The Tax Increase

[graciegirl]

Copied from this morning's Daily Sun.

[dewilson58]

But, But, But



:super:

[graciegirl]

But, But, But



:super:

How much will yours go up? It says about $350 a year increase on a 300K home.

[MrGolf]

It appears to me any way you slice it that the County tax rate has been increased by 25%. I have no doubt we will see further increases coming on a much more frequent basis.

[dewilson58]

How much will yours go up? It says about $350 a year increase on a 300K home.








< 12%

Just over 1% over the last ten years.
Yes, some consider this a big bite in one year,

BUT
I have had the 1% increases in my pocket for the last 10 years.


There will always be County Tax Dollars which will not be of direct benefit to me. Just like many Federal & State tax dollars.


Whiners missed the boat.

The time to raise questions is during the budget process.


Oh wait, the sun came up this morning.


:MOJE_whot:

[rustyp]

As I stated this AM on the other tax post with 1200 plus views "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." Why did we start a new thread ?

[Emmakrock@yahoo.com]

So we can begin to work on getting the commissioners out. There will be grass root work to get them replaced. We The Villages have been lied to by the Morrises and all their representatives too long. They are bringing in the dough and they see Seniors as a good target. Time to get involved. People buying in the South need rec centers not rec areas and town squares and restaurants. No more blind beliefs. The senior Morris is rolling over in his grave to see the greed. It’s time to bring all this to the attention of future buyers and others to see. If I hear one more person say we were told I’ll scream.wake up people.Its just the beginning

[graciegirl]

So we can begin to work on getting the commissioners out. There will be grass root work to get them replaced. We The Villages have been lied to by the Morrises and all their representatives too long. They are bringing in the dough and they see Seniors as a good target. Time to get involved. People buying in the South need rec centers not rec areas and town squares and restaurants. No more blind beliefs. The senior Morris is rolling over in his grave to see the greed. It’s time to bring all this to the attention of future buyers and others to see. If I hear one more person say we were told I’ll scream.wake up people.Its just the beginning

There is one R in Morse and no pee in Lake Sumter and the senior "Morse" is called Harold Schwartz, and I have lived here and owned here for more than thirteen years and I respectfully disagree with your thoughts and opinions...…….except, I AM a Buckeye fan. ;)

[Marathon Man]

So we can begin to work on getting the commissioners out. There will be grass root work to get them replaced. We The Villages have been lied to by the Morrises and all their representatives too long. They are bringing in the dough and they see Seniors as a good target. Time to get involved. People buying in the South need rec centers not rec areas and town squares and restaurants. No more blind beliefs. The senior Morris is rolling over in his grave to see the greed. It’s time to bring all this to the attention of future buyers and others to see. If I hear one more person say we were told I’ll scream.wake up people.Its just the beginning

Clearly spoken out of emotion rather than fact and evidence.

[CWGUY]

So. You think the commissioners are "dirty"? Tell us why. Usually I agree with every word and every syllable of anything you post...…...

:ohdear: GG please don't misquote me! I never said "dirty". That was your word..... and why would you be thinking that? I said "Commissioners with questionable loyalty". There is a BIG difference.

While we are at it could you please answer my question? What happened? You were sure the County Property Taxes would not go up anywhere near 25%. Mine went up 28% because of the millage increase and an increase in assessed value also.

Why did you pick this thread to ask about my post in the other thread? The post were I stated my concern for the people who unlike us can not afford this increase. :confused:

Try it...... just say "I was wrong" I know you can do it. You may have to take off your rose colored glasses..... but you can do it!

Remember - it's a done deal and nobody will be talking about it in 2 days. For that matter it was a done deal when it was proposed by the "Commissioners with questionable loyalty" :1rotfl:

[billethkid]

You mean those who were elected to represent us.....didn't!?!?!?!?:shocked:

Wait a minute.........................:1rotfl:

[dewilson58]

Other reason for this new post...............a lot of snowbirds & traveling full-times don't have access to current articles.

For them, thanks for the new post.

:bigbow:

[justjim]

Friends and neighbors: You might as well “Suck it up” because it’s a done deal. If all the present Commissioners were replaced in the next election, it wouldn’t change anything IMHO.

[Polar Bear]

Other reason for this new post...............a lot of snowbirds & traveling full-times don't have access to current articles.

For them, thanks for the new post.

