Budget Season Is Upon Us - Time to attend the meetings.

[Goldwingnut]

As we roll into spring the CDDs and other government organizations are entering into budget season. Budgets are begin prepared for the upcoming fiscal year. Here's a brief synopsis of how the process works.

Starting in March the District Staff presents the proposed budgets they've been working on for the last few months to the various boards.

The Boards review these, ask questions, make changes, task the staff with coming up with costs for various project, look for ways to save money, and attempt to avoid increases to the residents.

There is usually 2 or 3 of these meetings for each board, committee, and organization responsible for budgets.

It is during these meetings that resident and taxpayers have thier opportunity to voice their desire and concerns about the budgets for the upcoming year. This is when changes can be and are made!

In early June the preliminary budgets are approved by the boards and any increase notices are sent out. The amount approved at this point is the MAXIMUM budget and cannot be raised, but they can be lowered. One approved, the time for additional resident/taxpayer has ended. State law requires the new budgets be made public for 90 days prior to approval.

In September, the budgets are voted on for final approval and required to be passed BEFORE the start of the new fiscal year on 1 October. It's important to note that at this point the time for discussion and debate over the budget is OVER, the supervisors/commissioners have a legal obligation to approve their organization's budget. This fact was lost on many residents 2 1/2 years ago when the Sumter County BOCCs approved the now infamous 25% tax increase, they weren't being arrogant or not listening to the residents, they were exercising their legally required responsibilities, the time for discussion and changes was over.

Now is the time to let your voice be heard for your CDD, the Amenity budgets, PWF, NSCUDD, and Sumter County, don't wait until September when it is too late!

Your supervisors are doing the best they can, without public input they must make decisions based on their experience and what they see as the community needs and want. I've been a Supervisor and PWAC member for 6+ years, this is my 7th year of doing these budgets and in the over 2 dozen budget meetings I've participated in, there have sadly been a total of 4 residents in attendance and only 1 question ever asked by a resident during the budget process. It would be great to break this streak of poor participation this year.

Below is the meeting schedule for The Villages budget meetings for this year. I and the other Supervisors would love to see lots of public engagement in this process this year.

FY2021‐22 BUDGET CALENDAR

Mar 17
Preliminary Budget Workshop AAC 1:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Mar 24
Preliminary Budget Workshop PWAC 2:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

May 10
Regular Meeting - Budget Review PWAC 8:30 am Savannah Recreation Center

May 12
Regular Meeting - Budget Review AAC 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

May 13
Regular Meeting - Budget Review District 13 3:00 pm Everglades Recreation Center

May 17 (Mon) Budget Workshop
District 9 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 10 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 11 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

May 18 (Tue) Budget Workshop
District 5 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 6 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 7 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 8 2:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

May 19 (Wed) Budget Workshop
District 12 1:30 pm Everglades Recreation Center

May 25 (Tue) Budget Workshop
District 1 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 2 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 3 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 4 2:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

May 27 (Thu) Budget Workshop
NSCUDD 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 3 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Recommend Approval of Proposed Budget
PWAC 8:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
SLCDD 10:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
BCDD 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 9 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center
District 10 3:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 4 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
District 5 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 6 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 8 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 9 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Recommend Approval of Proposed Budget
AAC 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 9 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
VCCDD 3:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 10 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
District 7 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 11 10:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 12 1:30 pm Everglades Recreation Center
District 13 3:00 pm Everglades Recreation Center

Jun 11 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
District 1 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 2 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 3 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 4 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Jul 7 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
NSCUDD 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 2 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Approve Final Budget Recommendation
PWAC 8:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
SLCDD 10:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
BCDD 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 9 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center
District 10 3:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 3 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget
District 6 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 8 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 8 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Approve Final Budget Recommendation
AAC 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 5 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center
VCCDD 3:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 9 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget
District 7 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 11 10:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 12 1:30 pm Everglades Recreation Center
District 13 3:00 pm Everglades Recreation Center

Sep 10 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget
District 1 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 2 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 3 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 4 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

[twoplanekid]

I also would encourage more public participation in our District meetings. I am very interested in what Wildwood says on their website about virtual meetings.

