The morse family

[SCARLETT1615]

I was pleased to find out that the Morse family is paying most
of their employees while on furlough. It is easy to complain
about the Morse family being rich and selfish but they worked
very hard for their wealth. They continue to keep out "Hometown"
functioning and beautiful. Perhaps all the doubters should register
for the Residents and Citizens Academies to realize what it take
to keep this place running. Personally I have always been a
fan of the Morse family and appreciate the lifestyle they offer
us. Go visit some of the developments surrounding The Villages
and you will can see the difference. I know of no other community
that offers so much. Hats off to the Morse Family.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

Well said Scarlett. Mary & I agree 100%

[biker1]

In reality, the Morse family (aka "the Developer") has less to do with the daily functioning of The Villages than you think. The amenities (executive golf courses, the rec centers, common grounds, etc.) are maintained by the CDDs. The roads are maintained by the county. What the Developer does control and maintain are the commercial shopping areas, the Championship Golf courses, and the amenities in the new areas that have not yet been turned over to the CDDs.

I was pleased to find out that the Morse family is paying most
of their employees while on furlough. It is easy to complain
about the Morse family being rich and selfish but they worked
very hard for their wealth. They continue to keep out "Hometown"
functioning and beautiful. Perhaps all the doubters should register
for the Residents and Citizens Academies to realize what it take
to keep this place running. Personally I have always been a
fan of the Morse family and appreciate the lifestyle they offer
us. Go visit some of the developments surrounding The Villages
and you will can see the difference. I know of no other community
that offers so much. Hats off to the Morse Family.

[Velvet]

They are a visible target, and they don’t talk back (without their lawyers). Hope they understand that people are frightened and frustrated at this time.

[drcar]

In reality, the Morse family (aka "the Developer") has less to do with the daily functioning of The Villages than you think. The amenities (executive golf courses, the rec centers, common grounds, etc.) are maintained by the CDDs. The roads are maintained by the county. What the Developer does control and maintain are the commercial shopping areas, the Championship Golf courses, and the amenities in the new areas that have not yet been turned over to the CDDs.

Well said!:BigApplause::BigApplause:

[Mleeja]

In reality, the Morse family (aka "the Developer") has less to do with the daily functioning of The Villages than you think. The amenities (executive golf courses, the rec centers, common grounds, etc.) are maintained by the CDDs. The roads are maintained by the county. What the Developer does control and maintain are the commercial shopping areas, the Championship Golf courses, and the amenities in the new areas that have not yet been turned over to the CDDs.

Just a small correction. Amenities funds are handled through the AAC and PWAC.

[biker1]

No correction is required. Those are just committees over the CDDs.

Just a small correction. Amenities funds are handled through the AAC and PWAC.

[NotGolfer]

They are a visible target, and they don’t talk back (without their lawyers). Hope they understand that people are frightened and frustrated at this time.

I don't understand your comment. Of course they know that people are frightened and frustrated BUT what would you have them do? I would think they're just like you and I having the same feelings about all of this situation that no one has control over. This virus has no "friends" and is spreading.

[2BNTV]

I couldn't agree with the OP more!!!!

For those people who do not like the Morse family and claim they are unbelievably wealthy, I say, "where were you when this was all watermelon and cattle farms and H.Gary Morse went to the banks to build this paradise. It's called free enterprise! My hats off to them for their vision of what is the model for retirement.

Hindsight is always 20/20. It's much easier to see the finished product than to visualize what TV was prior to it's being built. People should ask themselves, "why didn't I have the vision and the nerve to borrow large sums of money, to build this paradise".

I will be forever grateful to Harold Schwartz, Gary Morse, and his children for this paradise.

Hats off to the Morse family!!!

[twoplanekid]

In reality, the Morse family (aka "the Developer") has less to do with the daily functioning of The Villages than you think. The amenities (executive golf courses, the rec centers, common grounds, etc.) are maintained by the CDDs. The roads are maintained by the county. What the Developer does control and maintain are the commercial shopping areas, the Championship Golf courses, and the amenities in the new areas that have not yet been turned over to the CDDs.

I would add that (the Developer) also controls the three commercial CDDs as they appoint the supervisors for these which is allowed per Florida law. These commercial CDDs are what I would call master CDDs. I would also say that no other group or one entity has more control over what happens in TV than (the Developer). I am not expressing an opinion on if this control is good or bad. Just that “it’s the fact”.

[DigitalGranny]

I’m so thankful for The Villages and the wonderful family who built it. I hope it stays “mostly wonderful” for at least the rest of my life.

[Velvet]

What would I like the Morse family to do? Be safe and content. I was clumsily trying apologistics.

[Decadeofdave]

People can't wrap there head around the fact that planners and doers are looking ahead 5 to 10 years or more... Contingencies are planned for, economic slow down etc. They do not operate on fear. Just the reality. Some fail, but some don't. Most just keep their head up
and press on.

[Topspinmo]

Not big fan, but the do excellent job! Maybe they are paying for more than the peons know? I’ll ask Miss Boone at lunch today. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Topspinmo]

I’m so thankful for The Villages and the wonderful family who built it. I hope it stays “mostly wonderful” for at least the rest of my life.