:bigbow:
Hey, de. Please don't take this personally (and I'm bracing for this off-topic reply to be deleted...heheh), but I really wish you'd consider doing away with your highly specialized posting format. Imho, it's annoying, especially when quoted and double-especially when using my phone. I've always enjoyed reading your posts. That enjoyment has been somewhat reduced by your format change. FWIW. :duck:

[CWGUY]

Other reason for this new post...............a lot of snowbirds & traveling full-times don't have access to current articles.

For them, thanks for the new post.

:bigbow:

:ho: Thanks for your answer...... but I think they were asking the OP.:icon_wink: and wanted an answer from her.

I think if it was to show today's page 7 "Daily Sun" story on the Property Tax increase that would be a weak reason. That story could have and may have been written a week ago. There is no new info. in it. I was also very happy to see the "Geocaching Club" made the front page. :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Villageswimmer]

Hey, de. Please don't take this personally (and I'm bracing for this off-topic reply to be deleted...heheh), but I really wish you'd consider doing away with your highly specialized posting format. Imho, it's annoying, especially when quoted and double-especially when using my phone. I've always enjoyed reading your posts. That enjoyment has been somewhat reduced by your format change. FWIW. :duck:

+1. That blue script font is difficult to read.

[Arubagirl33]

How much will yours go up? It says about $350 a year increase on a 300K home.


When they’re quoting the increase it includes the $50,000 homestead exemption! Not All of us are permanent residents 🙁

[pacjag]

Hey, de. Please don't take this personally (and I'm bracing for this off-topic reply to be deleted...heheh), but I really wish you'd consider doing away with your highly specialized posting format. Imho, it's annoying, especially when quoted and double-especially when using my phone. I've always enjoyed reading your posts. That enjoyment has been somewhat reduced by your format change. FWIW. :duck:

+2. No offense. It’s just annoying.

[dewilson58]

Hey, de. Please don't take this personally (and I'm bracing for this off-topic reply to be deleted...heheh), but I really wish you'd consider doing away with your highly specialized posting format. Imho, it's annoying, especially when quoted and double-especially when using my phone. I've always enjoyed reading your posts. That enjoyment has been somewhat reduced by yIour format change. FWIW. :duck:




I
do
understand.

Thank

you

!!!

I
will
change.

[perrjojo]

+1. That blue script font is difficult to read.
I agree. I can’t read the blue script on my iPhone.

[graciegirl]

:ohdear: GG please don't misquote me! I never said "dirty". That was your word..... and why would you be thinking that? I said "Commissioners with questionable loyalty". There is a BIG difference.

While we are at it could you please answer my question? What happened? You were sure the County Property Taxes would not go up anywhere near 25%. Mine went up 28% because of the millage increase and an increase in assessed value also.

Why did you pick this thread to ask about my post in the other thread? The post were I stated my concern for the people who unlike us can not afford this increase. :confused:

Try it...... just say "I was wrong" I know you can do it. You may have to take off your rose colored glasses..... but you can do it!

Remember - it's a done deal and nobody will be talking about it in 2 days. For that matter it was a done deal when it was proposed by the "Commissioners with questionable loyalty" :1rotfl:

I was wrong. Wazza madda you?? I am not afraid to say I was wrong. I think I am partially right. Our Tax BILL did not go up anywhere near 25%.

[eyc234]

For all of the post with whatever subject title it is given, many times the facts and details are not discussed, only opinions. Fact we had not had an increase in 14 years. Fact the county is growing and that requires growth in services and infrastructure. Fact, no matter where you stand on school violence and gun control, schools have been mandated by state government to do certain things to protect children. Fact, reading the budget and the estimated tax revenue it was not enough for this year or coming years. You can hypothesize about the developer, the publicly elected commissioners, the amount of money that should be there and whether it is spent correctly but the facts above show there is not enough money. There are always a million ways to solve a problem, in this instance roads can be left to deteriorate, schools left open for more killings, no police or fire to cover the entire county are one set of answers. Not sure that those would be most citizens wants but it could be. We all have opinions and have a right to them, just remember that decisions should be made on whole truths, what is best for the majority and on facts.

[eyc234]

I was wrong. Wazza madda you?? I am not afraid to say I was wrong. I think I am partially right. Our Tax BILL did not go up anywhere near 25%.


:bigbow: Neither did ours. Right at 12%. Do not like it but over the past 10 years we have been here that money went straight to savings for the future increases. You know "Plan for the worst hope for the best".