Virtual Meeting Information | Wildwood Florida (https://www.wildwood-fl.gov/community/page/virtual-meeting-information)

Maybe the District could have some virtual meetings?

[Northwoods]

As we roll into spring the CDDs and other government organizations are entering into budget season. Budgets are begin prepared for the upcoming fiscal year. Here's a brief synopsis of how the process works.

Starting in March the District Staff presents the proposed budgets they've been working on for the last few months to the various boards.

The Boards review these, ask questions, make changes, task the staff with coming up with costs for various project, look for ways to save money, and attempt to avoid increases to the residents.

There is usually 2 or 3 of these meetings for each board, committee, and organization responsible for budgets.

It is during these meetings that resident and taxpayers have thier opportunity to voice their desire and concerns about the budgets for the upcoming year. This is when changes can be and are made!

In early June the preliminary budgets are approved by the boards and any increase notices are sent out. The amount approved at this point is the MAXIMUM budget and cannot be raised, but they can be lowered. One approved, the time for additional resident/taxpayer has ended. State law requires the new budgets be made public for 90 days prior to approval.

In September, the budgets are voted on for final approval and required to be passed BEFORE the start of the new fiscal year on 1 October. It's important to note that at this point the time for discussion and debate over the budget is OVER, the supervisors/commissioners have a legal obligation to approve their organization's budget. This fact was lost on many residents 2 1/2 years ago when the Sumter County BOCCs approved the now infamous 25% tax increase, they weren't being arrogant or not listening to the residents, they were exercising their legally required responsibilities, the time for discussion and changes was over.

Now is the time to let your voice be heard for your CDD, the Amenity budgets, PWF, NSCUDD, and Sumter County, don't wait until September when it is too late!

Your supervisors are doing the best they can, without public input they must make decisions based on their experience and what they see as the community needs and want. I've been a Supervisor and PWAC member for 6+ years, this is my 7th year of doing these budgets and in the over 2 dozen budget meetings I've participated in, there have sadly been a total of 4 residents in attendance and only 1 question ever asked by a resident during the budget process. It would be great to break this streak of poor participation this year.

Below is the meeting schedule for The Villages budget meetings for this year. I and the other Supervisors would love to see lots of public engagement in this process this year.

FY2021‐22 BUDGET CALENDAR

Mar 17
Preliminary Budget Workshop AAC 1:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Mar 24
Preliminary Budget Workshop PWAC 2:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

May 10
Regular Meeting - Budget Review PWAC 8:30 am Savannah Recreation Center

May 12
Regular Meeting - Budget Review AAC 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

May 13
Regular Meeting - Budget Review District 13 3:00 pm Everglades Recreation Center

May 17 (Mon) Budget Workshop
District 9 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 10 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 11 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

May 18 (Tue) Budget Workshop
District 5 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 6 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 7 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 8 2:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

May 19 (Wed) Budget Workshop
District 12 1:30 pm Everglades Recreation Center

May 25 (Tue) Budget Workshop
District 1 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 2 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 3 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 4 2:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

May 27 (Thu) Budget Workshop
NSCUDD 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 3 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Recommend Approval of Proposed Budget
PWAC 8:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
SLCDD 10:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
BCDD 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 9 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center
District 10 3:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 4 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
District 5 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 6 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 8 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 9 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Recommend Approval of Proposed Budget
AAC 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 9 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
VCCDD 3:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 10 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
District 7 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 11 10:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 12 1:30 pm Everglades Recreation Center
District 13 3:00 pm Everglades Recreation Center

Jun 11 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
District 1 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 2 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 3 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 4 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Jul 7 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
NSCUDD 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 2 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Approve Final Budget Recommendation
PWAC 8:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
SLCDD 10:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
BCDD 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 9 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center
District 10 3:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 3 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget
District 6 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 8 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 8 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Approve Final Budget Recommendation
AAC 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 5 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center
VCCDD 3:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 9 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget
District 7 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 11 10:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 12 1:30 pm Everglades Recreation Center
District 13 3:00 pm Everglades Recreation Center

Sep 10 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget
District 1 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 2 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 3 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 4 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Thank you so much. You are always a wealth of information. And I always appreciate your perspective. Please continue to give us your opinion. You have a lot of experience and I value your input.

