Hage is at it again

[shut the front door]

I'm canceling my pool service with T&D. Getting real tired of the blatant buyoff of Rep. Hage.

From the other site:
A lawmaker’s updated bill would make impact fee limits retroactive to Jan. 1.

The change to the bill cosponsored by Rep. Brett Hage, R-The Villages, would seem to paint into a corner a trio of Sumter County Commissioners trying to raise impact fees on builders. Impact fees were a key issue in last year’s elections, when the then-challengers ousted incumbent commissioners over a a 25 percent property tax rate increase in 2019.

The stage is set for a showdown on impact fees when the Sumter County Commission meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Everglades Recreation Center in The Villages.

What do you think should be done about impact fees? Express your thoughts in a Letter to the Editor at news@**************.com

House Bill 377 and Senate Bill 750 would limit impact fee increases by local governments to 3 percent a year. Hage, whose disclosure form showed he’s earning a six-figure salary from The Villages, has been championing the bill. The Villages is vehemently opposed to raising impact fees and has been using the Developer-owned Daily Sun to beat back the proposal and assail the character of Commissioners Craig Estep, Oren Miller and Gary Search, all three of whom are residents of The Villages.

A 3 percent impact fee hike means The Villages would pay about $1,000 for each single-family detached home, up less than $30 from the current rate of $972.

Last month, commissioners voted 4-1 to reject an agreement proposed by The Villages to raise fees by 40 percent to $1,372 per home. The agreement would have allowed the county to raise fees only on The Villages development and not other businesses.

Commissioners said the amount was too low and it was substantially less than the $2,430 per home recommended in a 2019 study.

[tophcfa]

Shameless, but it proves the theory that just about anyone can be bought for the right price.

[dewilson58]

I'm canceling my pool service with T&D. Getting real tired of the blatant buyoff of Rep. Hage..
If you do, make sure they know why and as high up as you can go with the info.

[Stu from NYC]

Shameless, but it proves the theory that just about anyone can be bought for the right price.

True.

Been thinking about buying a congressman would be interesting to have one at our beck and call.

Wonder what the going rate is?

[Advogado]

The Developer pays Hage a "salary" of $140,003. What is the difference between that and handing him an envelope, in the middle of the night, containing $140,003 in cash? What does it take to get Sumter County residents to cry out: "Enough of this!"

[shut the front door]

The Developer pays Hage a "salary" of $140,003. What is the difference between that and handing him an envelope, in the middle of the night, containing $140,003 in cash? What does it take to get Sumter County residents to cry out: "Enough of this!"

The developer worshipping cult doesn't care. Fortunately, they are the minority. Which was proven in the election.

[graciegirl]

If you do, make sure they know why and as high up as you can go with the info.

By the way, the pool service from T&D has been sold to another entity. Not sure how I feel about that because T&D is absolutely one of the most ethical and best run businesses I have ever encountered, with one brothers part slightly better than the other brothers part. Vera is the most accomplished pool designer anyone could ask for. They are always RIGHT there if you have a question or problem. I am a HUGE fan of the company, T&D.

[Advogado]

True.

Been thinking about buying a congressman would be interesting to have one at our beck and call.

Wonder what the going rate is?
It looks like the going rate for a state rep might be $140,003 per annum.

[shut the front door]

It looks like the going rate for a state rep might be $140,003 per annum.

Actually, he's pretty expensive. For what the developer pays his puppets, he could pay the stupid impact fees!

A Form 6 Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interests filed by Hage on May 5, 2020 shows that during 2019, he earned $141,003 from the Holding Company of The Villages located at 3619 Kiessel Road at Brownwood. He also earned $113,554 from T&D Distribution Inc., $14,410 from T&D Concrete Inc. and $11,000 from T&D Supplies Inc. Hage earned $29,697 for serving as a state representative.

[Kahuna32162]

By the way, the pool service from T&D has been sold to another entity. Not sure how I feel about that because T&D is absolutely one of the most ethical and best run businesses I have ever encountered, with one brothers part slightly better than the other brothers part. Vera is the most accomplished pool designer anyone could ask for. They are always RIGHT there if you have a question or problem. I am a HUGE fan of the company, T&D.