[justjim]

Just to be clear, this tax tax increase does not affect those Villagers residing in Lake or Marion County. This is only a Sumter County tax increase. I don’t have the data handy but believe this increase in Sumter County taxes just makes the rates close to the same as Marion and Lake County tax rates. Correct me if I’m wrong and if you currently have the data for the tax rates in all three counties.

[rustyp]

I was wrong. Wazza madda you?? I am not afraid to say I was wrong. I think I am partially right. Our Tax BILL did not go up anywhere near 25%.

Hilarious. Vote GG for our next representative. Let's ignore my many posts trying to educate readers the 25% tax increase was not on your total tax bill but just the county property tax part. I did this every time you were posting "quote me" your taxes will not go up anywhere near 25%.The reason why ? To make sure posters understood what was really happening and perhaps should be outraged that their elected county officials would have the nerve to incorporate such an outrageous increase in one step in one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

[Tornado Topliss]

Just for clarity and as stated previously on the other thread my County tax charge went from 1269 to 1752 Dollars. This was because my Taxable Value went from 237760 to 261530 and the tax rate went from 5.3365 to 6.7000.This equates to an increase of 38% . As I am not allowed to be a full time resident since I am from the UK I accept the fact that I am not entitled to any of the tax reducing benefits enjoyed by full time residents .The 25% figure quoted does not take account of the increase in the taxable value of your home.

[billethkid]

///

[tophcfa]

Why do they waste everyones time having public meetings to allow residents to voice their opinions when the conclusion is already a done deal regardless of the public opinion?

[CWGUY]

Hilarious. Vote GG for our next representative. Let's ignore my many posts trying to educate readers the 25% tax increase was not on your total tax bill but just the county property tax part. I did this every time you were posting "quote me" your taxes will not go up anywhere near 25%.The reason why ? To make sure posters understood what was really happening and perhaps should be outraged that their elected county officials would have the nerve to incorporate such an outrageous increase in one step in one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

It's called interpreting the numbers to justify their opinion of the argument. They refuse to let facts get in the way.:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Arubagirl33]

How much will yours go up? It says about $350 a year increase on a 300K home.

The recent articles & estimates are based on a $50,000 Homestead Exemption, too. Not All of us are permanent residences 🙁

[Bogie Shooter]

The recent articles & estimates are based on a $50,000 Homestead Exemption, too. Not All of us are permanent residences 🙁

That's your choice...……………………...

[Aces4]

That's your choice...……………………...

If you would read the posts in this thread, you will see the tax increases are being discussed. There is a constant statement being presented that the taxes will not increase 25%. Arubagirl pointed out that many people living in here will pay that 25% increase since their taxes aren’t being subsidized. Obviously, she knows it’s her choice, l don’t think that remark was needed.

[Aw Man]

For all of the post with whatever subject title it is given, many times the facts and details are not discussed, only opinions. Fact we had not had an increase in 14 years. Fact the county is growing and that requires growth in services and infrastructure. Fact, no matter where you stand on school violence and gun control, schools have been mandated by state government to do certain things to protect children. Fact, reading the budget and the estimated tax revenue it was not enough for this year or coming years. You can hypothesize about the developer, the publicly elected commissioners, the amount of money that should be there and whether it is spent correctly but the facts above show there is not enough money. There are always a million ways to solve a problem, in this instance roads can be left to deteriorate, schools left open for more killings, no police or fire to cover the entire county are one set of answers. Not sure that those would be most citizens wants but it could be. We all have opinions and have a right to them, just remember that decisions should be made on whole truths, what is best for the majority and on facts.

I agree with you and want to thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts on this issue!

[Aces4]

Your lecture point is noted.

Good dialog is difficult to come by when remarks are caustic. The 25% increase affects many people and I’m sure many people will be voting with their feet, particularly the part-time residents. This may lead to a larger full time crowd who will need to pay greater taxes to cover the revenue lost from the part time resident’s real estate tax subsidies. That doesn’t even into the consideration the additional crowding if part time homes become full time homes.

[Paper1]

As I've read through these threads on the Sumter County tax increase I am a little surprised that a large number of us, Villagers that is, seem to be ok with the tax increase due to two facts; that we have not seen an increase in a number of years and more services are demanded. Two facts are also Sumter country tax base has grown phenomenally during those years with 200K to 500k houses built almost on top of each other and commercial property value exploding. I came here from Northeast and there when a tax base "shrunk" taxes went up. My point is many of us came to Florida because of favorable tax structure and we must guard against becoming the New Jersey or New York of the south. Hopefully those who spend our tax dollars in Sumter Country have shown a lot more concern and care than their counterparts in northern states and the federal government. Blind faith that people will do the right thing is seldom rewarded.