[Goldwingnut]

I also would encourage more public participation in our District meetings. I am very interested in what Wildwood says on their website about virtual meetings.

Virtual Meeting Information | Wildwood Florida (https://www.wildwood-fl.gov/community/page/virtual-meeting-information)

Maybe the District could have some virtual meetings?

It seems a little hard to justify the expense based on the few residents that actually attend, even discounting the COVID issues there have always been very few residents attending the meetings.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

As we roll into spring the CDDs and other government organizations are entering into budget season. Budgets are begin prepared for the upcoming fiscal year. Here's a brief synopsis of how the process works.

Starting in March the District Staff presents the proposed budgets they've been working on for the last few months to the various boards.

The Boards review these, ask questions, make changes, task the staff with coming up with costs for various project, look for ways to save money, and attempt to avoid increases to the residents.

There is usually 2 or 3 of these meetings for each board, committee, and organization responsible for budgets.

It is during these meetings that resident and taxpayers have thier opportunity to voice their desire and concerns about the budgets for the upcoming year. This is when changes can be and are made!

In early June the preliminary budgets are approved by the boards and any increase notices are sent out. The amount approved at this point is the MAXIMUM budget and cannot be raised, but they can be lowered. One approved, the time for additional resident/taxpayer has ended. State law requires the new budgets be made public for 90 days prior to approval.

In September, the budgets are voted on for final approval and required to be passed BEFORE the start of the new fiscal year on 1 October. It's important to note that at this point the time for discussion and debate over the budget is OVER, the supervisors/commissioners have a legal obligation to approve their organization's budget. This fact was lost on many residents 2 1/2 years ago when the Sumter County BOCCs approved the now infamous 25% tax increase, they weren't being arrogant or not listening to the residents, they were exercising their legally required responsibilities, the time for discussion and changes was over.

Now is the time to let your voice be heard for your CDD, the Amenity budgets, PWF, NSCUDD, and Sumter County, don't wait until September when it is too late!

Your supervisors are doing the best they can, without public input they must make decisions based on their experience and what they see as the community needs and want. I've been a Supervisor and PWAC member for 6+ years, this is my 7th year of doing these budgets and in the over 2 dozen budget meetings I've participated in, there have sadly been a total of 4 residents in attendance and only 1 question ever asked by a resident during the budget process. It would be great to break this streak of poor participation this year.

Below is the meeting schedule for The Villages budget meetings for this year. I and the other Supervisors would love to see lots of public engagement in this process this year.

FY2021‐22 BUDGET CALENDAR

Mar 17
Preliminary Budget Workshop AAC 1:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Mar 24
Preliminary Budget Workshop PWAC 2:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

May 10
Regular Meeting - Budget Review PWAC 8:30 am Savannah Recreation Center

May 12
Regular Meeting - Budget Review AAC 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

May 13
Regular Meeting - Budget Review District 13 3:00 pm Everglades Recreation Center

May 17 (Mon) Budget Workshop
District 9 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 10 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 11 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

May 18 (Tue) Budget Workshop
District 5 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 6 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 7 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 8 2:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

May 19 (Wed) Budget Workshop
District 12 1:30 pm Everglades Recreation Center

May 25 (Tue) Budget Workshop
District 1 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 2 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 3 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 4 2:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

May 27 (Thu) Budget Workshop
NSCUDD 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 3 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Recommend Approval of Proposed Budget
PWAC 8:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
SLCDD 10:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
BCDD 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 9 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center
District 10 3:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 4 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
District 5 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 6 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 8 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 9 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Recommend Approval of Proposed Budget
AAC 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 9 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
VCCDD 3:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Jun 10 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
District 7 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 11 10:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 12 1:30 pm Everglades Recreation Center
District 13 3:00 pm Everglades Recreation Center

Jun 11 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
District 1 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 2 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 3 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 4 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Jul 7 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Approve Proposed Budget
NSCUDD 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 2 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Approve Final Budget Recommendation
PWAC 8:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
SLCDD 10:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
BCDD 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 9 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center
District 10 3:00 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 3 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget
District 6 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 8 11:30 am Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 8 (Wed) Regular Meeting - Approve Final Budget Recommendation
AAC 9:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 5 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center
VCCDD 3:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