Thanks for the update, did not know that T&D sold off it's service part of the business. That might explain why their service has fallen off severely over the last couple of months. First, our tech of over 7 years is re assigned to a different route, next, they start to miss a week and when they do come, it's a different person each week.

Calling to complain seems to fall on deaf ears. It's too bad because there are other options out there that would be eager to service the 5 pools in our cul de sac.

[Stu from NYC]

It looks like the going rate for a state rep might be $140,003 per annum.

AT that price wondering how long they stay bought and paid for?

[Dond1959]

What did you expect? You thought the developer and all the businesses who profit from the growth would sit on their hands and take a 150% impact fee increase? The Bill still needs to pass both the house and senate, but given Florida is a pro growth Republican state it will probably pass. The 3 new commissioners refused to negotiate and the businesses here took their issue to the state level.

The developer and the other businesses will not sit around while the 3 commissioners try to drastically change the way business is handled here. It’s like a tennis match, now the ball is back in the commissioners court. Put on the popcorn and watch the match, a real interesting 3 months is coming up.

[New Englander]

The Developer pays Hage a "salary" of $140,003. What is the difference between that and handing him an envelope, in the middle of the night, containing $140,003 in cash? What does it take to get Sumter County residents to cry out: "Enough of this!"

What can we do except don't vote for Hage next election?

[Stu from NYC]

What can we do except don't vote for Hage next election?

He will never get our vote for anything

[banjobob]

Reported a six figure paycheck from the developer does wonders for being objective about a situation.

[Hiltongrizz11]

I'm canceling my pool service with T&D. Getting real tired of the blatant buyoff of Rep. Hage.

From the other site:
A lawmaker’s updated bill would make impact fee limits retroactive to Jan. 1.

The change to the bill cosponsored by Rep. Brett Hage, R-The Villages, would seem to paint into a corner a trio of Sumter County Commissioners trying to raise impact fees on builders. Impact fees were a key issue in last year’s elections, when the then-challengers ousted incumbent commissioners over a a 25 percent property tax rate increase in 2019.

The stage is set for a showdown on impact fees when the Sumter County Commission meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Everglades Recreation Center in The Villages.

What do you think should be done about impact fees? Express your thoughts in a Letter to the Editor at news@**************.com

House Bill 377 and Senate Bill 750 would limit impact fee increases by local governments to 3 percent a year. Hage, whose disclosure form showed he’s earning a six-figure salary from The Villages, has been championing the bill. The Villages is vehemently opposed to raising impact fees and has been using the Developer-owned Daily Sun to beat back the proposal and assail the character of Commissioners Craig Estep, Oren Miller and Gary Search, all three of whom are residents of The Villages.

A 3 percent impact fee hike means The Villages would pay about $1,000 for each single-family detached home, up less than $30 from the current rate of $972.

Last month, commissioners voted 4-1 to reject an agreement proposed by The Villages to raise fees by 40 percent to $1,372 per home. The agreement would have allowed the county to raise fees only on The Villages development and not other businesses.

Commissioners said the amount was too low and it was substantially less than the $2,430 per home recommended in a 2019 study.

So what does TandD pools have to do with anything?

[Gmaf6]

Show me a politician that isn’t bought and I’ll show you.......NONE!
The bottom line is that the 3 Non-Republicans are trying to prevent growth and businesses from coming to Sumter let alone causing new homeowners an increase in what are already high prices. We are sorely in need of a new hospital.....as well as small businesses South of 44. I agree that the Developer should pay a higher fee but cutting off your nose to spite your face isn’t the way to go. This, coupled with the proposed increase to fire, is causing much divide. The 3 should’ve taken the 40%!

Before you say they’re Republicans.....they aren’t. They changed party lines for one reason; to be able to run!! When I see my taxes go down, as they promised, they just might earn my respect!

[eeroger]

Thanks for the update, did not know that T&D sold off it's service part of the business. That might explain why their service has fallen off severely over the last couple of months. First, our tech of over 7 years is re assigned to a different route, next, they start to miss a week and when they do come, it's a different person each week.

Calling to complain seems to fall on deaf ears. It's too bad because there are other options out there that would be eager to service the 5 pools in our cul de sac.

I agree with the above. We have had shoddy work from T&D more several months. We have not had a consistent pool tech for months. Longest consistent tech lasted 2 weeks before they quit.
Looking for new company ...

