Thoughts & Observation about the 9/10/2019 Tax Meeting

[Reg]

1. There were many thought provoking suggestions made by some highly educated individuals who also had budgeting backgrounds. None of the suggestion were dignified by any positive or negative comments by the Commissioners. I feel this was arrogant and disrespectful to the taxpayers who pay their salaries.

2.There were also specific comments about details in the 300 page tax document brought up by taxpayers again the Commissioners made no comments about the subject. I looked at the Commissioners table while this was talked about. There seemed to have questioning looks on a few of their faces, I took these looks as they did not read the entire tax document.

3. During another segment of the taxpayers' comments an individual suggested the Commissioners should be looked into to establish if there were any improprieties in relation to the Developer. At that time I looked at the Commissioners table again and it looked to me like there were a few flush faces.

4. It was obvious to me that no matter what suggestions or concerns the taxpayers had the Commissioners blew off if to tell us that they will do what they want. They are not looking for the best way to fund their budget but the most expedient, to have no delays in the Developer's time table.

5. We cannot change what the Commissioners have committed to for whatever reasons they have. I will remember this when it is time to vote and I hope others do the same.

6. Mr. Arnold stated that there would be no additional tax increases for the next five years. This might be correct if he was talking about the millage rate. This year the market value of our home went up about 20%. According to my understanding the assessed value of my home could be raised 3% a year, so our tax dollars could be raised another 15% over the next 5 years without any increase to the millage rate. The actual increase would be much greater when you take into account the compounding effect of the home assessed value increase.

7. We are not given the entire picture. For instance the millage rate for the Sumter County school taxes went down but the dollar amount of taxes we are to pay went up, because the assessed value of our home increased.

8. The approvals for road construction such as what was just announced for the Buena Vista Blvd. is a done deal, the taxpayers have no input. The entire Board of Commissioners needs to be replaced with people who have the present taxpayers interests first.

Stan Galperin

[golf2140]

Everyone talks about the commissioners and the developer. Folks lets step back and think of the tax increase on the property of the developer. It's going to be huge.

[New Adventures]

You are exactly correct in your interpretation. As I posted earlier on this subject the deal was done. The decision to increase was already determined. Management, IMO, "kicked the can" long enough and now they are forced to provide additional income by the easiest way possible. Don't forget this event when it is time to vote.

[graciegirl]

I keep saying that the actual tax increase will not come close to 25%. I am not new here.

[skip0358]

Gracie I tend to agree with you. By the figures Ingot slightly over $200 IF the info on the trim notice is correct. Time will tell

[Bogie Shooter]

1. There were many thought provoking suggestions made by some highly educated individuals who also had budgeting backgrounds. None of the suggestion were dignified by any positive or negative comments by the Commissioners. I feel this was arrogant and disrespectful to the taxpayers who pay their salaries.

2.There were also specific comments about details in the 300 page tax document brought up by taxpayers again the Commissioners made no comments about the subject. I looked at the Commissioners table while this was talked about. There seemed to have questioning looks on a few of their faces, I took these looks as they did not read the entire tax document.

3. During another segment of the taxpayers' comments an individual suggested the Commissioners should be looked into to establish if there were any improprieties in relation to the Developer. At that time I looked at the Commissioners table again and it looked to me like there were a few flush faces.

4. It was obvious to me that no matter what suggestions or concerns the taxpayers had the Commissioners blew off if to tell us that they will do what they want. They are not looking for the best way to fund their budget but the most expedient, to have no delays in the Developer's time table.

5. We cannot change what the Commissioners have committed to for whatever reasons they have. I will remember this when it is time to vote and I hope others do the same.

6. Mr. Arnold stated that there would be no additional tax increases for the next five years. This might be correct if he was talking about the millage rate. This year the market value of our home went up about 20%. According to my understanding the assessed value of my home could be raised 3% a year, so our tax dollars could be raised another 15% over the next 5 years without any increase to the millage rate. The actual increase would be much greater when you take into account the compounding effect of the home assessed value increase.

7. We are not given the entire picture. For instance the millage rate for the Sumter County school taxes went down but the dollar amount of taxes we are to pay went up, because the assessed value of our home increased.

8. The approvals for road construction such as what was just announced for the Buena Vista Blvd. is a done deal, the taxpayers have no input. The entire Board of Commissioners needs to be replaced with people who have the present taxpayers interests first.