Life is what you make of it, it can be some where over the rainbow or just this side of he!!. :shocked:

[bumpygreens]

Publix is foregoing rent from merchants in the shopping centers they own. It wouldn't surprise me to someday learn that the Morse family did something similar for the tenants in the commercial properties they own. The town squares are one of the big things that makes The Villages truly unique over other retirement developments. If they turn into ghost towns, selling a home here will be much more difficult and property values will reflect it.

[JoMar]

I would add that (the Developer) also controls the three commercial CDDs as they appoint the supervisors for these which is allowed per Florida law. These commercial CDDs are what I would call master CDDs. I would also say that no other group or one entity has more control over what happens in TV than (the Developer). I am not expressing an opinion on if this control is good or bad. Just that “it’s the fact”.

And it seems to be working just fine :). What do you think the odds are on Oshkosh happening this year and are you planning on going?

[ladila2]

Just a thought.....We, as residents of "The Villages" have been without any amenities due to the Virus. Why should we pay for "services" that we do not receive? You can treat this question in several ways, however, let's face it, when things are going right think of the $money$ that flows into the developer's pocket???

I have no problem for paying for services that I receive however, when the services CEASE I must question the costs!

[billethkid]

Some amenities may not be fully utilized or closed does not mean there is no expense for upkeep/maintenance.

[Bogie Shooter]

Just a thought.....We, as residents of "The Villages" have been without any amenities due to the Virus. Why should we pay for "services" that we do not receive? You can treat this question in several ways, however, let's face it, when things are going right think of the $money$ that flows into the developer's pocket???

I have no problem for paying for services that I receive however, when the services CEASE I must question the costs!

I guess you missed this thread...………………..
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/villages-amenity-fees-during-cv-crisis-303968/?highlight=amenity+fees

[2BNTV]

I remember years ago when someone thought TV would be a ghost town when the IRS was trying to impose a tax and people were up in arms. They thought the Morse family would bail but that didn't happen either.

It seems we are set in perpetuity as the generations of Morse children and grandchildren will keep things running long after we are all gone!

I"ve never lived in a place that was kept this immaculate!!!

[Mleeja]

Just a thought.....We, as residents of "The Villages" have been without any amenities due to the Virus. Why should we pay for "services" that we do not receive? You can treat this question in several ways, however, let's face it, when things are going right think of the $money$ that flows into the developer's pocket???

I have no problem for paying for services that I receive however, when the services CEASE I must question the costs!

Please learn what your amenity fees support before making comments like this. Check the treads on this topic. My question which people who support suspending the amenity fees never seem to answer is; is it ok if the fire department or the paramedics do not show up because of not having funds to support their departments? These services are supported by amenity fees.

[duffysmom]

Please learn what your amenity fees support before making comments like this. Check the treads on this topic. My question which people who support suspending the amenity fees never seem to answer is; is it ok if the fire department or the paramedics do not show up because of not having funds to support their departments? These services are supported by amenity fees.

:bigbow::MOJE_whot::coolsmiley: What more can I say other than thank you!!

[champion6]

Please learn what your amenity fees support before making comments like this. Check the treads on this topic. My question which people who support suspending the amenity fees never seem to answer is; is it ok if the fire department or the paramedics do not show up because of not having funds to support their departments? These services are supported by amenity fees.I support your thoughts, but I must correct you. Amenity fees do not pay for Villages fire safety and EMS service.

The amenity fees provide funding for items such as common area maintenance, community watch, recreation centers and activities, water retention areas, gate and postal facility maintenance and executive golf courses.
The amenity fee revenue from the Village Center residents or those living north of CR 466 is collected in the Recreation Amenities Division Fund that is normally called the RAD fund.
The amenity fee revenue from the Sumter Landing residents or those living south of CR 466 is collected in the Sumter Landing Amenities Division Fund that is normally called SLAD.

The Villages Fire Protection District is funded by a Non-Ad Valorem assessment which appears on your annual property tax bill.

[jet10s]

Publix is foregoing rent from merchants in the shopping centers they own. It wouldn't surprise me to someday learn that the Morse family did something similar for the tenants in the commercial properties they own. The town squares are one of the big things that makes The Villages truly unique over other retirement developments. If they turn into ghost towns, selling a home here will be much more difficult and property values will reflect it. it would shock me absolutely and positively for them to forego even one penny -- I lived in a community where the developers were done when they were done and that will happen here -- hope we are a city by them

[JoMar]

it would shock me absolutely and positively for them to forego even one penny -- I lived in a community where the developers were done when they were done and that will happen here -- hope we are a city by them

Hopefully that will never happen....and your comment is speculation, which is in the spirit of this site.

[Bogie Shooter]

it would shock me absolutely and positively for them to forego even one penny -- I lived in a community where the developers were done when they were done and that will happen here -- hope we are a city by them

Hopefully that will never happen....and your comment is speculation, which is in the spirit of this site.

Jomar agree with you. Basing what will happen here, on what happened with some two-bit developer is pure speculation.

