Villages Amenity fees during CV crisis

[mcfirkle]

Just a thought will the villages consider an amenity fee holiday now that all squares, theatres rec centres etc are closed for the foreseeable future. Be interesting to see if any response to this, I accept the executive golf is still open but for how long, and if they stay open will many be wanting to risk going out to play?

[Northwoods]

Here is what your monthly amenity fee pays for (from thevillages.com website):

Free golf on all of our executive courses*

Swimming, tennis, pickleball, bocce & many more facilities all conveniently located throughout the community

More than 2,000 organized activities every week through The Villages Recreation & Parks

Sports pools

Fishing lakes, waterfront parks & fitness trails

24-hour community watch service

[karostay]

:shrug::shrug::shrug::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[kansasr]

So they can lay off most of their staff, putting people out of work unnecessarily and letting things go to pot here? No thank you.

[billethkid]

Should TV reduce the rent paid by the businesses that are closed/closing?

[rjn5656]

Life goes on. Enjoy it while you can. Don't sweat the small stuff.

[ts12755]

Our fees are practically nothing compared to all other places with amenity fees.... and all those amenities still need to be maintained and operated

[Two Bills]

Just a thought will the villages consider an amenity fee holiday now that all squares, theatres rec centres etc are closed for the foreseeable future. Be interesting to see if any response to this, I accept the executive golf is still open but for how long, and if they stay open will many be wanting to risk going out to play?

There are times when the bottom line is really not that important.
I will be happy to still be paying fees and taxes next year, even with an increase! :icon_wink:

[Maryland04]

You think too much, slow down and enjoy.

[jedalton]

:There are times when the bottom line is really not that important.
I will be happy to still be paying fees and taxes next year, even with an increase! :icon_wink:
:):)

[Dlbonivich]

Really? Does your city government refund your taxes when you have a road closure for repair.

[Goldwingnut]

Just a thought will the villages consider an amenity fee holiday now that all squares, theatres rec centres etc are closed for the foreseeable future. Be interesting to see if any response to this, I accept the executive golf is still open but for how long, and if they stay open will many be wanting to risk going out to play?

Your "holiday" idea lacks the an understanding of the Amenity Fee.
First off, the squares and theaters are not amenities and not supported by the amenity fee directly, yes the recreation activities that do occur there help bring business to the merchants but no amenity fee funds are paid to the merchants, and the cost for the nightly music does not come out of the amenity fees.

I pulled up my copy of the current year's budget for the amenity district south of CR466 and took a look at what costs could be cut if we cut the revenue as a result of your "holiday" idea. Remember, in the state of Florida the law requires a balanced budget.
Here's the major categories:
Total budget: $71,814,495 (south of 466)

Debt Service: $23,342,191 - this is the payback of the bonds from 2016 used by the CDD to purchase the amenities, can't not pay this bill, it is a contractual obligation with the bond holders.

Operating Supplies: $2,656,666 - we might be able to cut a little here, the Recreation supplies are $258,00 of this and since few activities are going on they may be a savings in the $21,500 costs but not much. The rest is made up of repair and operating costs of the facilities that will still be incurred.

Printing and binding: $565,020 - this cost will probably go up a little as things are rescheduled and new materials will need to be produced.

Repairs and Maintenance services: $16,079,147 - nothing to cut here, the buildings and landscaping will still need to be maintained.

Insurance: $696,443 - Good luck there getting an insurance company to lower their rate, if asked they would probably raise the rate because of the added risk right now.

Rentals and Leases: $112,241 - all of these will expect to be paid regardless of what is going on.

Utilities: $2,983,124 - Still have to keep the air conditioning on. The toilets may be flushed a few times less each day and it may save a little out of the $263,256 in the water sewer portion of this cost.

Contract Services: $7,258,557 - this includes $2,547,773 for the executive golf courses operation and $2,063,859 that goes to the Dept of Safety (fire stations) that provides a higher level of service than the rest of the county. Nothing can be cut here, the firemen still work and the grass still grows.

Professional Services: $15,318,804 - this is the cost for staffing the amenity portion of The Villages - Administrative, Community Watch, Property management, Recreation dept ($6,733,088), engineering, legal, technology services, etc. These people are still working, shall we lay them off or just not pay them during this "holiday"? Because of this mess they are probably working harder than ever to support the community.