Sep 9 (Thu) Regular Meeting - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget
District 7 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 11 10:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 12 1:30 pm Everglades Recreation Center
District 13 3:00 pm Everglades Recreation Center

Sep 10 (Fri) Regular Meeting - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget
District 1 8:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 2 9:30 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 3 11:00 am Savannah Recreation Center
District 4 1:30 pm Savannah Recreation Center

This is really good information. I, for one, have been negligent in trying to understand the budget process. What with the mess the Sumter County Commission finds itself in, it would be beneficial for residents to avail themselves of the opportunity to be better informed.

[Garywt]

The last thing I have interest in is attending a bunch of meeting. I have so many more important things to do than to sit there day afypter day, night after night. I did not buy a house in The Villages to sit in a meeting that would be like work and that I would need to think and follow along. I did that for 32 years but now I am retired. I am here for the fun.

[dewilson58]

This is really good information. I, for one, have been negligent in trying to understand the budget process. What with the mess the Sumter County Commission finds itself in, it would be beneficial for residents to avail themselves of the opportunity to be better informed.
Exactly.
If voters would have sat in on County Budget Meetings, they would have learned about up-coming expenditures and the need for tax increases. :coolsmiley:

[Singerlady]

The last thing I have interest in is attending a bunch of meeting. I have so many more important things to do than to sit there day afypter day, night after night. I did not buy a house in The Villages to sit in a meeting that would be like work and that I would need to think and follow along. I did that for 32 years but now I am retired. I am here for the fun.

Then one should not complain if things don’t go their way, right?

[dewilson58]

Then one should not complain if things don’t go their way, right?
Exactly.


Not Mr. Gar, but I have to laugh at the loudest whiners who never got/get involved until after-the-fact.


:coolsmiley:

[fastboat]

If you can't attend the meetings, take a few minutes to email Estep, Search and Miller and remind them of their campaign promises concerning property taxes, as well as getting the developer to pay more for the cost of infrastructure needed for HIS new expansions and his efforts at an end run around an increase, with his puppet Hage from (T&D) sponsoring a bill in the State Legislature, to cap his increases at only 3%.

[Ndomines]

Budget?
Just curious. Are the Wildwood and Sumter county residents paying taxes on on a zero based line item budget!
If so where is it available for residents to read over?
If its not zero based line item then why?

[dewilson58]

Budget?
Just curious. Are the Wildwood and Sumter county residents paying taxes on on a zero based line item budget!
If so where is it available for residents to read over?
If its not zero based line item then why?
Google is your friend........
Budget Resources | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/111/Budget-Resources)

[twoplanekid]

It seems a little hard to justify the expense based on the few residents that actually attend, even discounting the COVID issues there have always been very few residents attending the meetings.

I have no idea of the expense except to say that if the much smaller Wildwood government is going in this direction with virtual meetings, maybe we should look at it. Plus, more people can easily see what does take place in the meetings to become more informed which is what we both want. I would assume the meetings would then be placed on YouTube. Everyone could then fast forward to the interesting parts of the meetings. As some of the CDD meetings last only 10 minutes or less, there would be no need to fast forward viewing them. :)

I will mention it at the NSCUDD meeting today.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

If you can't attend the meetings, take a few minutes to email Estep, Search and Miller and remind them of their campaign promises concerning property taxes, as well as getting the developer to pay more for the cost of infrastructure needed for HIS new expansions and his efforts at an end run around an increase, with his puppet Hage from (T&D) sponsoring a bill in the State Legislature, to cap his increases at only 3%.

:shocked:
Yes, so many are unhappy with what the Villages has become. I'm amazed that people are still moving here, what with the extremely high taxes, unemployment and cost of living. Lets get someone else in to CHANGE it...:ohdear:

[Bogie Shooter]

If you can't attend the meetings, take a few minutes to email Estep, Search and Miller and remind them of their campaign promises concerning property taxes, as well as getting the developer to pay more for the cost of infrastructure needed for HIS new expansions and his efforts at an end run around an increase, with his puppet Hage from (T&D) sponsoring a bill in the State Legislature, to cap his increases at only 3%.

