in Lake County?

I heard taxes wet down in lake county this year!
I don't think i ever heard of any county trying to impose a 25% tax increase!

[Chellybean]

What’s up with the asterisk in Hooten’s name?

I am glad you figured it out now you have the correct email if you want ask him why the trim notices are so far off. we are being setup for more increases.

[njbchbum]

I heard taxes wet down in lake county this year!
I don't think i ever heard of any county trying to impose a 25% tax increase!

Taxes down in Lake County - Wowza! Did not know the 2020 mil. rate had been struck!

I don't think I ever heard of any County NOT increasing [or even occasionally lowering] property taxes for 14 years in a row - regardless of the amount of development!!!!! lol

[Mare05]

Anyone that is against the 25% Property tax raise needs to go to the meeting on Sept 24th at Savannah Recreation Center. It hold 850 people but they have 3 more rooms that can be filled as well. The more people that show up the better.
Regardless if you think the tax is approved already, If we don't show up we are basically letting them know they won.

[golf2140]

I wounder how that conversation started?

[graciegirl]

Anyone that is against the 25% Property tax raise needs to go to the meeting on Sept 24th at Savannah Recreation Center. It hold 850 people but they have 3 more rooms that can be filled as well. The more people that show up the better.
Regardless if you think the tax is approved already, If we don't show up we are basically letting them know they won.

There will be no 25% tax increase. People are getting their knickers in a hitch over nothing.

[justjim]

There will be no 25% tax increase. People are getting their knickers in a hitch over nothing.

Will it be much less? :coolsmiley:

[LuvtheVillages]

.

Has anyone even looked at there trim notices and compared them to there Neighbors. It's all online, The trim notices are all over the board and some of the trim increases this year went up 50 to 100k in market value in one year even though the assessed value only went up marginal. Some of my neighbors have there assessed value 100's of thousand under there sale price. Can someone smell something like a dirty diapers.
Maybe its time to start asking our Sumter County Tax Appraiser why this is? Also the 194 Statue requires them to go out ever 5 years to fairly assess these neighborhoods.
Wake up folks you are being herded for continuous tax increase over the next ten years.
Maybe contacting our Appraiser for some explanation and correction will rectify some increases.

?


I am looking at my TRIM notice, and I am very happy with the assessments.

Yes, my market value has gone up. Good. I think my house is worth even more than that.

The assessed value has gone up only 1.9%. Good. I don't want to pay more taxes than required.

There is a benefit here in Florida called "Save Our Homes Benefit." It is on the TRIM notice. It shows the difference between the market value and the assessed value. The Save Our Homes benefit limits the increase in the assessed value to some small number. I think it might be CPI. This year it was 1.9%. Market values can go up and up, but assessed value will go up slowly as long as you stay in your home.

Buy a new home, and the process starts over at the new purchase price.

The Save Our Homes benefit reduces the tax burden on long time residents, and puts more burden on recent buyers. But - those recent buyers will benefit next year and each following year as long as they stay in their home.

[New Adventures]

Actually, they have won and they really don't care what we think about it. The time for addressing this issue was in the planning stage. I worked for city government for 20 years in another state. The budget process takes months and multiple meetings to come up with the final figures. Their lack of planning for future growth, which they were well advised of, is not how you manage. The 25% "proposed" increase could and should have been planned out accordingly over several years. That's what management is all about. Now the "can" can't be kicked down the road anymore and we are the sacrificial lambs. I believe a change in personnel will send a clear message once that time arrives. As for now, we have very little leverage. I'm a Sumter County resident and I approve this message.

[graciegirl]

Actually, they have won and they really don't care what we think about it. The time for addressing this issue was in the planning stage. I worked for city government for 20 years in another state. The budget process takes months and multiple meetings to come up with the final figures. Their lack of planning for future growth, which they were well advised of, is not how you manage. The 25% "proposed" increase could and should have been planned out accordingly over several years. That's what management is all about. Now the "can" can't be kicked down the road anymore and we are the sacrificial lambs. I believe a change in personnel will send a clear message once that time arrives. As for now, we have very little leverage. I'm a Sumter County resident and I approve this message.