[JoannMH]

So glad to hear you are cancelling TD service. Maybe I can get your spot.

[fastboat]

Actually, he's pretty expensive. For what the developer pays his puppets, he could pay the stupid impact fees!

A Form 6 Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interests filed by Hage on May 5, 2020 shows that during 2019, he earned $141,003 from the Holding Company of The Villages located at 3619 Kiessel Road at Brownwood. He also earned $113,554 from T&D Distribution Inc., $14,410 from T&D Concrete Inc. and $11,000 from T&D Supplies Inc. Hage earned $29,697 for serving as a state representative.

And you forgot to mention dinner at the Morse compound.

[fastboat]

Show me a politician that isn’t bought and I’ll show you.......NONE!
The bottom line is that the 3 Non-Republicans are trying to prevent growth and businesses from coming to Sumter let alone causing new homeowners an increase in what are already high prices. We are sorely in need of a new hospital.....as well as small businesses South of 44. I agree that the Developer should pay a higher fee but cutting off your nose to spite your face isn’t the way to go. This, coupled with the proposed increase to fire, is causing much divide. The 3 should’ve taken the 40%!

Before you say they’re Republicans.....they aren’t. They changed party lines for one reason; to be able to run!! When I see my taxes go down, as they promised, they just might earn my respect!

The hospital that UF is talking about, and I mean TALKING about, not planning, is slated for Lake County.

[kappy]

Show me a politician that isn’t bought and I’ll show you.......NONE!
The bottom line is that the 3 Non-Republicans are trying to prevent growth and businesses from coming to Sumter let alone causing new homeowners an increase in what are already high prices. We are sorely in need of a new hospital.....as well as small businesses South of 44. I agree that the Developer should pay a higher fee but cutting off your nose to spite your face isn’t the way to go. This, coupled with the proposed increase to fire, is causing much divide. The 3 should’ve taken the 40%!

Before you say they’re Republicans.....they aren’t. They changed party lines for one reason; to be able to run!! When I see my taxes go down, as they promised, they just might earn my respect!
The hospital has been scheduled to be built in Lake County even before the Commissioners talked about raising impact fees. Since the hospital is a not-for-profit hospital, they do not pay property taxes.

At the January 12th BOCC meeting, the Commissioners voted to delay the vote on impact fees. The very next week, January 19th, Brett Hage, an employee of the developer and a Florida Legislator, co-sponsored HB 337 to limit the amount that impact fees can be raised to 3%. Coincidence? The developers voluntary offer was so one sided that no official in their right mind would have accepted it.

If your getting your information from the local paper, that info is totally biased toward the developer. See some of the articles in **************.com for the true facts. For example, the local paper continues to claim that raising the impact fees may cause the hospital not to build in Sumter, while they already know that it is scheduled for Lake County.

[Hans53]

read todays paper. good explanation there

[tjsolomon]

We are dropping our T&D pool service because our technician was switched out and our pool has been green for 3 weeks. I have called to complain and have been told twice that a manager or supervisor would call me back and that hasn't happened. I did take a water sample up to the T&D store on 466 and they told me they couldn't test it because I was using their service. The company has been sold and the salesperson told me that they would be changing the name soon.

[DanishAndScottish]

1. Core function of government is to provide the essential services for all that reside in its jurisdiction to ensure their health and safety.

2. Government has to raise those funds in some manner.

3. Competing interests with businesses, developers, and residents who also have a bottom line.

4. Rapid expansion of residential and commercial inventory puts a strain on current government resources. This directly affects #1.

5. Developer backed County commissioners were decisively beat in their primary 2 to 1. The challenger candidates then went on to win their general election.

6. Developer backed local political party is now trashing the County Commissioners of their own party because they are not developer backed.

7. Because these County Commissioners answer to the people they represent and not to the developer, the developer is using a paid member of the FL House to pass a bill to limit the authority of local government.

8. Everyone that speaks tonight in favor of an impact fee hike, needs to state the above points over and over and over again.

[KDW9966]

By the way, the pool service from T&D has been sold to another entity. Not sure how I feel about that because T&D is absolutely one of the most ethical and best run businesses I have ever encountered, with one brothers part slightly better than the other brothers part. Vera is the most accomplished pool designer anyone could ask for. They are always RIGHT there if you have a question or problem. I am a HUGE fan of the company, T&D.