[golf2140]

For all of the post with whatever subject title it is given, many times the facts and details are not discussed, only opinions. Fact we had not had an increase in 14 years. Fact the county is growing and that requires growth in services and infrastructure. Fact, no matter where you stand on school violence and gun control, schools have been mandated by state government to do certain things to protect children. Fact, reading the budget and the estimated tax revenue it was not enough for this year or coming years. You can hypothesize about the developer, the publicly elected commissioners, the amount of money that should be there and whether it is spent correctly but the facts above show there is not enough money. There are always a million ways to solve a problem, in this instance roads can be left to deteriorate, schools left open for more killings, no police or fire to cover the entire county are one set of answers. Not sure that those would be most citizens wants but it could be. We all have opinions and have a right to them, just remember that decisions should be made on whole truths, what is best for the majority and on facts.

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[Fredster]

What bothers me is an obvious lack of foresight by Sumter County board members,
and the fact that this county tax increase was really a done deal from the get go!

[Fredster]

As I've read through these threads on the Sumter County tax increase I am a little surprised that a large number of us, Villagers that is, seem to be ok with the tax increase due to two facts; that we have not seen an increase in a number of years and more services are demanded. Two facts are also Sumter country tax base has grown phenomenally during those years with 200K to 500k houses built almost on top of each other and commercial property value exploding. I came here from Northeast and there when a tax base "shrunk" taxes went up. My point is many of us came to Florida because of favorable tax structure and we must guard against becoming the New Jersey or New York of the south. Hopefully those who spend our tax dollars in Sumter Country have shown a lot more concern and care than their counterparts in northern states and the federal government. Blind faith that people will do the right thing is seldom rewarded.

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[New Adventures]

It's called "catch and no release". I always agreed that it was a "done deal" and the open meeting was just a "courtesy" to the homeowners. Talk about poor management! This is like spending all your down payment prior to buying a house and then being surprised when the bank asks for your deposit and you tell them you had no idea that it was part of the deal. At the end of the day, it is what it is folks. VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

[rustyp]

What bothers me is an obvious lack of foresight by Sumter County board members,
and the fact that this county tax increase was really a done deal from the get go!

Was this increase foreseen when the county was doing the impact analysis of new builds ? Oh no big deal just small misprojection of millions of dollars.

[thelegges]

The tax increase is not just those in the villages who live here full-time, or part time, and own home elsewhere and do not Homestead.
it’s also about those outside of the villages. . I’m sure it may be a struggle for some. Ours is going up to 25%. Yes I choose to own more than one home. We will deal with it. But not equal to our home taxes up north. But for some either in the villages or outside this may be a struggle at 25%.

[collie1228]

This tax increase is no struggle at all for me. But I still find it outrageous, and the excuses put forth by Arnold and his taxing buddies don't carry any water with me. A couple of road updates cause a 25% tax increase in a "community" of 125K? They are either bad planners or bad spenders. Either is enough for me to do my best to see them out of office.

[wdonze]

I agree with a lot that has been said here and for me it seems to be "poor management" and "lack of planning". The one facet of the budget that irks me the most is the commissioner's giving themselves a 9.8% salary increase! So, I plan to vote my anger. Here is a list of the commissioners and their election dates
District Commissioner Election Date
1 Al Butler 11/2020
2 Doug Gilpin 11/2022
3 Don Burgess 11/2020
4 Garry Breeden 11/2022
5 Steve Printz 11/2020

[New Englander]

I agree with a lot that has been said here and for me it seems to be "poor management" and "lack of planning". The one facet of the budget that irks me the most is the commissioner's giving themselves a 9.8% salary increase! So, I plan to vote my anger. Here is a list of the commissioners and their election dates
District Commissioner Election Date
1 Al Butler 11/2020
2 Doug Gilpin 11/2022
3 Don Burgess 11/2020
4 Garry Breeden 11/2022
5 Steve Printz 11/2020

The names done in red are the commissioners that voted for the 25% increase?

[LuvtheVillages]

The names done in red are the commissioners that voted for the 25% increase?

No, they all voted for the increase. The names in red are the commissioners up for election next year.