THERE IS NO 25% TAX INCREASE. Welcome to the Villages. Please look up how a CDD form of government works.

[Villageswimmer]

The only thing that approximates a 25% increase is the first line item on the TRIM titled “county.” This line item makes up only a relatively small portion of your total tax bill.

Not saying it’s good or bad but that’s where the increase (significant increase) is. It’s all there in black and white, and your total bill increase doesn’t even come close to 25%, with rare exceptions.

If you don’t understand your “Save our homes” data, call the property Assessor’s office. I did a few years ago when this was all new to me. They very patiently explained it to me. This often accounts for the fact that your neighbor’s bottom line differs from yours.

Carefully read your TRIM.

[LuvtheVillages]

THERE IS NO 25% TAX INCREASE. Welcome to the Villages. Please look up how a CDD form of government works.


What the CDD does, or doesn't do, has no affect on the County tax rate. They are separate entities.

[Aloha1]

I heard taxes wet down in lake county this year!
I don't think i ever heard of any county trying to impose a 25% tax increase!

Taxes went down in Fruitland Park (Pine Ridge/Pine Hills) but Lake County's went up.

[Villageswimmer]

The only thing that approximates a 25% increase is the first line item on the TRIM titled “county.” This line item makes up only a relatively small portion of your total tax bill.

Not saying it’s good or bad but that’s where the increase (significant increase) is. It’s all there in black and white, and your total bill increase doesn’t even come close to 25%, with rare exceptions.

If you don’t understand your “Save our homes” data, call the property Assessor’s office. I did a few years ago when this was all new to me. They very patiently explained it to me. This often accounts for the fact that your neighbor’s bottom line differs from yours.

Carefully read your TRIM.


I should have indicated my comments were wrt Sumter County.

[Bogie Shooter]

The only thing that approximates a 25% increase is the first line item on the TRIM titled “county.” This line item makes up only a relatively small portion of your total tax bill.

Not saying it’s good or bad but that’s where the increase (significant increase) is. It’s all there in black and white, and your total bill increase doesn’t even come close to 25%, with rare exceptions.

If you don’t understand your “Save our homes” data, call the property Assessor’s office. I did a few years ago when this was all new to me. They very patiently explained it to me. This often accounts for the fact that your neighbor’s bottom line differs from yours.

Carefully read your TRIM.

Not in an arrogant way?

[Villageswimmer]

Not in an arrogant way?

Couldn’t have been nicer and I’m sure they’ve had to ‘splain it a million times to folks like me. I was impressed with their patience and ability to communicate.

[Chellybean]

There will be no 25% tax increase. People are getting their knickers in a hitch over nothing.

how do you know this do you have inside information or are you speculating?

[Chellybean]

Actually, they have won and they really don't care what we think about it. The time for addressing this issue was in the planning stage. I worked for city government for 20 years in another state. The budget process takes months and multiple meetings to come up with the final figures. Their lack of planning for future growth, which they were well advised of, is not how you manage. The 25% "proposed" increase could and should have been planned out accordingly over several years. That's what management is all about. Now the "can" can't be kicked down the road anymore and we are the sacrificial lambs. I believe a change in personnel will send a clear message once that time arrives. As for now, we have very little leverage. I'm a Sumter County resident and I approve this message.

Well said!

[biker1]

You are correct but some explanation is called for.

According to my TRIM notice, the Sumter County mileage rate for the County Taxes increased by 25.5%. Your assessed property value might also have gone up. Mine did by the CPI of 1.9% as per Save Our Homes. Therefore, my County Tax increased by 28.4%.

My School Tax increased by less than $10.

Therefore, my total ad-valorem taxes (County and School) increased by 13.2%. YMMV.