[Velvet]

Actually, one of the reasons I bought in TV last year was because the developer family is still active here. There was rumor sometime before that they have finished build out, made me uncomfortable with the idea who will take over. When you think of what this area was like before development.

[2BNTV]

I was told build-out would be finished in 2012!!! Bought in 2013.

I am still waiting!!!

Build-out is a myth according to one long time poster.

I feel comfortable to say build-out will not occur in my lifetime!!!

There is too much money to be made for the Morse family to even consider walking away. IMHO

I believe they said in their annual meeting several years back, their grandchildren will continue to run TV.

[biker1]

The primary, perhaps only, reason for the CDD form of "government" is to ensure the amenities will be maintained after the Developer leaves.

Actually, one of the reasons I bought in TV last year was because the developer family is still active here. There was rumor sometime before that they have finished build out, made me uncomfortable with the idea who will take over. When you think of what this area was like before development.

[JoMar]

The primary, perhaps only, reason for the CDD form of "government" is to ensure the amenities will be maintained after the Developer leaves.

And to insure that the residents/landowners have a voice. There are over 600 CDD's in Florida, it's not just a Villages thing

[oldtimes]

I was pleased to find out that the Morse family is paying most
of their employees while on furlough. It is easy to complain
about the Morse family being rich and selfish but they worked
very hard for their wealth. They continue to keep out "Hometown"
functioning and beautiful. Perhaps all the doubters should register
for the Residents and Citizens Academies to realize what it take
to keep this place running. Personally I have always been a
fan of the Morse family and appreciate the lifestyle they offer
us. Go visit some of the developments surrounding The Villages
and you will can see the difference. I know of no other community
that offers so much. Hats off to the Morse Family.

The Villages employees that I know are not getting paid.

[graciegirl]

The Villages employees that I know are not getting paid.

The old ones kept telling us. "Save your money". What money we laughed, we make so little. Save your money they said. From somewhere, give up something, don't buy something, they said. Do without something but save your money. You never know what is going to happen. Save your money they said, even if it is small, save it. Some day it will keep you from starving.

[Marathon Man]

Just a thought.....We, as residents of "The Villages" have been without any amenities due to the Virus. Why should we pay for "services" that we do not receive? You can treat this question in several ways, however, let's face it, when things are going right think of the $money$ that flows into the developer's pocket???

I have no problem for paying for services that I receive however, when the services CEASE I must question the costs!

First of all, amenity fees do not go to into the developer's pocket.

Second, costs and sevices do not go to zero when the rec facilities close.

May I suggest that you attend Resident Acadamy to learn how our community functions.

[CWGUY]

First of all, amenity fees do not go to into the developer's pocket.

Second, costs and sevices do not go to zero when the rec facilities close.

May I suggest that you attend Resident Acadamy to learn how our community functions.

:ohdear: It really is sad! You can suggest all day..... they don't have a clue and would rather complain. :oops:

Ever hear the expression "I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you"? You can keep trying to explain it to people but I'm thinking your head will feel better if you stop.

[Number 10 GI]

First of all, amenity fees do not go to into the developer's pocket.

Second, costs and sevices do not go to zero when the rec facilities close.

May I suggest that you attend Resident Acadamy to learn how our community functions.

Why should they do that? The facts of how the system works would likely disprove their slander.

[Goldwingnut]

I support your thoughts, but I must correct you. Amenity fees do not pay for Villages fire safety and EMS service.

The amenity fees provide funding for items such as common area maintenance, community watch, recreation centers and activities, water retention areas, gate and postal facility maintenance and executive golf courses.
The amenity fee revenue from the Village Center residents or those living north of CR 466 is collected in the Recreation Amenities Division Fund that is normally called the RAD fund.
The amenity fee revenue from the Sumter Landing residents or those living south of CR 466 is collected in the Sumter Landing Amenities Division Fund that is normally called SLAD.

The Villages Fire Protection District is funded by a Non-Ad Valorem assessment which appears on your annual property tax bill.

Unfortunately you are incorrect on the amenity fee not paying for the fire department services, at least in part. The fire services are partially funded by the amenity fee, however the majority of their budget comes from the assessment as you mentioned and the county property taxes.

Each month $4.08 of the amenity paid by each and every home in The Villages is budgeted to the Department of Safety. North of CR466 this amounts to $1,083,599 and south of CR466 $1,813,340 or about $3 million total. These numbers are from the 2019-2020 SLAD and RAD Amenity budgets. The total budget for the Department of Safety is $17,023,608.

Why is this done? Because the residents of The Villages want a higher level of service than is normally received, and we receive it. How you may ask? Two prime examples: 1) smoke alarm battery change out, if you call public safety they will come out and change your batteries for you so you don't have to climb on a ladder or chair to do it, this significantly reduces the risk of falling, and 2) their work with the AED programs and their responsiveness give you about a 40% chance of survival from a heart attack, nearly 5 time the national average.

I for one have no issue with the <3% of the collected funds going to Department of Safety. Seems a good investment to allow many/any of us to enjoy our amenities and time on this earth a little longer.