Stan Galperin

Was the format of the meeting a debate or a hearing? Would not expect at a public meeting a response from the ones holding the meeting on every point made.

Was the road construction discussed at any previous planning board meetings you attended?

[njbchbum]

snipped
Don't forget this event when it is time to vote.

When doya think there will be new candidates running for office? So far all I read are complaints and only 2 men intending to run cor Commissioner? Doya think any women will step up and run for Commissioner?

If no one new runs and campaigns and wins the same old board will still be elected - no?

[Navy (SSBN 633)]

there are only 3 commissioners up for re election...not the total 5. 2 new candidates so far is GOOD!

[Bogie Shooter]

Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for.

[NotGolfer]

But on another note...the taxes we pay here are still way lower than they were back in the north country.

[rustyp]

I keep saying that the actual tax increase will not come close to 25%. I am not new here.

When is the official final decision date ?

[EdFNJ]

When is the official final decision date ?
Probably the day they first released the increase info. :)

Mine is only going up ~$125 based on the recent TRIM notice. That is about 1 medium pizza a month even without a discount coupon. My property assessment went up ~ 17%.

[JP]

So, you don't want a tax increase? Really? You'd rather have bad roads like up North? Not me. The increase is not that much and there hasn't been an increase in taxes in 14 YEARS!!! Come on!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So, you don't want a tax increase? Really? You'd rather have bad roads like up North? Not me. The increase is not that much and there hasn't been an increase in taxes in 14 YEARS!!! Come on!

1. I agree that the dollar value of the increase is reasonable.
2. I agree that it represents far less than the 14 years worth of tax increases they could've implemented, but chose not to.
3. I feel they SHOULD have implemented those smaller, graduated increases instead of dumping it all on the current batch of homeowners.

In the past 14 years, many people have moved out of the county, or died, and no longer pay any taxes at all. Those are the people who *should* have been paying a portion of these taxes, because those are the people who were creating the wear and tear on the infrastructure, whose kids were going to the public schools, etc.

The current batch of homeowners in Sumter County are paying for the use of the previous batch. Some of them are the same people who've lived in the area for decades. But in 14 years, two generations of children started and finished school. And now - the newer homeowners will be paying the bill for it.

Just remember if someone says "no new taxes!" - you're voting for a fantasy. You might not pay it today. But SOMEONE will be paying it tomorrow. It was the older generation who came up with the old saw "the only sure thing is death and taxes." Mass amnesia doesn't negate that particular truth.

[graciegirl]

1. I agree that the dollar value of the increase is reasonable.
2. I agree that it represents far less than the 14 years worth of tax increases they could've implemented, but chose not to.
3. I feel they SHOULD have implemented those smaller, graduated increases instead of dumping it all on the current batch of homeowners.

In the past 14 years, many people have moved out of the county, or died, and no longer pay any taxes at all. Those are the people who *should* have been paying a portion of these taxes, because those are the people who were creating the wear and tear on the infrastructure, whose kids were going to the public schools, etc.

The current batch of homeowners in Sumter County are paying for the use of the previous batch. Some of them are the same people who've lived in the area for decades. But in 14 years, two generations of children started and finished school. And now - the newer homeowners will be paying the bill for it.

Just remember if someone says "no new taxes!" - you're voting for a fantasy. You might not pay it today. But SOMEONE will be paying it tomorrow. It was the older generation who came up with the old saw "the only sure thing is death and taxes." Mass amnesia doesn't negate that particular truth.

I was born frugal. I have always voted for School levies, but am very careful about other people spending my money.

AND when you live in a retirement community, you will be viewed as the "older generation". Just sayin'.

In the past fourteen years many people have moved into the three counties here. Sumter, Marion and Lake. I will try to find some links.

Marion County has grown by 8% since 2010
Lake County has grown by 19% since 2010
Sumter County has grown by 36% since 2010

http://worldpopulationreview.com/states/florida-population/

[tophcfa]

The article in today's Daily Sun clearly states that the main reason for the tax increases is to pay for the infrastructure needed to connect the Villages north with the developing Villages south. As someone who is pro capitalism and usually fully supportive of the efforts of the developers, I am not happy about this. People living in the northern sections of the Villages are getting little to no benefit from the development south of 44. In fact, the laws of supply and demand would indicate that the new development is limiting the price appreciation potential of their homes. Yet those same people are being forced to pay for the infrastructure necessary for the development. In my opinion, the parties that made the decision to build the Villages south, and stand to benefit from the new development, should be responsible for footing the infrastructure bill necessated because of their endeavor.