The non-ad valorem fees, Fire and Maintenance, did not change from last year.

At this point, I am assuming that the TRIM notice reflects what will actually come to pass.





THERE IS NO 25% TAX INCREASE. Welcome to the Villages. Please look up how a CDD form of government works.

[graciegirl]

What the CDD does, or doesn't do, has no affect on the County tax rate. They are separate entities.

Exactly.

[Chellybean]

OMG a follow up.
Now that the tax appraiser has stepped in it; he has his Chief Deputy Shauna call me trying to convince me that the property is assessed correctly and i can get that amount for my property. Oh Boy NOW I FEEL BETTER. What a bunch of B.S.
She told me that the Realtors told her there is a boom in sales in the villages and the market is changing. Does anyone smell dirty diapers again.
It has been on a steady decline after 2013 after the boom.
Remember how we where all told , "quick buy now they are going to stop building soon" that song has been played for better than 10 years!
If this is so then why is the Villages dropping there prices by 3 to 5% on new sales.
Why! because they are realizing the market is soft and that selling near the jail and Turnpike is not peoples dream.
I have heard by realtors the market is very soft.
PEOPLE don't believe this Bull, what they tell you is to protect there own future and not biting the hand that feeds them. She also used a comp. in my neighborhood that had a sale and tried to compare it to my home, when there is a 200k pool and birdcage in there back yard and the home has ever amenity the villages offers.
People smarten up and don't believe there bull they think we are a bunch of old farts that don't know anything and we will believe what they tell us. On the contrary there is alot of educated business people, corp heads, and attorney that do know better.
Just More FYI. Funny how the appraiser send his employees to weather a storm he created with his arrogant s.
BEWARE

[graciegirl]

OMG a follow up.
Now that the tax appraiser has stepped in it; he has his Chief Deputy Shauna call me trying to convince me that the property is assessed correctly and i can get that amount for my property. Oh Boy NOW I FEEL BETTER. What a bunch of B.S.
She told me that the Realtors told her there is a boom in sales in the villages and the market is changing. Does anyone smell dirty diapers again.
It has been on a steady decline after 2013 after the boom.
Remember how we where all told , "quick buy now they are going to stop building soon" that song has been played for better than 10 years!
If this is so then why is the Villages dropping there prices by 3 to 5% on new sales.
Why! because they are realizing the market is soft and that selling near the jail and Turnpike is not peoples dream.
I have heard by realtors the market is very soft.
PEOPLE don't believe this Bull, what they tell you is to protect there own future and not biting the hand that feeds them. She also used a comp. in my neighborhood that had a sale and tried to compare it to my home, when there is a 200k pool and birdcage in there back yard and the home has ever amenity the villages offers.
People smarten up and don't believe there bull they think we are a bunch of old farts that don't know anything and we will believe what they tell us. On the contrary there is alot of educated business people, corp heads, and attorney that do know better.
Just More FYI. Funny how the appraiser send his employees to weather a storm he created with his arrogant s.
BEWARE

Chelly. She is right. Your house is worth much more than it was. There is no decline in prices of any home in The Villages.

Type your address into the browser. The full address with The Villages and zip code. Then read the estimate by a number of different companies that will pop up, including Zillow. They aren't far off of the real selling price of your home.

The only new homes with price cuts are the few that were left here and there. They have always used that marketing tool. If you really follow the price of homes you would see this. I have never sold real estate, but I watch it.

[Chellybean]

Chelly. She is right. Your house is worth much more than it was. There is no decline in prices of any home in The Villages.

Type your address into the browser. The full address with The Villages and zip code. Then read the estimate by a number of different companies that will pop up, including Zillow. They aren't far off of the real selling price of your home.

Gracie you are dead wrong, and you have drank to much coolade. Sometimes i believe you work for the Villages, but i still like you. Keep paying the heavy tax burden for all of us. :)

[OCsun]

The only new homes with price cuts are the few that were left here and there. They have always used that marketing tool. If you really follow the price of homes you would see this. I have never sold real estate, but I watch it.