That's most of the costs, there are a few minor additional cost, I've attached this year's budget for amenity fund and project wide fund if you want the detail.

Since we are obligated by state law to balance our budget, which services shall we cut to fund this ill-conceived "holiday"? What bills shall we not pay? What facility shall we not maintain? Who shall we layoff and not pay?

Many of us here in The Villages have lived in "the bubble" too long and have forgotten there is a real world out there that sill has to operate and live by rules, even while we enjoy ourselves in our retirement. The administrative costs alone for calculating and applying any minor savings each of the 42,154 homes would realize from such a holiday would far exceed any savings that might possible be achieved. It really sucks having to step back into the real world.

[mk1126]

Yes, they definitely should be on hold/no payment for a few months. Only actual 'event' to still proceed around here will be 'Scooter' at the Squares - unccanellable!

[Pawleyr]

Doesn’t it pay for the gate attendants?

[Bay Kid]

Everything will be kept beautiful for all. Plus someone has to pay to hold up the sky.

[meridian5850]

Yes, they definitely should be on hold/no payment for a few months. Only actual 'event' to still proceed around here will be 'Scooter' at the Squares - unccanellable!

You didn't read post #13
You didn't understand post #13

Pick one of the above....
:rolleyes:

[Topspinmo]

Just a thought will the villages consider an amenity fee holiday now that all squares, theatres rec centres etc are closed for the foreseeable future. Be interesting to see if any response to this, I accept the executive golf is still open but for how long, and if they stay open will many be wanting to risk going out to play?

No! Their not going to consider it!:ohdear:

[Goldwingnut]

Doesn’t it pay for the gate attendants?

Yes, among a great many other things people don't realize.

[eyc234]

So they can lay off most of their staff, putting people out of work unnecessarily and letting things go to pot here? No thank you.


:pray: Amen! US needs to look at how Germany is keeping people employed.

[ladybugsmom]

Doubt it, but it would only be fair.

[GoPacers]

I'm happy to pay my amenity fee if that helps to keep people employed that otherwise wouldn't be able to survive without a job. We're so fortunate to be in a place like The Villages and enjoy retirement. I feel for the folks that enable our great lifestyle that don't have the financial means to persevere. Now is the time to be a good person and do what you can to help others less fortunate.

[PugMom]

You think too much, slow down and enjoy. best motto to live by. imagine when a REAL crisis hits. :faint:

[PugMom]

I'm happy to pay my amenity fee if that helps to keep people employed that otherwise wouldn't be able to survive without a job. We're so fortunate to be in a place like The Villages and enjoy retirement. I feel for the folks that enable our great lifestyle that don't have the financial means to persevere. Now is the time to be a good person and do what you can to help others less fortunate. it's true. no matter how 'bad-off' we think we are, things are much worse for others trying to survive.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

As curator of The Museum of Wacky Ideas, I thank the OP for this concept.

[Fredman]

Always someone looking for an excuse to suspend the fees. Just like when the golf courses were closed for a few days, people were looking for a reduction in priority fees.

[NavyVet]

There is always an upside to every bad situation. Upon learning that all classes and such were cancelled at the sports pools, I thought, wow, people will now be able to actually SWIM at the pools. What a novel concept! Hallelujah! See? Bright side! LOL

[Indydealmaker]

Please, please say you're joking!

[mjpuleo]

How ridiculous to think about a "holiday" from amenity fees. Amenity fees stretch far beyond just our entertainment as someone noted. Besides that would mean many jobs lost. Pick your poison. Don't you people have more important things to worry about?? Pray that we get through this!!!

[TABOR8]

Totally agree.

[John_W]

Doesn’t it pay for the gate attendants?

...and the Community Watch Patrols. The Neighborhood Pools, Bocce Ball, Shuffleboard and Executive Golf. The things the OP mentioned like the squares, the movie theaters and the restaurants are not paid by the amenity fees. The Theaters and restaurants are private commercial establishments, not amenities. The squares entertainment is paid by the county and by the local merchants at the square. I believe the OP's argument is weak at best.

[Challenger]

What he said-- Do not suspend amenity fees.

[Challenger]

Your "holiday" idea lacks the an understanding of the Amenity Fee.
First off, the squares and theaters are not amenities and not supported by the amenity fee directly, yes the recreation activities that do occur there help bring business to the merchants but no amenity fee funds are paid to the merchants, and the cost for the nightly music does not come out of the amenity fees.