[CWGUY]

I agree with a lot that has been said here and for me it seems to be "poor management" and "lack of planning". The one facet of the budget that irks me the most is the commissioner's giving themselves a 9.8% salary increase! So, I plan to vote my anger. Here is a list of the commissioners and their election dates
District Commissioner Election Date
1 Al Butler 11/2020
2 Doug Gilpin 11/2022
3 Don Burgess 11/2020
4 Garry Breeden 11/2022
5 Steve Printz 11/2020

:ohdear: They all did and it will forgotten about come 13 months from now..... maybe 13 days. Some don't know 2 days later! Alot of Tax Payers don't vote here too!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

:ohdear: They all did and it will forgotten about come 13 months from now..... maybe 13 days. Some don't know 2 days later! Alot of Tax Payers don't vote here too!

I would suggest that everyone who cares, start (or continue if they already do this) helping, urging, promoting, and otherwise actively encouraging taxpayers to register, and then to vote. Y'know, instead of filing a complaint about the 9-inch white cross in Mr. Smith's flowerbed.

It'll accomplish so much more.

[tophcfa]

I would suggest that everyone who cares, start (or continue if they already do this) helping, urging, promoting, and otherwise actively encouraging taxpayers to register, and then to vote. Y'know, instead of filing a complaint about the 9-inch white cross in Mr. Smith's flowerbed.

It'll accomplish so much more.

Well, as a full time tax payer I wish I could register to vote. Unfortunately, as a part time resident I can't register to vote in two places. Taxazation without representation at it's best. Al Butler, who supposedly represents the district we own a home in, certainly dropped the ball representing us.

[CWGUY]

Well, as a full time tax payer I wish I could register to vote. Unfortunately, as a part time resident I can't register to vote in two places. Taxazation without representation at it's best. Al Butler, who supposedly represents the district we own a home in, certainly dropped the ball representing us.

:) Serious question...... don't they all Run At Large?


Never mind. I found the answer to my question.

[pauld315]

:ohdear: They all did and it will forgotten about come 13 months from now..... maybe 13 days. Some don't know 2 days later! Alot of Tax Payers don't vote here too!

True, but every homeowner who lives here pays taxes here too, most of them also vote here

[pauld315]

:) Serious question...... don't they all Run At Large?

Yes

[dewilson58]

I agree with a lot that has been said here and for me it seems to be "poor management" and "lack of planning". The one facet of the budget that irks me the most is the commissioner's giving themselves a 9.8% salary increase! So, I plan to vote my anger. Here is a list of the commissioners and their election dates
District Commissioner Election Date
1 Al Butler 11/2020
2 Doug Gilpin 11/2022
3 Don Burgess 11/2020
4 Garry Breeden 11/2022
5 Steve Printz 11/2020




Let's nominate from ToTV posters.
Who should run, Who will run???


:MOJE_whot:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If elected, I promise a free tacky pink flamingo in every front yard, right between the corn stalks!

[Velvet]

If elected, I promise a free tacky pink flamingo in every front yard, right between the corn stalks!

Alrighty then! You’ve got my vote.

[xNYer]

This tax increase is no struggle at all for me. But I still find it outrageous, and the excuses put forth by Arnold and his taxing buddies don't carry any water with me. A couple of road updates cause a 25% tax increase in a "community" of 125K? They are either bad planners or bad spenders. Either is enough for me to do my best to see them out of office.

the tax increase does not include the increase you get when the value of your home increases. If you are homesteaded this limits it to some extent, but if you are not you get the millage increase plus the full increase based on your higher assessment.

[JoMar]

I agree with a lot that has been said here and for me it seems to be "poor management" and "lack of planning". The one facet of the budget that irks me the most is the commissioner's giving themselves a 9.8% salary increase! So, I plan to vote my anger. Here is a list of the commissioners and their election dates
District Commissioner Election Date
1 Al Butler 11/2020
2 Doug Gilpin 11/2022
3 Don Burgess 11/2020
4 Garry Breeden 11/2022
5 Steve Printz 11/2020

Always a smart move to vote your anger and not with logic.....yep, that will improve things. Are you planning on running?

[wdonze]

Always a smart move to vote your anger and not with logic.....yep, that will improve things. Are you planning on running?

No, I am not planning to run as I don't feel I have the skills necessary for a commissioner's position. My "anger" comment is my own self-incentive to be sure and remember this a year from now as politicians count on our short memories. How many times in your career did you get a 9.8% salary increase and did you set the amount of your own raise? This whole situation glares of lack of planning and on top of that they reward themselves with a huge salary increase for causing the problem.