Wrong thread.

[dewilson58]

I'm amazed that people are still moving here, what with the extremely high taxes, unemployment and cost of living.
& U R here why??
:1rotfl:
:1rotfl:
:1rotfl:

[dennisgavin]

& U R here why??
:1rotfl:
:1rotfl:
:1rotfl:

Exactly! Been here 5 years as of May 1 and still very happy! :a040:

[daveac83]

Is multi-modal path maintenance part of this budget process?

[twoplanekid]

I have no idea of the expense except to say that if the much smaller Wildwood government is going in this direction with virtual meetings, maybe we should look at it. Plus, more people can easily see what does take place in the meetings to become more informed which is what we both want. I would assume the meetings would then be placed on YouTube. Everyone could then fast forward to the interesting parts of the meetings. As some of the CDD meetings last only 10 minutes or less, there would be no need to fast forward viewing them. :)

I will mention it at the NSCUDD meeting today.

At todays NSCUDD meeting, staff stated that they are looking at the taking of videos during CDD meetings and will come back to all CDDs in a few months with details such as costs, who will do it and how it will be accessed by the public. I am a happy camper that they are looking into it!

Is multi-modal path maintenance part of this budget process?

All expenditures are discussed at all of the budget workshops in detail. The public is always given an opportunity to ask questions!

[stebooo]

There are listed 64 different meetings.64!!!!! Why this many. I would like to suggest that it may involve bad budgeting, requirements and or sensible capabilities. It one can honestly justify a budget item correctly it shouldn't be a problem. When one is not being honest the entire dynamic is crushed. It's a well known fact and I can verify personally in my past is the govt sector had a mentality that if I don't use what's in my budget this year I will never get it back. To that end I need to find a home for this $$$ never mind if it's correct just spend it and the best goes on.

This is in the mind of every tax payer. Fix that and you'll have a different attitude. Otherwise the same outcome will prevail thanks for pointing out the insane schedule. It's like we're worn out with meetings for people who can't make a good honest decisions.

[J1ceasar]

there is virtually NO expenses involved with these meeting.. the rooms are there , just the cost to advertise them and its a TINY percent of the anual budget...



It seems a little hard to justify the expense based on the few residents that actually attend, even discounting the COVID issues there have always been very few residents attending the meetings.

[J1ceasar]

the devil is in the details if the infrastructure taxes were the same as other counties - NO taxes would need to increase ... $50 million sucked from your pockets.

[twoplanekid]

There are listed 64 different meetings.64!!!!! Why this many. I would like to suggest that it may involve bad budgeting, requirements and or sensible capabilities. It one can honestly justify a budget item correctly it shouldn't be a problem. When one is not being honest the entire dynamic is crushed. It's a well known fact and I can verify personally in my past is the govt sector had a mentality that if I don't use what's in my budget this year I will never get it back. To that end I need to find a home for this $$$ never mind if it's correct just spend it and the best goes on.

This is in the mind of every tax payer. Fix that and you'll have a different attitude. Otherwise the same outcome will prevail thanks for pointing out the insane schedule. It's like we're worn out with meetings for people who can't make a good honest decisions.

In many cases one is the budget workshop, another is the budget approval process and then the public hearing for the finial approval. It's a multi step process that isn't rushed. If you live in CDD10, then you might only be interested in the CDD10 workshop and meetings. In NSCUDD, to my knowledge we don't spend money to just spend it if money is left in the budget. We have carryover monies from one budget to another. If you have questions, please attend any of the meetings to ask questions of us (supervisors or board members) or staff. Everyone that I know is trying to spend every penny as wisely as possible!

[CWGUY]

there is virtually NO expenses involved with these meeting.. the rooms are there , just the cost to advertise them and its a TINY percent of the anual budget...