Chellybean,

Graciegirl is spot on with this explanation. Watching house sales in The Villages has been a hobby of mine since 2011.

Anyone buying in The Villages will see a profit on their investment when they go to sell it.

[Bogie Shooter]

OMG a follow up.
Now that the tax appraiser has stepped in it; he has his Chief Deputy Shauna call me trying to convince me that the property is assessed correctly and i can get that amount for my property. Oh Boy NOW I FEEL BETTER. What a bunch of B.S.
She told me that the Realtors told her there is a boom in sales in the villages and the market is changing. Does anyone smell dirty diapers again.
It has been on a steady decline after 2013 after the boom.
Remember how we where all told , "quick buy now they are going to stop building soon" that song has been played for better than 10 years!
If this is so then why is the Villages dropping there prices by 3 to 5% on new sales.
Why! because they are realizing the market is soft and that selling near the jail and Turnpike is not peoples dream.
I have heard by realtors the market is very soft.
PEOPLE don't believe this Bull, what they tell you is to protect there own future and not biting the hand that feeds them. She also used a comp. in my neighborhood that had a sale and tried to compare it to my home, when there is a 200k pool and birdcage in there back yard and the home has ever amenity the villages offers.
People smarten up and don't believe there bull they think we are a bunch of old farts that don't know anything and we will believe what they tell us. On the contrary there is alot of educated business people, corp heads, and attorney that do know better.
Just More FYI. Funny how the appraiser send his employees to weather a storm he created with his arrogant s.
BEWARE

Wow!

[Velvet]

The fact that your house is worth more doesn’t mean you have more money for taxes. That argument implies the way to afford your home is to sell it! Should keep realtors happy, high turnover, etc

My observation on house prices is that while there seems to be a softening in the new home prices by a tiny bit, there is also a bit of hardening in some of the older Villages.

[Chellybean]

The Villages proves the big Florida lie: Growth does not pay for itself | Editorial - Orlando Sentinel (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/editorials/os-op-the-villages-growth-tax-increase-20190918-iyqc2cy3mnhzfmwskfm7s6a35e-story.html)

Read this folks this is what we have to pay for. Wake up it's not hard to connect the dots!

[Villageswimmer]

The Villages proves the big Florida lie: Growth does not pay for itself | Editorial - Orlando Sentinel (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/editorials/os-op-the-villages-growth-tax-increase-20190918-iyqc2cy3mnhzfmwskfm7s6a35e-story.html)

Read this folks this is what we have to pay for. Wake up it's not hard to connect the dots!


The article is misleading. It hammers on the 25% increase but fails to mention that applies ONLY to the County tax—-a relatively small part of your total bill.

Nor does it give a typical example, like the total tax bill is expected to increase by $x on a $250k home.

Either the author has not looked at a TRIM or he is intentionally misleading readers.

Seems very few folks know how to do math.

[JoMar]

I heard taxes wet down in lake county this year!
I don't think i ever heard of any county trying to impose a 25% tax increase!

Been here 5 years, taxes haven't gone up and in some years came down....ever here of that anywhere else you have lived?

[Chellybean]

The article is misleading. It hammers on the 25% increase but fails to mention that applies ONLY to the County tax—-a relatively small part of your total bill.

Nor does it give a typical example, like the total tax bill is expected to increase by $x on a $250k home.

Either the author has not looked at a TRIM or he is intentionally misleading readers.

Seems very few folks know how to do math.

I understand your point but i think you missed mine.
There are deals made behind closed doors that we are paying for that should be paid by impact fee's etc... We all paid heavy bond cost and now we have to pay for future development and cost!
I call that double dipping, the only ones in favor of double dipping is George on Seinfeld.

[graciegirl]

The article is misleading. It hammers on the 25% increase but fails to mention that applies ONLY to the County tax—-a relatively small part of your total bill.