[dewilson58]

The article in today's Daily Sun clearly states that the main reason for the tax increases is to pay for the infrastructure needed to connect the Villages north with the developing Villages south. As someone who is pro capitalism and usually fully supportive of the efforts of the developers, I am not happy about this. People living in the northern sections of the Villages are getting little to no benefit from the development south of 44. In fact, the laws of supply and demand would indicate that the new development is limiting the price appreciation potential of their homes. Yet those same people are being forced to pay for the infrastructure necessary for the development. In my opinion, the parties that made the decision to build the Villages south, and stand to benefit from the new development, should be responsible for footing the infrastructure bill necessated because of their endeavor.




But aren't the infrastructure dollars going to existing County roads to handle the additional traffic??

Just like when the County improved BV & Morse....using County funds.

One difference is this growth is not starting with contiguous property.
Second difference is the speed of growth.

+10 years with no tax increase.......it's about time.


:duck:

[pauld315]

The article in today's Daily Sun clearly states that the main reason for the tax increases is to pay for the infrastructure needed to connect the Villages north with the developing Villages south. As someone who is pro capitalism and usually fully supportive of the efforts of the developers, I am not happy about this. People living in the northern sections of the Villages are getting little to no benefit from the development south of 44. In fact, the laws of supply and demand would indicate that the new development is limiting the price appreciation potential of their homes. Yet those same people are being forced to pay for the infrastructure necessary for the development. In my opinion, the parties that made the decision to build the Villages south, and stand to benefit from the new development, should be responsible for footing the infrastructure bill necessated because of their endeavor.

Absolutely agree, they finally admitted that the increase is to build the infrastructure for the developer. Not only do the Villagers in the north end get no benefit but the residents who don't even live in The Villages get zero benefit. Tax increases only benefit the developer's growth which most of the non Villagers in Sumter County are opposed to anyway.

If I remember right, previous to this expansion, the developer paid for all of those roads and then upon completion turned them over to Sumter County. What changed ? Maybe Sumter County didn't want anything to do with this arrangement anymore since they have now have to go back and repair the shoddy workmanship that was done on those roads. They would rather build it correctly the first time to reduce maintenance costs in the future.

Actually the Villagers in the north end take a big hit because of the expansion and nothing being down there to support the new residents. They all have to travel north on Morse to get to shopping, restaurants, doctors etc and that just puts more and more of a burden on the roads, especially on Morse north of 44. North of 466 on Morse is already a safety hazard and a nightmare in season and with the increased traffic they just keep adding to the problem with no intention of ever fixing it.

[dewilson58]

If I remember right, previous to this expansion, the developer paid for all of those roads and then upon completion turned them over to Sumter County.

.




Nope.

[billethkid]

Once upon a time the "bond" was described as the source of funds for infrastructure.

If there is still a requirement for a bond on new construction ( I do not know if there is...or not).....then what has changed?

The fast growth brings with it significant increasing revenues over prior years.

To hear that the Southward expansion and the required infrastructure is the reason for the 25% increase....for me does not add up.

I also view the explanation(s) given by The Daily Sun is little more than continuing increase justification rather than a good old fashioned budget increase clarification.

[CWGUY]

I keep saying that the actual tax increase will not come close to 25%. I am not new here.

:icon_wink: We'll see at 6 p.m. tonight. :popcorn:

[Tornado Topliss]

I am a UK Citizen who purchased my Villages home in 2003 and moved in in Feb 2004 following the building of it. We are only allowed to live in the USA for 6 months per year which is what our visa allows .
I recently received my Trim Notice and it shows that my overall taxes are due to increase from 2648 to 3317 dollars. A 25% increase.

The breakdown is shown as
County 1269 to 1752 Dollars 38%
Schools
State Law 809 to 873 Dollars 7.9%
Local Board 500 to 619 Dollars 24%
Water Management 70 to 73 4.2%

Overall 25%

I am only mentioning this since it appears that several respondents are saying it is not 25% but for me it is.. I accept that since I am not a full time resident I do not get any of the tax off -setting benefits that full time residents enjoy however for me it is 25%
I should have not kept telling my UK neighbours that my property taxes in The Villages had not really seen an increase in all the years we had lived here . In fact they had never reached the level that my sales agent had forecast back in 2003.