[Marathon Man]

OK. I understand the emotion here. But my question is this: Is anyone informed enough that can give us a true evaluation as to:

1) is the county being managed properly
2) was the tax increase actually needed
3) if the tax was actually needed, was the amount correct.

Nobody like tax increases. But sometimes they are needed. I want to know if this is one of those times. If it is, then I will not be angry at those that made the tough, thankless decision. If it was not needed, well I'm ready to vote them out.

[skip0358]

I thought in one of the many topics on the tax increase it was stated that the Developer used to build the roads and then turn them over to the County for maintenance but when the Developer was asked by the County to start building south it was done with the stipulation that the County build all needed roads. Hence the need for a big part of the tax increase.

[daddymac1127]

Very smart move by the developer. The question is why did the county agree to something like that when the precedent had already been set.

[Velvet]

My problem is the people asked to pay for the new roads had no say in whether they wanted those roads or development in the first place. They may have wanted them or not have but some are making decisions on how to spend the current home owners’ money without involving the current owners in the decision making. In Communist countries all decisions are made for you without your involvement and I am sensitive to such situations anywhere.

Because we are in a free country we can make sure the people elected reflect what most people really want and not just the few that benefit from such decisions. Let us hear what those who are running for office have to say.

[Ben Franklin]

My problem is the people asked to pay for the new roads had no say in whether they wanted those roads or development in the first place. They may have wanted them or not have but some are making decisions on how to spend the current home owners’ money without involving the current owners in the decision making. In Communist countries all decisions are made for you without your involvement and I am sensitive to such situations anywhere.

Because we are in a free country we can make sure the people elected reflect what most people really want and not just the few that benefit from such decisions. Let us hear what those who are running for office have to say.

Impact fees are supposed to pay for new roads, but I understand the impact fee is very low in TV land, which means those who are here, pay for those who are causing the impact.

[dewilson58]

I thought in one of the many topics on the tax increase it was stated that the Developer used to build the roads and then turn them over to the County for maintenance but when the Developer was asked by the County to start building south it was done with the stipulation that the County build all needed roads. Hence the need for a big part of the tax increase.




Jus a lot of misinformation out there.

[dewilson58]

My problem is the people asked to pay for the new roads had no say in whether they wanted those roads or development in the first place. They may have wanted them or not have but some are making decisions on how to spend the current home owners’ money without involving the current owners in the decision making. In Communist countries all decisions are made for you without your involvement and I am sensitive to such situations anywhere.

Because we are in a free country we can make sure the people elected reflect what most people really want and not just the few that benefit from such decisions. Let us hear what those who are running for office have to say.




All discussed during the Budget Process.

[dewilson58]

I dew understand the surprise, disappointment, anger...............but, all this is AFTER.


Be proactive and engage in government. Don't just be whiners and riding in the back seat.


Understand the process and participate.


It's not all greed and being in someone's back pocket.


I'm not excited about a 25% increase (as people say), but after looking at the 300 page budget and looking at the County 'Big Picture', I understand.


:super:

[Northwoods]

I dew understand the surprise, disappointment, anger...............but, all this is AFTER.


Be proactive and engage in government. Don't just be whiners and riding in the back seat.


Understand the process and participate.


It's not all greed and being in someone's back pocket.


I'm not excited about a 25% increase (as people say), but after looking at the 300 page budget and looking at the County 'Big Picture', I understand.


:super:
I agree with you. The upcoming county commissioner race will be interesting. There are people jumping on the bandwagon to run in the next election stating the commissioners are corrupt. But I'm not 100% sure they can articulate what they would do differently. And to me... that's fundamental.... I don't want to trade one bad situation for another one.

[tophcfa]

I agree with you. The upcoming county commissioner race will be interesting. There are people jumping on the bandwagon to run in the next election stating the commissioners are corrupt. But I'm not 100% sure they can articulate what they would do differently. And to me... that's fundamental.... I don't want to trade one bad situation for another one.

I don't understand what the risk would be in replacing the incumbents? Is it that the new people that replace them MiIGHT NOT adequately represent the residents or take into consideration the feedback given to them by their constituents? Is that not what the incumbents have already PROVEN to be what we should expect from them? As I see it , the WORST case scenario of replacing the incumbents whould be that we are represented as poorly as we are currently. Vote them all out!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I dew understand the surprise, disappointment, anger...............but, all this is AFTER.