Nor does it give a typical example, like the total tax bill is expected to increase by $x on a $250k home.

Either the author has not looked at a TRIM or he is intentionally misleading readers.

Seems very few folks know how to do math.

I very much agree with this post. It is not new to hear the Sentinel say misleading things about The Villages. They seem to have a vendetta against us in my opinion.

[Bogie Shooter]

The Villages proves the big Florida lie: Growth does not pay for itself | Editorial - Orlando Sentinel (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/editorials/os-op-the-villages-growth-tax-increase-20190918-iyqc2cy3mnhzfmwskfm7s6a35e-story.html)

Read this folks this is what we have to pay for. Wake up it's not hard to connect the dots!

The article is misleading. It hammers on the 25% increase but fails to mention that applies ONLY to the County tax—-a relatively small part of your total bill.

Nor does it give a typical example, like the total tax bill is expected to increase by $x on a $250k home.

Either the author has not looked at a TRIM or he is intentionally misleading readers.

Seems very few folks know how to do math.
Typical reporting by the Sentinel regarding The Villages.....has been going on for years.

[Villageswimmer]

I understand your point but i think you missed mine.
There are deals made behind closed doors that we are paying for that should be paid by impact fee's etc... We all paid heavy bond cost and now we have to pay for future development and cost!
I call that double dipping, the only ones in favor of double dipping is George on Seinfeld.


No. It’s not my “point of view.” It’s facts. No one wants to pay higher taxes. I don’t. But to overstate the situation and refuse to listen to facts benefits no one.

Go ahead and believe your Orlando Sentinel. They’re ignoring the facts and enforcing your position so they must be correct.

Namaste.

[Chellybean]

No. It’s not my “point of view.” It’s facts. No one wants to pay higher taxes. I don’t. But to overstate the situation and refuse to listen to facts benefits no one.

Go ahead and believe your Orlando Sentinel. They’re ignoring the facts and enforcing your position so they must be correct.

Namaste.

The fact is the county screwed up now we have to pay for it. That is the fact my friend. So believe what you want and continue to pay the high tax burden of others mistakes

[Jim 9922]

I understand your point but i think you missed mine.
There are deals made behind closed doors that we are paying for that should be paid by impact fee's etc... We all paid heavy bond cost and now we have to pay for future development and cost!
I call that double dipping, the only ones in favor of double dipping is George on Seinfeld.

I believe there is always a big third dip to come. When an area is fully developed the developer "sells" to "Us" all those wonderful amenity sites that most new buyers think are already part of "The Villages Package". The price to "Us" is based on the future revenue stream of those amenities as paid to the Developer through a portion of our monthly amenities fees. That price seems to be in excess of what was probably spent by the Developer, who makes another nice profit. More bonds are sold and their paydown is an allocated portion of our future amenity fees. In the past anything that seems to "makes money" is retained by the Developer, such as Championship Courses, club houses and associated pools, commercial areas and some utilities. Even some of those apparently did/are not generating the expected return on investment and have been sold/offered for sale to the CDD's. The one exception to selling under-performing assets is probably the operation of the Championship courses which are probably viewed as having great advertising and image value necessary in selling The Villages lifestyle .

[ColdNoMore]

The Villages proves the big Florida lie: Growth does not pay for itself | Editorial - Orlando Sentinel (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/editorials/os-op-the-villages-growth-tax-increase-20190918-iyqc2cy3mnhzfmwskfm7s6a35e-story.html)

Read this folks this is what we have to pay for. Wake up it's not hard to connect the dots!

Some folks will believe anything from a source they like and some folks won't believe anything from those same sources...regardless of what the facts say from either viewpoint.