THEY HAVE A DESIGNER??

I have been trying to get a quote a from T&D Pools for the last 3 months! Like everyone else I waited 5 months for an appointment, which I understand they are busy.

The problem is the designer/salesman doesn’t listen to what we want! So when he does have time to return a bid, which as only been twice in 3 months the design is wrong.

No negotiating on the price, even though they have water features & stairs going to part of the yard, that we don’t want!

Here sign the contract now, all change orders will incur a ADDITIONAL $500 CHANGE FEE!

For a design we didn’t want in the first place?

If the so called designer would listen in the first place we wouldn’t have any change orders.

So at last we are about to sign a contract with a different company.

Bottom line is I guess T&D is just to big. They don’t care if they lose a $100,000 sale .

They but all the focus on new homes! For whom they are contracted with to complete work first.

Can anyone guess who that is?

[Advogado]

Instructions and the form for filing a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics can be found here: http://www.ethics.state.fl.us/Documents/Forms/Complaint%20Form.PDF?cp=2021323

[Advogado]

1. Core function of government is to provide the essential services for all that reside in its jurisdiction to ensure their health and safety.

2. Government has to raise those funds in some manner.

3. Competing interests with businesses, developers, and residents who also have a bottom line.

4. Rapid expansion of residential and commercial inventory puts a strain on current government resources. This directly affects #1.

5. Developer backed County commissioners were decisively beat in their primary 2 to 1. The challenger candidates then went on to win their general election.

6. Developer backed local political party is now trashing the County Commissioners of their own party because they are not developer backed.

7. Because these County Commissioners answer to the people they represent and not to the developer, the developer is using a paid member of the FL House to pass a bill to limit the authority of local government.

8. Everyone that speaks tonight in favor of an impact fee hike, needs to state the above points over and over and over again.
That is an excellent summary of the situation.

I would just add one point that many residents have still not focused on. The Developer should not only be paying 100% for county road infrastructure that his massive expansion of The Villages is necessitating. He should also be paying for his other county infrastructure: Libraries, fire, police, jails, other government buildings, EMT, parks, sewers, etc. To impose those impact fees, the County Commission needs to contract for a new impact fee study.

Also, remember that Sumter County is unique. No other county is facing the rapid and massive increase in infrastructure costs that are being piled on Sumter County by the Developer's massive expansion of The Villages. The Developer should be paying those costs, not us current residents.

[Dond1959]

The hospital has been scheduled to be built in Lake County even before the Commissioners talked about raising impact fees. Since the hospital is a not-for-profit hospital, they do not pay property taxes.

At the January 12th BOCC meeting, the Commissioners voted to delay the vote on impact fees. The very next week, January 19th, Brett Hage, an employee of the developer and a Florida Legislator, co-sponsored HB 337 to limit the amount that impact fees can be raised to 3%. Coincidence? The developers voluntary offer was so one sided that no official in their right mind would have accepted it.

If your getting your information from the local paper, that info is totally biased toward the developer. See some of the articles in **************.com for the true facts. For example, the local paper continues to claim that raising the impact fees may cause the hospital not to build in Sumter, while they already know that it is scheduled for Lake County.

Like the local paper is biased for the developer, the online news site you tried to reference is biased against the developer.

As far as the location of any proposed hospital I have seen nothing from UF on a potential location. However, the location previously discussed by posters online is west of the turnpike and north of 470. If you look at county maps you will see that Lake County only has a small portion of property in that area which would not fit a hospital and research campus. Further if you look at the Villages paper insert from several months ago called “Continuing the Dream” the area described above is shown as commercial. The hospital, research, education, and health area is north of the small commercial area that runs along the turnpike.

Bottom line, plans can change and no one knows if or where UF may eventually build a hospital. But it is clear from previous publications from the developer that the intention was for the hospital to be in Sumter county.

[merrymini]

Wow, maybe we need a new hospital. What we really need is a GOOD hospital that gets more than one “star.”