Be proactive and engage in government. Don't just be whiners and riding in the back seat.

Understand the process and participate.

It's not all greed and being in someone's back pocket.

I'm not excited about a 25% increase (as people say), but after looking at the 300 page budget and looking at the County 'Big Picture', I understand.
:super:

That right there - you see on this forum some folks just insist that nothing is wrong, everything is perfect, nothing to see here, relax, you're retired, just accept and give your complete trust to the powers that be to take care of you because they love you and want you to be happy.

And then you see some folks insist that the powers that be are always corrupt, never care about you, have no desire to make you happy, will always, and only, do what is in their own best interest regardless of the fallout of everyone else's lives.

Somewhere in the middle, is the truth. And that truth is in those meetings, the official documents, the actual legislation, state and federal law, county court case decisions, etc. etc. etc.

You have to get involved if you want to put any spine in your pretense of caring about an issue. That means you have to read the actual documents, not just an article that summarizes someone else's opinion about what they heard from a guy who went to a meeting.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I don't understand what the risk would be in replacing the incumbents? Is it that the new people that replace them MiIGHT NOT adequately represent the residents or take into consideration the feedback given to them by their constituents? Is that not what the incumbents have already PROVEN to be what we should expect from them? Vote them all out!

The risk is that it could be worse.

But that's only a risk if you put your hand in the bucket and pull out a name without having first decided that whoever you pick would be better.

You have to have at least a basic understanding of who is running for a position, and what that person at least CLAIMS to support. That way if it turns out they lied, you can call them out on it. If you don't even care enough to read a summary of their positions on issues, then you have no one to blame but yourself if they win and it turns out they were worse than what you have now.

[justjim]

My problem is the people asked to pay for the new roads had no say in whether they wanted those roads or development in the first place. They may have wanted them or not have but some are making decisions on how to spend the current home owners’ money without involving the current owners in the decision making. In Communist countries all decisions are made for you without your involvement and I am sensitive to such situations anywhere.

Because we are in a free country we can make sure the people elected reflect what most people really want and not just the few that benefit from such decisions. Let us hear what those who are running for office have to say.

“Because we are in a free country we can make sure the people elected reflect what most people want and not just the few that benefit from such decisions”. I admire your idealism (and understand your point) but after an election is over the person elected doesn’t always vote the wishes of his/her constituents. Just saying.

[Fast Freddy]

POA MONTHLY MEETINGS (https://poa4us.org/MonthlyMtgs.html)
For those living in The Villages, we have a voice through the Property Owners Association (POA). Please plan on attending the October meeting. The Association's effort will be to replace the 3 current Commissioners. Everyone's help is needed. I hope other than TV Sumter residents can form their own grassroot get out the vote campaign, together we can choose the acceptable candidates.
By the way, with homesteading my county rate alone went up 25.8%. They better pave those streets with 'gold.'

[manaboutown]

What affiliations and relationships, if any, do the commissioners who raised the tax rate so significantly have to the developer?

[GatorFan]

Gracie, have you visited any of Sumter County outside of The Villages or do you live in the bubble? Could be you don’t care about your fellow Sumter County neighbors who also pay taxes. Do you think they deserve to drive down a road without potholes? How bout some trees and flowers lining their streets? They do pay taxes too.

[Velvet]

Gracie, have you visited any of Sumter County outside of The Villages or do you live in the bubble? Could be you don’t care about your fellow Sumter County neighbors who also pay taxes. Do you think they deserve to drive down a road without potholes? How bout some trees and flowers lining their streets? They do pay taxes too.

I’m not understanding; are you asking for charity? Can Gracie or anyone not choose which charities to support? What about the girls in Tamil Nadu? I have adopted two of them send goats and chickens so they will not be sold into sex trade but go to school instead.

[manaboutown]

I read somewhere a while back that after the population of TV had grown to the point that the people living in TV outnumbered the rest of the population within the county, the representation rules were changed such that commissioners were elected 'at large' rather than by voters within districts they were to represent. Thus the TV vote now effectively controls the whole of Sumter County. The word on the street was this change was developer driven. If the councilors are developer controlled (a speculation, not an allegation), then, Voila, they can and no doubt will raise taxes on existing developed properties to widen old roads and build new roads and other infrastructure to support future development.