:confused: What District is Pennbrooke Fairways in? May I ask why are you so obsessed with The Villages and Sumter County? I mean really...... you have stated you live in neither. :ohdear:

[CWGUY]

In many cases one is the budget workshop, another is the budget approval process and then the public hearing for the finial approval. It's a multi step process that isn't rushed. If you live in CDD10, then you might only be interested in the CDD10 workshop and meetings. In NSCUDD, to my knowledge we don't spend money to just spend it if money is left in the budget. We have carryover monies from one budget to another. If you have questions, please attend any of the meetings to ask questions of us (supervisors or board members) or staff. Everyone that I know is trying to spend every penny as wisely as possible!

Here's the link for them to sign up to be notified of only what they are interested in. :ho:

E-NOTIFICATIONS

VCDD e-Notifications Sign Up (https://www.districtgov.org/newsletter/newsletter.aspx)

[twoplanekid]

Here's the link for them to sign up to be notified of only what they are interested in. :ho:

E-NOTIFICATIONS

VCDD e-Notifications Sign Up (https://www.districtgov.org/newsletter/newsletter.aspx)

I thank you very much for saying that as at the NSCUDD meeting I was talking about how those people using E-Billing were saving The District a lot of money. Both are good District programs to know about and use.

E-Billing --> Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/utilities/ebillSignup.aspx)

and lookup your bills on line here -> Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/utilities/payInquiry.aspx)

[Bogie Shooter]

there is virtually NO expenses involved with these meeting.. the rooms are there , just the cost to advertise them and its a TINY percent of the anual budget...

the devil is in the details if the infrastructure taxes were the same as other counties - NO taxes would need to increase ... $50 million sucked from your pockets.

:confused: What District is Pennbrooke Fairways in? May I ask why are you so obsessed with The Villages and Sumter County? I mean really...... you have stated you live in neither. :ohdear:
If this is true, we already have enough pot stirrers in The Villages.:a040:




Well, I'll be darned, it is true.
Right here in this critique of TV.
You always did not check out the other dozen communities in Leesburg that are much cheaper than villages. There are some communities that pay $160 a month for HOA fees. There are some that pay more I live in Pembroke four miles down the road and pay $250 and this is what I get included. Grass cutting, golf course, a gym, two pools, and HOA a management company, we also get internet service 300 MBS, and cable. The last two save us about $100 a month over probably what you're paying. Yes golf can cost more what about 70% of the people do not play golf in any community. Oh and by the way how homes cost 30- 50% less than your homes by the SQ foot . And I bet we have a lot less type A personalities driving around thinking they're entitled because they live in The villages.

[JoMar]

If you can't attend the meetings, take a few minutes to email Estep, Search and Miller and remind them of their campaign promises concerning property taxes, as well as getting the developer to pay more for the cost of infrastructure needed for HIS new expansions and his efforts at an end run around an increase, with his puppet Hage from (T&D) sponsoring a bill in the State Legislature, to cap his increases at only 3%.

It's actually ours, unless you have no intention of taking advantage of any of the new amenities and opportunities available to all of us. I have written to all the Commissioners urging them keep our lifestyle or provide detailed alternatives to the lost revenue they will incur. I was familiar with Whitemarsh PA and how that area went down along with most of Lehigh County because one of your puppets had no vision.

[CWGUY]

If this is true, we already have enough pot stirrers in The Villages.:a040:




Well, I'll be darned, it is true.
Right here in this critique of TV.


:oops:

[Worldseries27]

exactly! Been here 5 years as of may 1 and still very happy! :a040:
old saying
" watch what they do,
not
what
they
say"

[Goldwingnut]

There are listed 64 different meetings.64!!!!! Why this many. I would like to suggest that it may involve bad budgeting, requirements and or sensible capabilities. It one can honestly justify a budget item correctly it shouldn't be a problem. When one is not being honest the entire dynamic is crushed. It's a well known fact and I can verify personally in my past is the govt sector had a mentality that if I don't use what's in my budget this year I will never get it back. To that end I need to find a home for this $$$ never mind if it's correct just spend it and the best goes on.

This is in the mind of every tax payer. Fix that and you'll have a different attitude. Otherwise the same outcome will prevail thanks for pointing out the insane schedule. It's like we're worn out with meetings for people who can't make a good honest decisions.