[DanishAndScottish]

On Mar 20, 2021, at 8:16 AM, marilyn miskra.net <marilyn@miskra.net> wrote:

To: All Republican Poll Watchers:

You all know Edna Santana-Wales from her tireless work managing the Trump Headquarters in Brownwood. Edna asked me to forward the following plea for all poll watchers to attend the March 23rd Sumter County Commissioners Meeting at the Everglades Rec Center (5497 Marsh Bend Trail, Grand Canyon Room, The Villages, FL 32163). The meeting starts at 7:00 PM, but it’s best to get there early. Additional parking is available at the Publix strip mall next door. The public hearing for impact fees is the first topic on the agenda. After listening to the public’s input, the commissioners will then vote whether or not to raise the fees, and if so, by how much. If you would like to make a statement and you need some help formulating your ideas, contact me. I will be happy to help you so that all Republican voices are heard. There are a multitude of reasons why the Sumter County Republican Party opposes a massive increase in impact fees. Edna is spot-on. Oren Miller’s proposal of a 150% increase will be detrimental to economic growth and the future of Sumter County. Following is the link to the meeting agenda:

Agenda - 03/23/2021 (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03232021-606?html=true)

Thank you,
Marilyn Iskra

From: Edna Iris Santana-Wales
Sent: Friday, March 19, 2021 7:50 PM
Subject: Please Attend the March 23rd Sumter County Commissioners Meeting and Let the Commissioners Know that Republicans are Against a Massive Impact Fee Hike

Folks, on March 23rd the Sumter County Commissioners are holding a public hearing after which they will vote on raising impact fees which will be applied to new construction for every single type of land use in the county. Oren Miller has proposed a 150% increase, but that has not been agreed upon yet. The exact increase will be decided in this meeting. We need to let these commissioners know how we feel about their efforts to increase the fees up to 150%. This massive increase will impact a number of decisions others are making about building and locating in Sumter County…including UFHealth’s plans of building a hospital complex. Jobs, growth, medical care and the future of Sumter County are on the line. Please attend the meeting on the 23rd at Everglades Rec Center. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM. You can (and should) speak during the public hearing. We need to let them know there is a majority of folks who care about the future of our county. Let’s take a stand and let them know we do not want them to impact our future life style or home values. We know what works in Sumter County…let’s keep working together.

I will be there! Please join me!
Edna Iris Santana-Wales, State Committeewoman
Sumter County Republican Executive Committee

[rmd2]

Show me a politician that isn’t bought and I’ll show you.......NONE!
The bottom line is that the 3 Non-Republicans are trying to prevent growth and businesses from coming to Sumter let alone causing new homeowners an increase in what are already high prices. We are sorely in need of a new hospital.....as well as small businesses South of 44. I agree that the Developer should pay a higher fee but cutting off your nose to spite your face isn’t the way to go. This, coupled with the proposed increase to fire, is causing much divide. The 3 should’ve taken the 40%!

Before you say they’re Republicans.....they aren’t. They changed party lines for one reason; to be able to run!! When I see my taxes go down, as they promised, they just might earn my respect!

The worst thing is the 3 will now say their promise of the rollback of the 25% increase is out of our hands now because of the Hage involvement. No! It's because the 3 never acted in a timely manner to get this done. If they think this will let them off the hook, think again! We put you in and we can take you out.

[Advogado]

On Mar 20, 2021, at 8:16 AM, marilyn miskra.net <marilyn@miskra.net> wrote:

To: All Republican Poll Watchers:

You all know Edna Santana-Wales from her tireless work managing the Trump Headquarters in Brownwood. Edna asked me to forward the following plea for all poll watchers to attend the March 23rd Sumter County Commissioners Meeting at the Everglades Rec Center (5497 Marsh Bend Trail, Grand Canyon Room, The Villages, FL 32163). The meeting starts at 7:00 PM, but it’s best to get there early. Additional parking is available at the Publix strip mall next door. The public hearing for impact fees is the first topic on the agenda. After listening to the public’s input, the commissioners will then vote whether or not to raise the fees, and if so, by how much. If you would like to make a statement and you need some help formulating your ideas, contact me. I will be happy to help you so that all Republican voices are heard. There are a multitude of reasons why the Sumter County Republican Party opposes a massive increase in impact fees. Edna is spot-on. Oren Miller’s proposal of a 150% increase will be detrimental to economic growth and the future of Sumter County. Following is the link to the meeting agenda:

Agenda - 03/23/2021 (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03232021-606?html=true)

Thank you,
Marilyn Iskra

From: Edna Iris Santana-Wales
Sent: Friday, March 19, 2021 7:50 PM
Subject: Please Attend the March 23rd Sumter County Commissioners Meeting and Let the Commissioners Know that Republicans are Against a Massive Impact Fee Hike

Folks, on March 23rd the Sumter County Commissioners are holding a public hearing after which they will vote on raising impact fees which will be applied to new construction for every single type of land use in the county. Oren Miller has proposed a 150% increase, but that has not been agreed upon yet. The exact increase will be decided in this meeting. We need to let these commissioners know how we feel about their efforts to increase the fees up to 150%. This massive increase will impact a number of decisions others are making about building and locating in Sumter County…including UFHealth’s plans of building a hospital complex. Jobs, growth, medical care and the future of Sumter County are on the line. Please attend the meeting on the 23rd at Everglades Rec Center. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM. You can (and should) speak during the public hearing. We need to let them know there is a majority of folks who care about the future of our county. Let’s take a stand and let them know we do not want them to impact our future life style or home values. We know what works in Sumter County…let’s keep working together.

I will be there! Please join me!
Edna Iris Santana-Wales, State Committeewoman
Sumter County Republican Executive Committee

We have an amazing situation here. Republicans Estep, Miller, and Search were elected BY A 2-TO-1 MARGIN. Now they are being attacked by the local Republican Party leadership, which is obviously part of the Developer's cabal. It is time for us Republicans to clean out our local leadership. Enough is enough!

[Two Bills]

He who pays the Piper, calls the tune!

[Advogado]

He who pays the Piper, calls the tune!

Maybe, maybe not. We booted out three of the payer's five puppet Commissioners last year. Let's see what happens now.

[dewilson58]

The worst thing is the 3 will now say their promise of the rollback of the 25% increase is out of our hands now because of the Hage involvement. No! It's because the 3 never acted in a timely manner to get this done. If they think this will let them off the hook, think again! We put you in and we can take you out.
Or they promised the impossible (with or without knowing it) & voters fell for it.
No one is getting a 25% reduction in County RE taxes.

[twoplanekid]

Although I have been a Republican all of my life, the local Republican Party is out of touch with reality and has used tactics that I do not indorse as a Republican. I say shame on them for what they did in the past election and now are doing in the name of being Republicans.

[Topspinmo]

Reported a six figure paycheck from the developer does wonders for being objective about a situation.

What politicians do. Just think how many career politicians are brought by unions and lobbyist. But, the voting sheep won’t vote them out when they are caught.

[Topspinmo]

Although I have been a Republican all of my life, the local Republican Party is out of touch with reality and has used tactics that I do not indorse as a Republican. I say shame on them for what they did in the past election and now are doing in the name of being Republicans.

I find that rare where indicate where you came from? Just saying with those states track record you are rare case IMO.

[Advogado]

Or they promised the impossible (with or without knowing it) & voters fell for it.
No one is getting a 25% reduction in County RE taxes.

You assert that with no basis.

But first, remember that the EMS team promised a rollback, not a 25% reduction. Ideally, of course, the rollback would be all of the the tax increase. It might turn out to be less than a full reduction (a full reduction being their obvious goal), but it could turn out to be even more.

Neither you, nor I, nor the EMS candidates will have the numbers until an impact-fee study is done concerning possible impact-fee revenue from impact fees for non-road infrastructure like police, fire, jails, libraries, parks, sewers, other government buildings, etc.

Increasing the road impact fee from 40% to 100% is only the first step in what needs to be done to roll back the massive property-tax hike.

You need to accept the fact that the policy decision on this matter was (or should have been) resolved by the voters in the last election. Hopefully, Commissioners Estep and Search will remember that tonight. The Developer has lunched off the current residents for too long.

[Topspinmo]

We have an amazing situation here. Republicans Estep, Miller, and Search were elected BY A 2-TO-1 MARGIN. Now they are being attacked by the local Republican Party leadership, which is obviously part of the Developer's cabal. It is time for us Republicans to clean out our local leadership. Enough is enough!