I do find it to be noteworthy that the huge tax increase arrived in the wake of the acquisition of huge amounts of land for development followed by developmental approval. Of course every time a house is built more taxes are collected by the county. This is probably why tax rates have historically remained static or even slightly diminished over the last decade or so. Now with enough raw land to double the size of TV under developer ownership or control, widening existing roads, building new roads and adding infrastructure to extend development into and over the raw land, money is required. The money needs to come from somewhere. So guess who will be paying for all this?

Existing taxpayers all over Sumter County!

[Polar Bear]

By the way...

Thanks, de. :)

[Marathon Man]

“Because we are in a free country we can make sure the people elected reflect what most people want and not just the few that benefit from such decisions”. I admire your idealism (and understand your point) but after an election is over the person elected doesn’t always vote the wishes of his/her constituents. Just saying.

I don't see how this is different than any other place in the country. Elected officials make the decisions. If you want to be heard, you go to meetings. They are going to go around asking people if they should authorize the building of some new roads. Come on now.

[tophcfa]

I read somewhere a while back that after the population of TV had grown to the point that the people living in TV outnumbered the rest of the population within the county, the representation rules were changed such that commissioners were elected 'at large' rather than by voters within districts they were to represent. Thus the TV vote now effectively controls the whole of Sumter County. The word on the street was this change was developer driven. If the councilors are developer controlled (a speculation, not an allegation), then, Voila, they can and no doubt will raise taxes on existing developed properties to widen old roads and build new roads and other infrastructure to support future development.

I do find it to be noteworthy that the huge tax increase arrived in the wake of the acquisition of huge amounts of land for development followed by developmental approval. Of course every time a house is built more taxes are collected by the county. This is probably why tax rates have historically remained static or even slightly diminished over the last decade or so. Now with enough raw land to double the size of TV under developer ownership or control, widening existing roads, building new roads and adding infrastructure to extend development into and over the raw land, money is required. The money needs to come from somewhere. So guess who will be paying for all this?

Existing taxpayers all over Sumter County!

Very good post manaboutown, deserving of a direct thanks rather then clicking a thanks icon!

[GatorFan]

We are not asking for charity. We are asking that our tax dollars that we pay are spent on our roads in Sumter County. How would you feel if your tax dollars were spent on other areas in Sumter County and your roads had potholes? Should the tax dollars not be spent on all of Sumter County.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We are not asking for charity. We are asking that our tax dollars that we pay are spent on our roads in Sumter County. How would you feel if your tax dollars were spent on other areas in Sumter County and your roads had potholes? Should the tax dollars not be spent on all of Sumter County.

I agree. I don't live in Sumter County, I'm up in the Lady Lake area. but regardless, my county tax dollars should be allocated to the entire county, not just my own little segment of the county. If a neighborhood on the other side of the county has roads in bad condition, and mine is in great shape, I expect some of my tax dollars to bring those other roads up to standards. What's good for the OTHER neighborhood, is good for the entire county's standard of living.

We are only as good as the least among us. It's in our best interest to ensure that the least among us - is as good as we can afford for them to be.

[Velvet]

We are not asking for charity. We are asking that our tax dollars that we pay are spent on our roads in Sumter County. How would you feel if your tax dollars were spent on other areas in Sumter County and your roads had potholes? Should the tax dollars not be spent on all of Sumter County.

Misread your previous post. Yes I agree that the county taxes should be spent on roads in the county where it is needed.

[manaboutown]

Misread your previous post. Yes I agree that the county taxes should be spent on roads in the county where it is needed.

Good luck on that!

[Bay Kid]

There will be lots of raises for county employees.

[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?

[Mleeja]

:ohdear: GG please don't misquote me! I never said "dirty". That was your word..... and why would you be thinking that? I said "Commissioners with questionable loyalty". There is a BIG difference.

While we are at it could you please answer my question? What happened? You were sure the County Property Taxes would not go up anywhere near 25%. Mine went up 28% because of the millage increase and an increase in assessed value also.

Why did you pick this thread to ask about my post in the other thread? The post were I stated my concern for the people who unlike us can not afford this increase. :confused:

Try it...... just say "I was wrong" I know you can do it. You may have to take off your rose colored glasses..... but you can do it!

Remember - it's a done deal and nobody will be talking about it in 2 days. For that matter it was a done deal when it was proposed by the "Commissioners with questionable loyalty" :1rotfl:

You were going to have an increase of assessed value regardless of the tax increase. Your tax rate is increasing 25%.