You're pretty judgmental of a system for someone who doesn't understand the government of this community. I would suggest that you attend the Resident Academy and learn about the CDDs that make up this community. I can assure you, the government budgeting process is much different than a normal city or county and most assuredly a vastly different mindset than what prevails at the state and federal levels. The Supervisors in the 16 CDDs are very much closer to the source and spending of the collected funds than almost anywhere else.

[Marathon Man]

there is virtually NO expenses involved with these meeting.. the rooms are there , just the cost to advertise them and its a TINY percent of the anual budget...

Are you talking about meetings in The Villages, or meetings where you live? We residents of TV will worry about this, thank will very much.

[Sbrothnj]

If you can't attend the meetings, take a few minutes to email Estep, Search and Miller and remind them of their campaign promises concerning property taxes, as well as getting the developer to pay more for the cost of infrastructure needed for HIS new expansions and his efforts at an end run around an increase, with his puppet Hage from (T&D) sponsoring a bill in the State Legislature, to cap his increases at only 3%.

Im sorry, but if you are so unhappy with the way TV is being developed, my not just move to someplace that will make you happier? Seems "HE" has already offered to accept 40% add'l burden for increased impact. And dont lose track of all the POSITIVE impact this whole project has made on Central Florida in general in growth and jobs. If you would prefer small businesses and large projects like the hospital go to Marion or Lake, then I guess that is your preference. Wildwood has just approved continue development for the next 20 yrs, so i guess they see huge benefit to all this growth. I appreciate the growth and conveniences and amenities that come with TV expansion. Disney is probably the only other entity/visionary that has had this kind of local and broader impact on Florida, followed decades before, by Air Conditioning which has allowed for substantial growth. Perhaps you think all this is not a good thing, or you begrudge the fortune, earnestly gained, by an exceptionally talented and hardworking family who brought us the second fastest growing MSA in the country, and the lead retirement community perhaps anywhere. I dont get why people live here and yet grouse so much about "the Developer". And do you object as much to all the lobbyists in DC? Or just those who lobby for the Villages? Do you not think they had a hand in getting the Turnpike bridges in motion?

[Goldwingnut]

Please don't forget that the preliminary budget meeting for the Amenity and Project Wide budgets are tomorrow at 2:00 PM at the Savannah Rec Center. Resident input in highly appreciated and desired.

One last thought to share, just because someone comes to the meeting and suggest something doesn't mean it will happen. The Supervisors have a pretty good handle on not only the budget, but also what are realistic expectations that can be provided with that budget. We cannot cater to ever special interest or resident want. Some things may be a good idea but may take some planning to make happen or may not happen for a year or more depending on cost, need, and other priorities, and sometimes not at all.

The budget process involves much more than pickleballs and swimming pool, there are many things that have to happen in our community that most do not realize and that are paid for through these budgets.

The time for your input is NOW and the next 2 months, NOT September when the budget goes up for its final approval.

[dtennent]

Many thanks to Gold Wing Nut for participating in the local governing body. Having served on as a Town Supervisor (elected position) for a rural town in upstate NY, I really appreciate the time and effort it takes to serve. (My wife told me that if she knew what I was getting into after retirement she would have told me to work at my job where I made 20 times the salary.) Unfortunately, understanding the budget in fine detail takes a lot of time and effort. Not surprisingly, people (taxpayers) only see the bottom line.

To everyone who is involved with our governing bodies - Besides asking people to attend budget meetings where they don't understand the details around the budget requests, how do you communicate the need in enough detail to justify the increase in taxes (the bottom line)? I realize what I am asking is not an easy task but it is the task we have given you with your election to our current position.

[Goldwingnut]

Many thanks to Gold Wing Nut for participating in the local governing body. Having served on as a Town Supervisor (elected position) for a rural town in upstate NY, I really appreciate the time and effort it takes to serve. (My wife told me that if she knew what I was getting into after retirement she would have told me to work at my job where I made 20 times the salary.) Unfortunately, understanding the budget in fine detail takes a lot of time and effort. Not surprisingly, people (taxpayers) only see the bottom line.