Agree, but no guarantee the next will stick to there campaign promises or they can’t. But, IMO better to try than just vote the same old shyster’s back in.

[Advogado]

Agree, but no guarantee the next will stick to there campaign promises or they can’t. But, IMO better to try than just vote the same old shyster’s back in.
Exactly. We have to try.

As a first step, we Republicans have to boot out our local leadership and the two remaining Developer puppets on the County Commission. Enough is enough! I cannot believe the way the local leadership is undermining reform Republican Commissioners Estep, Miller, and Search. Absolutely incredible.

[Bilyclub]

This massive increase will impact a number of decisions others are making about building and locating in Sumter County…including UFHealth’s plans of building a hospital complex.

I have seen it posted that the head of UF Health has stated they prefer a site by the Turnpike in Lake county. More lies from the puppets.

[twoplanekid]

I find that rare where indicate where you came from? Just saying with those states track record you are rare case IMO.

I only lived in Urbana, Il for the first 10 months of my life to then live in Urbana, Ohio for the rest of my life before coming down to TV. I knew the Browns(father and son) personally who both represented our area in the US Congress for many years long ago and have talked with Jim Jordan who is the current US congressman for my old district.

[tophcfa]

Although I have been a Republican all of my life, the local Republican Party is out of touch with reality and has used tactics that I do not indorse as a Republican. I say shame on them for what they did in the past election and now are doing in the name of being Republicans.

Ditto here, I could have written the exact same post and totally agree with twoplanekid. And for those who will say I can’t be a Republican because I am from Massachusetts, you are wrong. It is a very blue state, dominated by the high population density areas of greater Boston. However, we live in a very rural area of Western Massachusetts where most folks have very different values.

[Bill14564]

The worst thing is the 3 will now say their promise of the rollback of the 25% increase is out of our hands now because of the Hage involvement. No! It's because the 3 never acted in a timely manner to get this done. If they think this will let them off the hook, think again! We put you in and we can take you out.

It has been reported that the Hage proposal has been amended to retroactively apply back to 1 January. Doesn't this make it a little impossible for the commissioners to "act in a timely manner" that pre-dates their term in office?

It has been stated many times (with the math) that the impact fees will not offset the 25% tax. Any reasonable proposal to rolling back the 25% increase should be accompanied by numbers: How much is the 25% bringing in? How much would the impact fees bring in? Where would additional cuts to make up the difference come from? Taking action without planning for the impact is irresponsible; perhaps the commissioners have done that planning but we haven't heard about it.

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

I'm canceling my pool service with T&D. Getting real tired of the blatant buyoff of Rep. Hage.

From the other site:
A lawmaker’s updated bill would make impact fee limits retroactive to Jan. 1.

The change to the bill cosponsored by Rep. Brett Hage, R-The Villages, would seem to paint into a corner a trio of Sumter County Commissioners trying to raise impact fees on builders. Impact fees were a key issue in last year’s elections, when the then-challengers ousted incumbent commissioners over a a 25 percent property tax rate increase in 2019.

The stage is set for a showdown on impact fees when the Sumter County Commission meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Everglades Recreation Center in The Villages.

What do you think should be done about impact fees? Express your thoughts in a Letter to the Editor at news@**************.com

House Bill 377 and Senate Bill 750 would limit impact fee increases by local governments to 3 percent a year. Hage, whose disclosure form showed he’s earning a six-figure salary from The Villages, has been championing the bill. The Villages is vehemently opposed to raising impact fees and has been using the Developer-owned Daily Sun to beat back the proposal and assail the character of Commissioners Craig Estep, Oren Miller and Gary Search, all three of whom are residents of The Villages.

A 3 percent impact fee hike means The Villages would pay about $1,000 for each single-family detached home, up less than $30 from the current rate of $972.

Last month, commissioners voted 4-1 to reject an agreement proposed by The Villages to raise fees by 40 percent to $1,372 per home. The agreement would have allowed the county to raise fees only on The Villages development and not other businesses.

Commissioners said the amount was too low and it was substantially less than the $2,430 per home recommended in a 2019 study.

Impact fees are job killers no matter where you live. I say negotiate with the developer to carry more of the burden instead of nailing all developers. The fees can't be used to help reduce property taxes. Cost of living will increase at a higher rate with added tax increase AND costs associated with the increase in impact fees. Lay off Brett Hage just because of his employer. Florida has flourished because of its conservative approach by government, not in spite of.