I pulled up my copy of the current year's budget for the amenity district south of CR466 and took a look at what costs could be cut if we cut the revenue as a result of your "holiday" idea. Remember, in the state of Florida the law requires a balanced budget.
Here's the major categories:
Total budget: $71,814,495 (south of 466)

Debt Service: $23,342,191 - this is the payback of the bonds from 2016 used by the CDD to purchase the amenities, can't not pay this bill, it is a contractual obligation with the bond holders.

Operating Supplies: $2,656,666 - we might be able to cut a little here, the Recreation supplies are $258,00 of this and since few activities are going on they may be a savings in the $21,500 costs but not much. The rest is made up of repair and operating costs of the facilities that will still be incurred.

Printing and binding: $565,020 - this cost will probably go up a little as things are rescheduled and new materials will need to be produced.

Repairs and Maintenance services: $16,079,147 - nothing to cut here, the buildings and landscaping will still need to be maintained.

Insurance: $696,443 - Good luck there getting an insurance company to lower their rate, if asked they would probably raise the rate because of the added risk right now.

Rentals and Leases: $112,241 - all of these will expect to be paid regardless of what is going on.

Utilities: $2,983,124 - Still have to keep the air conditioning on. The toilets may be flushed a few times less each day and it may save a little out of the $263,256 in the water sewer portion of this cost.

Contract Services: $7,258,557 - this includes $2,547,773 for the executive golf courses operation and $2,063,859 that goes to the Dept of Safety (fire stations) that provides a higher level of service than the rest of the county. Nothing can be cut here, the firemen still work and the grass still grows.

Professional Services: $15,318,804 - this is the cost for staffing the amenity portion of The Villages - Administrative, Community Watch, Property management, Recreation dept ($6,733,088), engineering, legal, technology services, etc. These people are still working, shall we lay them off or just not pay them during this "holiday"? Because of this mess they are probably working harder than ever to support the community.

That's most of the costs, there are a few minor additional cost, I've attached this year's budget for amenity fund and project wide fund if you want the detail.

Since we are obligated by state law to balance our budget, which services shall we cut to fund this ill-conceived "holiday"? What bills shall we not pay? What facility shall we not maintain? Who shall we layoff and not pay?

Many of us here in The Villages have lived in "the bubble" too long and have forgotten there is a real world out there that sill has to operate and live by rules, even while we enjoy ourselves in our retirement. The administrative costs alone for calculating and applying any minor savings each of the 42,154 homes would realize from such a holiday would far exceed any savings that might possible be achieved. It really sucks having to step back into the real world.

An educated answer to the OP. Thanks Goldwingnut !

[jarodrig]

I was wondering how long it would take before the whining started ........

[riamd1954]

Great request and they should

[JoMar]

Great request and they should

Selfish request and the should NOT

[CWGUY]

Selfish request and the should NOT

Selfish and ignorant too. Poor people just don't have a clue. I would be embarrassed......:o

[Sandy and Ed]

Would suggest that this would be a convenient time for tv to schedule across the board cleaning an the normal periodic maintenance of the closed facilities. This will allow all to maintain employment in a safer environment

[croughwell]

What??? Do you know how many of the extended family members are now employed by The Villages!
Also, the governor needs use of the jet!

[Microcodeboy]

The idea is ridiculous and very selfish. I want the employees to get paid and to be available when things open again. THINK OF OTHERS, INCLUDING THOSE WHO WOULD BE OUT OF WORK!!

[Bmjckp]

best motto to live by. imagine when a REAL crisis hits. :faint:

So this is not REAL? Wake up!

[Bjeanj]

So this is the training we have to give every time a batch of newbies come along? Why don’t we just refer them to
VCDD Resident Academy (https://www.districtgov.org/ResidentAcademy.aspx)

VCDD Orientation (https://www.districtgov.org/school.aspx)

Might save some time and frustration. Did they even read the covenants?

[Snookie]

Isn't it silly that we have to spent our time worrying about a few dollars when TV is trying to protect our health during this pandemic?
By shutting down for a short while to help possibly save lives doesn't seem to be worth a couple of weeks of not being able to play Mahjong. How senseless do some of you think? This is boring me, I think I'm going to take a nap...