One thing no one can argue with however, is that lying no longer carries the same stigma and outrage it once did and our new national sport seems to be...who can spew the biggest whoppers. :ohdear:

[EdFNJ]

By the way, thanks to the Florida "save our home" amendment (Google it if you aren't familiar) law the value of your home can go up $100,000 but you tax rate is limited to a small percentage over what you paid for it. If your home assessment doubles in value your taxes won't. I THINK (don't know) that this only applies to full time residents? I know you must have a homestead exemption. Our appraised value went up like $30K but my tax increase on the trim notice is like $125 for the year which is like 8% of the OLD taxes with the new rates (which aren't official yet).

[biker1]

There is no limit on the increase of the market value of your home but increases in the assessed value (which are used in the County Tax calculation) are limited by Save Our Homes (min of CPI or 3%) if you are homesteaded. Tax increases are not limited because the millage rate can change. For example, the proposed increase in my Sumter County Tax is 28%. The vast majority of this is an increase in the County Tax millage rate. The increase in my assessed value was the CPI (1.9%).

By the way, thanks to the Florida "save our home" amendment (Google it if you aren't familiar) law the value of your home can go up $100,000 but you tax rate is limited to a small percentage over what you paid for it. If your home assessment doubles in value your taxes won't. I THINK (don't know) that this only applies to full time residents? I know you must have a homestead exemption. Our appraised value went up like $30K but my tax increase on the trim notice is like $125 for the year which is like 8% of the OLD taxes with the new rates (which aren't official yet).

[PennBF]

There are some residents who have an abundance of money so the impact of a bad decision of the Government (like no planning for future and reserves, etc) or the Developer to maximize his profit at the expense of those on tight fixed incomes, or the loading of Government offices with personal friends or hacks, or "you name the abuse" are hurtful to some and those that don't care because it does not effect them are selfish and lack any feelings for others. I fully recognize the Developer is in a business and some want to give a business a soul and it does not have a soul but that does not sanction abusing those in need. When I see some giving deity to the Developer rather than holding him/her responsible for his/her actions it makes me want to withdraw from any association with these selfish people. There is a practice in pricing that if a particular product or service does not have a competitor then the only thing that should measure your price is GREED. We are all living in a community where in many cases there are no competitors and so "GREED is the word of the day. This comes in many forms. It is through the price, it is through reducing the qualities, it is avoiding responsibility for sale/practices, again you name the rest. I read some posts where the author is in support of the Developer regardless of his/her practices or actions.This is a disguise to abuses and is as much of a harm as the person who is the offender. Not holding the offenders responsible is like being an enabler to an addict. :ho:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Chellybean, I just want to correct one thing that you've mentioned a couple of times that I've noticed: the right to face your accuser. That only applies to court cases. It doesn't apply to private communities and deed violations. But even if it did - your "accuser" would be Community Standards. The ONLY time they will contact you to inform you that you are not compliant with your deed restrictions, is if THEY have seen it for themselves and confronted you directly.

Jimbob from next door can send anonymous notes to CS 5 times a day, 7 days a week, for a year about how you have a statue of Jesus wearing a tye-dye t-shirt and smoking a plaster of paris joint with LED red light on the end that blinks on and off and blows real smoke on your front lawn, but it won't matter, UNLESS you actually have one of those things and Community Standards sees it after investigating the complaint.

That reminds me - I need to check my red LED light bulb and make sure it still works. Hm.

[graciegirl]

There are some residents who have an abundance of money so the impact of a bad decision of the Government (like no planning for future and reserves, etc) or the Developer to maximize his profit at the expense of those on tight fixed incomes, or the loading of Government offices with personal friends or hacks, or "you name the abuse" are hurtful to some and those that don't care because it does not effect them are selfish and lack any feelings for others. I fully recognize the Developer is in a business and some want to give a business a soul and it does not have a soul but that does not sanction abusing those in need. When I see some giving deity to the Developer rather than holding him/her responsible for his/her actions it makes me want to withdraw from any association with these selfish people. There is a practice in pricing that if a particular product or service does not have a competitor then the only thing that should measure your price is GREED. We are all living in a community where in many cases there are no competitors and so "GREED is the word of the day. This comes in many forms. It is through the price, it is through reducing the qualities, it is avoiding responsibility for sale/practices, again you name the rest. I read some posts where the author is in support of the Developer regardless of his/her practices or actions.This is a disguise to abuses and is as much of a harm as the person who is the offender. Not holding the offenders responsible is like being an enabler to an addict. :ho:

It has been my experience that many people who are financially successful, also are still careful with their money.