To everyone who is involved with our governing bodies - Besides asking people to attend budget meetings where they don't understand the details around the budget requests, how do you communicate the need in enough detail to justify the increase in taxes (the bottom line)? I realize what I am asking is not an easy task but it is the task we have given you with your election to our current position.

You're right, it is a pretty low paying job for the hours required.

The easy one is the Amenity Fee, we cannot raise it, we are limited to the CPI adjustment allowed in the contracts, so we have to live within that budget amount and prioritize the maintenance, operating costs, and needs/wants of the residents. The residents are very well protected for the costs hitting them and any increase.

The CDDs do not levy any taxes, we could under FS190 but we don't, instead we have a maintenance assessment that is based on a specific equation for assessable acreage. The amount charged annually will depend on the maintenance needs of the CDD and PWF contribution. We also try to keep putting money aside for upcoming maintenance and be financially ready for the costs when they come (unlike Sumter County 2 years ago). For the last 6 years most CDDs (between 5 and 13) have seen basically no increase. For some of the CDDs with lesser capital reserves this trend is not sustainable and some increases are forthcoming. The good thing is that the CDD budgets are very basic and easy to understand so the average resident, if they attend the budget meetings, can quickly grasp where the money is going and what the CDD needs are.

The PWF (Project Wide Fund) covers most of the maintenance costs south of CR466, hence the reason a significant portion of the CDD's budget goes to fund it. The CDDs could each do the maintenance themselves, but the costs would be higher, and consistency could be sacrificed. There are a lot of maintenance items done each year that move from CDD to CDD, like fence replacements. Without the PWF the budgets of the individual CDDs would fluctuate greatly to cover these maintenance costs, with the PWF everybody pays a little each year, the costs are spread out, and the budgets are more stable. Some CDDs are quick to complain about the contribution amount to the PWF but completely ignore that most of their maintenance costs in covered by these same funds, they always fail to mention what they get in return.

Unlike other government bodies (Sumter County BOCC, Washington, etc.) the CDD Supervisors are all recipients of ANY increase in rates they authorize, just like the rest of the residents. We're not taxing "the other guy", we're taxing ourselves.

[dtennent]

You're right, it is a pretty low paying job for the hours required.

The easy one is the Amenity Fee, we cannot raise it, we are limited to the CPI adjustment allowed in the contracts, so we have to live within that budget amount and prioritize the maintenance, operating costs, and needs/wants of the residents. The residents are very well protected for the costs hitting them and any increase.

The CDDs do not levy any taxes, we could under FS190 but we don't, instead we have a maintenance assessment that is based on a specific equation for assessable acreage. The amount charged annually will depend on the maintenance needs of the CDD and PWF contribution. We also try to keep putting money aside for upcoming maintenance and be financially ready for the costs when they come (unlike Sumter County 2 years ago). For the last 6 years most CDDs (between 5 and 13) have seen basically no increase. For some of the CDDs with lesser capital reserves this trend is not sustainable and some increases are forthcoming. The good thing is that the CDD budgets are very basic and easy to understand so the average resident, if they attend the budget meetings, can quickly grasp where the money is going and what the CDD needs are.

The PWF (Project Wide Fund) covers most of the maintenance costs south of CR466, hence the reason a significant portion of the CDD's budget goes to fund it. The CDDs could each do the maintenance themselves, but the costs would be higher, and consistency could be sacrificed. There are a lot of maintenance items done each year that move from CDD to CDD, like fence replacements. Without the PWF the budgets of the individual CDDs would fluctuate greatly to cover these maintenance costs, with the PWF everybody pays a little each year, the costs are spread out, and the budgets are more stable. Some CDDs are quick to complain about the contribution amount to the PWF but completely ignore that most of their maintenance costs in covered by these same funds, they always fail to mention what they get in return.

Unlike other government bodies (Sumter County BOCC, Washington, etc.) the CDD Supervisors are all recipients of ANY increase in rates they authorize, just like the rest of the residents. We're not taxing "the other guy", we're taxing ourselves.


Thanks for your help. Just wish our County Commissioners would offer the same level of interactions. :bigbow:

[dewilson58]

Thanks for your help. Just wish our County Commissioners would offer the same level of interactions. :bigbow:
There are county meetings.