[Debfrommaine]

When we moved here we knew what we signed up for. The lifestyle is a gift......move if you are not happy. No one is entitled.

[Bogie Shooter]

What??? Do you know how many of the extended family members are now employed by The Villages!
Also, the governor needs use of the jet!

What the h#$& does this mean?

[DonnaNi4os]

That certainly isn’t going to happen. I personally love all of the flowers and maintained surroundings. Stopping the amenity fees will put a hault to maintenance. When I lived up north my fees provided snow plowing. The fees didn’t stop if it didn’t snow. Let’s chill everyone. We will get through this difficult time. We are blessed to live in this sunny environment where we can walk around and greet our neighbors, if only from a distance.

[trichard]

Are you kidding?! Pay your damn amenity bill.

[asianthree]

Op must not have been for the hurricane floods. Would have really been angry. I thank the developer for moving the rising water from the rains, away from homes, and flooding the courses. Yep couldn’t play golf or drive on a lot of paths, but I didn’t have to shovel mud out of my house. I would never not pay amenities.

[zmarkp]

Would suggest that this would be a convenient time for tv to schedule across the board cleaning an the normal periodic maintenance of the closed facilities. This will allow all to maintain employment in a safer environment

Excellent idea. KEEP FOLKS EMPLOYED.

[gmnirr]

they should but they won't

[gmnirr]

only if hell freezes over

[JBarracks]

Your "holiday" idea lacks the an understanding of the Amenity Fee.
First off, the squares and theaters are not amenities and not supported by the amenity fee directly, yes the recreation activities that do occur there help bring business to the merchants but no amenity fee funds are paid to the merchants, and the cost for the nightly music does not come out of the amenity fees.

I pulled up my copy of the current year's budget for the amenity district south of CR466 and took a look at what costs could be cut if we cut the revenue as a result of your "holiday" idea. Remember, in the state of Florida the law requires a balanced budget.
Here's the major categories:
Total budget: $71,814,495 (south of 466)

Debt Service: $23,342,191 - this is the payback of the bonds from 2016 used by the CDD to purchase the amenities, can't not pay this bill, it is a contractual obligation with the bond holders.

Operating Supplies: $2,656,666 - we might be able to cut a little here, the Recreation supplies are $258,00 of this and since few activities are going on they may be a savings in the $21,500 costs but not much. The rest is made up of repair and operating costs of the facilities that will still be incurred.

Printing and binding: $565,020 - this cost will probably go up a little as things are rescheduled and new materials will need to be produced.

Repairs and Maintenance services: $16,079,147 - nothing to cut here, the buildings and landscaping will still need to be maintained.

Insurance: $696,443 - Good luck there getting an insurance company to lower their rate, if asked they would probably raise the rate because of the added risk right now.

Rentals and Leases: $112,241 - all of these will expect to be paid regardless of what is going on.

Utilities: $2,983,124 - Still have to keep the air conditioning on. The toilets may be flushed a few times less each day and it may save a little out of the $263,256 in the water sewer portion of this cost.

Contract Services: $7,258,557 - this includes $2,547,773 for the executive golf courses operation and $2,063,859 that goes to the Dept of Safety (fire stations) that provides a higher level of service than the rest of the county. Nothing can be cut here, the firemen still work and the grass still grows.

Professional Services: $15,318,804 - this is the cost for staffing the amenity portion of The Villages - Administrative, Community Watch, Property management, Recreation dept ($6,733,088), engineering, legal, technology services, etc. These people are still working, shall we lay them off or just not pay them during this "holiday"? Because of this mess they are probably working harder than ever to support the community.

That's most of the costs, there are a few minor additional cost, I've attached this year's budget for amenity fund and project wide fund if you want the detail.

Since we are obligated by state law to balance our budget, which services shall we cut to fund this ill-conceived "holiday"? What bills shall we not pay? What facility shall we not maintain? Who shall we layoff and not pay?

Many of us here in The Villages have lived in "the bubble" too long and have forgotten there is a real world out there that sill has to operate and live by rules, even while we enjoy ourselves in our retirement. The administrative costs alone for calculating and applying any minor savings each of the 42,154 homes would realize from such a holiday would far exceed any savings that might possible be achieved. It really sucks having to step back into the real world.
Well done Mr. Wiley

[asianthree]

they should but they won't

only if hell freezes over

Technically the reason for a 2 week closure is virus will not live on any surface. Even disney is closing for the 2 week period, even with deep cleaning somethings may get missed, or not wiped completely. 2 weeks is a fail safe way to react.