Whether a person is financially comfortable or not, in my opinion, has nothing to do with whether they "care" or not about others. Being selfish and unkind has no connection to a person's bank account.

You are correct that there is no competition for the kind of success for the kind of thing called The Villages, but no one can force anyone to decide to buy here or live here. There are all kinds of opportunities to live in a lot of places in Florida.

I have not seen anyone making the Morses God, but I do see a lot of people recognizing that they have done a very good job as a private company planning and developing and maintaining a place that has turned everyone's heads and is the fastest growing place of it's kind in this country and possibly the world.

I cannot see that there has been any offense by The Morses that they need to be held responsible for.

I too read some posts that no matter what, the poster is looking to blame the developer. That isn't right either.

[NotGolfer]

Chellybean, I just want to correct one thing that you've mentioned a couple of times that I've noticed: the right to face your accuser. That only applies to court cases. It doesn't apply to private communities and deed violations. But even if it did - your "accuser" would be Community Standards. The ONLY time they will contact you to inform you that you are not compliant with your deed restrictions, is if THEY have seen it for themselves and confronted you directly.

Jimbob from next door can send anonymous notes to CS 5 times a day, 7 days a week, for a year about how you have a statue of Jesus wearing a tye-dye t-shirt and smoking a plaster of paris joint with LED red light on the end that blinks on and off and blows real smoke on your front lawn, but it won't matter, UNLESS you actually have one of those things and Community Standards sees it after investigating the complaint.

That reminds me - I need to check my red LED light bulb and make sure it still works. Hm.

You made me laugh out loud! Thank you for that as well as your in-sights, which are quite true!! :mademyday:

[JoMar]

There are some residents who have an abundance of money so the impact of a bad decision of the Government (like no planning for future and reserves, etc) or the Developer to maximize his profit at the expense of those on tight fixed incomes, or the loading of Government offices with personal friends or hacks, or "you name the abuse" are hurtful to some and those that don't care because it does not effect them are selfish and lack any feelings for others. I fully recognize the Developer is in a business and some want to give a business a soul and it does not have a soul but that does not sanction abusing those in need. When I see some giving deity to the Developer rather than holding him/her responsible for his/her actions it makes me want to withdraw from any association with these selfish people. There is a practice in pricing that if a particular product or service does not have a competitor then the only thing that should measure your price is GREED. We are all living in a community where in many cases there are no competitors and so "GREED is the word of the day. This comes in many forms. It is through the price, it is through reducing the qualities, it is avoiding responsibility for sale/practices, again you name the rest. I read some posts where the author is in support of the Developer regardless of his/her practices or actions.This is a disguise to abuses and is as much of a harm as the person who is the offender. Not holding the offenders responsible is like being an enabler to an addict. :ho:

GREED also applies to those that moved here expecting nothing to increase in cost. GREED also applies to those that have theirs and want expansion or growth to stop so nobody can get theirs. The Developer owes us nothing, in all the developments I have lived in over the years the developers finished building and moved on to other ventures and left us with our HOA"s to mange inside the development and the local City/County/State to manage the rest. Taxes went up every year since their costs went up every year. I said it before, if the County had raised taxes every year for the last 15 years and their reason was to build signifcant reserves there would have been an out cry on why? If you don't know what you buy into here than shame on you, if you didn't believe that costs would go up what are you smoking and if you didn't think revenue would need to be made then it's time to run for office and show us how it's done. Too easy to sit here and potificate about GREED when all of us are GREEDY