We love it in The Villages although I believe that this present proposed tax increase could have been handled in a much more professional way and I must admit that I am in agreement with many of the comments made by the respondents as to ways of reducing the 25% (to me) increase . I am sure all my full time neighbours will take pity on me and provide me a few beers to help me out .

[thelegges]

Ours will be over $600. For a moderate designer

[rustyp]

Before the I told you so's start tonight remember the proposed tax increase is on the county taxes. School taxes are not included. Also for those of you that have a bond you need to back that out also. Thus if what you normally call your once per year tax bill is raised about 12.5% tonight that is a "county property" tax increase of about 25%.

[CWGUY]

Ours will be over $600. For a moderate designer

:confused: Are you saying your County Property Taxes will be over $600 or your County Property Taxes are going up over $600? Thank you.

[Bowtorc]

the 25 percent is only on the county tax not total tax bill. the Tuesday paper is misleading though new assessments and county tax increase raised my bill 300 dollars plus with a house assessed a lot less than 300,000

[JSR22]

Mine are up 344 on on an assessed value of 279,00 and market value 353,000

[Bowtorc]

Wildwood rates went down and lake county? Looks like the developer is getting a free ride. with a 38 percent increase in population I would think the added tax revenue would be great. Maybe I just don't understand. Looks like we are paying for the villages south of 44 and what about the damage created by heavy trucks working on developing property? there is continual heavy traffic on Morris. where I come from the there was a charge for damage. Truck tags did not cover the cost for road use by heavy equipment . Just saying, looks like we have been had by an agreement between the developer and the county and possibly more than what appears for commissioner's salary and compensation. Maybe they are just not wise enough to be in those positions and don't know how to represent the population?

[CWGUY]

I keep saying that the actual tax increase will not come close to 25%. I am not new here.

:faint: What happened? :popcorn:

[rustyp]

After three hours of a public meeting with much outcry by Villagers the TAX INCREASE OF 25% WAS VOTED IN. Ref the online "other news" this morning.

[CWGUY]

I keep saying that the actual tax increase will not come close to 25%. I am not new here.

:icon_wink: We'll see at 6 p.m. tonight. :popcorn:

:faint: What happened? :popcorn:

After three hours of a public meeting with much outcry by Villagers the TAX INCREASE OF 25% WAS VOTED IN. Ref the online "other news" this morning.

:ohdear: Well I guess someone was wrong! :oops: And like most posters here I can well afford to pay it. My concern is for the people that CAN'T! That and the appearance of bad management by Commissioners with questionable loyalty.

[Advogado]

In simple terms, our taxes have been hiked 25% by the County Commissioners to pay for infrastructure necessitated by the Developer's massive expansion of The Villages. The Commissioners have done this to avoid hiking The Developer's impact fee, which is only $901 per house, compared to $2,600 per house for a builder outside The Villages.

Impact fees are, according to Sumter County's own website, supposed to pay for such infrastructure.

The question becomes, Why did the Commissioners do what they did?

[Advogado]

I am a UK Citizen who purchased my Villages home in 2003 and moved in in Feb 2004 following the building of it. We are only allowed to live in the USA for 6 months per year which is what our visa allows .
I recently received my Trim Notice and it shows that my overall taxes are due to increase from 2648 to 3317 dollars. A 25% increase.

The breakdown is shown as
County 1269 to 1752 Dollars 38%
Schools
State Law 809 to 873 Dollars 7.9%
Local Board 500 to 619 Dollars 24%
Water Management 70 to 73 4.2%

Overall 25%

I am only mentioning this since it appears that several respondents are saying it is not 25% but for me it is.. I accept that since I am not a full time resident I do not get any of the tax off -setting benefits that full time residents enjoy however for me it is 25%
I should have not kept telling my UK neighbours that my property taxes in The Villages had not really seen an increase in all the years we had lived here . In fact they had never reached the level that my sales agent had forecast back in 2003.

We love it in The Villages although I believe that this present proposed tax increase could have been handled in a much more professional way and I must admit that I am in agreement with many of the comments made by the respondents as to ways of reducing the 25% (to me) increase . I am sure all my full time neighbours will take pity on me and provide me a few beers to help me out .
The 25% millage increase applies to the county taxes shown on your TRIM notice, and that 25% applies to everybody. That is apart from any tax increases due to an increase in assessed valuation.