[Mr.Dizzy]

Professional Services: $15,318,804 - this is the cost for staffing the amenity portion of The Villages - Administrative, Community Watch, Property management, Recreation dept ($6,733,088), engineering, legal, technology services, etc. These people are still working, shall we lay them off or just not pay them during this "holiday"? Because of this mess they are probably working harder than ever to support the community.

Sadly, Recreation employees will be on UNPAID administrative leave beginning April 8. This includes the folks that manage and supervise the recreation centers (professionals with families to support).

I am having a tough time understanding why these positions will be unpaid. Recreation is still being funded as always (see above quote) so the district is not losing money by having the facilities closed. The recreation portion of the Professional Services budget needs to continue to be used to pay the employees If not, where is that money going?

Government wants small businesses to take out loans so they can continue to pay their employees, but VCDD is not paying their employees when nothing has changed with the funding used to pay them? We have wonderful people who work hard so we can have fun -- we need to keep them employed (and paid)!

[DeeCee Dubya]

The Villages CDD (read Morse family) has decided to close all facilities coming up on five weeks now and undoubtably will do the same thing next year during flu season.

We Villagers must take a united stand and choose to pay only for services provided. Otherwise the Morse family will continue to laugh at us behind our back’s because they charge us but provide no services.

Think of the $profit$ they are making during this fictitious pandemic. I bet they wish it would last forever.

[anothersteve]

The Villages CDD (read Morse family) has decided to close all facilities coming up on five weeks now and undoubtably will do the same thing next year during flu season.


You must have some inside info, Are the barber shops open?
Steve

[Goldwingnut]

The Villages CDD (read Morse family) has decided to close all facilities coming up on five weeks now and undoubtably will do the same thing next year during flu season.

We Villagers must take a united stand and choose to pay only for services provided. Otherwise the Morse family will continue to laugh at us behind our back’s because they charge us but provide no services.

Think of the $profit$ they are making during this fictitious pandemic. I bet they wish it would last forever.

Congratulations, you've proven you are a member of the ranks of the uninformed. The developer has nothing to do with the CDD and amenity operations, nor the decisions to close the facilities and follow the directions of the Governor.

There was no savings made by shutting down the amenity facilities, actually there were additional costs to clean and sanitize all the facilities to a very high level in preparation for reopening, and since the developer isn't involved, no profit was made.

If you can put away the hate for a while there are several classes available through the districtgov.org website to learn and get educated about the structure of The Villages and how things actually work.

[biker1]

Exactly how are you going to determine which services you are going to pay for? If you choose not to pay some, or all, of your amenities fee, please report back on how that works out for you. I already know but I am curious as to how, exactly, it unfolds.

The Villages CDD (read Morse family) has decided to close all facilities coming up on five weeks now and undoubtably will do the same thing next year during flu season.

We Villagers must take a united stand and choose to pay only for services provided. Otherwise the Morse family will continue to laugh at us behind our back’s because they charge us but provide no services.

Think of the $profit$ they are making during this fictitious pandemic. I bet they wish it would last forever.

[Marathon Man]

The Villages CDD (read Morse family) has decided to close all facilities coming up on five weeks now and undoubtably will do the same thing next year during flu season.

We Villagers must take a united stand and choose to pay only for services provided. Otherwise the Morse family will continue to laugh at us behind our back’s because they charge us but provide no services.

Think of the $profit$ they are making during this fictitious pandemic. I bet they wish it would last forever.

Well, I would say that a united stand was certainly taken in the posts hat followed. Do you suppose some people end up thinking, "Gee, I wish I hadn't posted that.

[Bogie Shooter]

The Villages CDD (read Morse family) has decided to close all facilities coming up on five weeks now and undoubtably will do the same thing next year during flu season.

We Villagers must take a united stand and choose to pay only for services provided. Otherwise the Morse family will continue to laugh at us behind our back’s because they charge us but provide no services.

Think of the $profit$ they are making during this fictitious pandemic. I bet they wish it would last forever.

Be sure to read post #56.