[Advogado]

This massive increase will impact a number of decisions others are making about building and locating in Sumter County…including UFHealth’s
of building a hospital complex.

I have seen it posted that the head of UF Health has stated they prefer a site by the Turnpike in Lake county. More lies from the puppets.

If you haven't done so, look at the income statement of any hospital

Depreciation (which is how the impact fee would be written off) is a small fraction of total costs. Also, a lot of the depreciation line item would be for depreciation of the incredibly expensive medical equipment. To argue that an increase of a few percentage points in the cost of a building is going to influence a hospital's decision about whether to build is absolutely ridiculous baloney. BTW, this is also true for most businesses.

Whatever quotes to the contrary are set forth in David R. Corder's propaganda pieces in the Daily Sun are probably extracted by asking loaded questions.

[Advogado]

It has been reported that the Hage proposal has been amended to retroactively apply back to 1 January. Doesn't this make it a little impossible for the commissioners to "act in a timely manner" that pre-dates their term in office?

It has been stated many times (with the math) that the impact fees will not offset the 25% tax. Any reasonable proposal to rolling back the 25% increase should be accompanied by numbers: How much is the 25% bringing in? How much would the impact fees bring in? Where would additional cuts to make up the difference come from? Taking action without planning for the impact is irresponsible; perhaps the commissioners have done that planning but we haven't heard about it.

The road impact fee regarding roads was done in 2019. Increasing the fee to 100% is a policy decision that was made by the voters in the last election. It must be done, and done now.

A study regarding impact fees for other infrastructure needs to be done.

[Advogado]

Impact fees are job killers no matter where you live. I say negotiate with the developer to carry more of the burden instead of nailing all developers. The fees can't be used to help reduce property taxes. Cost of living will increase at a higher rate with added tax increase AND costs associated with the increase in impact fees. Lay off Brett Hage just because of his employer. Florida has flourished because of its conservative approach by government, not in spite of.

Impact fees are not job killers. High taxes are. There will be no increase in taxes. The higher impact fees will be offset by lower property taxes. You need to get your news from a source other than the Daily Sun.

[Bill14564]

The road impact fee regarding roads was done in 2019. Increasing the fee to 100% is a policy decision that was made by the voters in the last election. It must be done, and done now.

A study regarding impact fees for other infrastructure needs to be done.

<I'm probably going to regret this...>

The study done in 2019 showed that the 40% point matched the existing impact fees put in place in 2015. The impact fees were not reduced in 2019, they were kept the same. The 25% didn't offset a cut in impact fees, it added to the existing impact fees.

Did the new commissioners actually run on increasing the road impact fee to 100% or did they run on increasing the impact fees? (I'll be looking but it might take a minute or three)

Didn't the new commissioners run rolling back the 25% property tax increase? As I mentioned in the post you replied to, what is the plan to replace the income from that 25%

Voters don't (or rarely) make policy decisions. Policy decisions are made by elected officials like the commissioners. Voters indicate their preferences by selecting like-minded officials. Ideally, those officials have done their homework before making campaign promises - the word is very rarely ideal.

What must be done is the commissioners must do what is right for all their constituents including you, including the non-Villager home-buyers, and including those in the construction industry. First they must do their homework which might result in them having to backpedal a bit.

[Stu from NYC]

Impact fees are job killers no matter where you live. I say negotiate with the developer to carry more of the burden instead of nailing all developers. The fees can't be used to help reduce property taxes. Cost of living will increase at a higher rate with added tax increase AND costs associated with the increase in impact fees. Lay off Brett Hage just because of his employer. Florida has flourished because of its conservative approach by government, not in spite of.

Agree with some of what you say but do not see how you can possibly defend Brett Hage. When the developer calls and says jump all he can say is how high.

[Nick B]

By the way, the pool service from T&D has been sold to another entity. Not sure how I feel about that because T&D is absolutely one of the most ethical and best run businesses I have ever encountered, with one brothers part slightly better than the other brothers part. Vera is the most accomplished pool designer anyone could ask for. They are always RIGHT there if you have a question or problem. I am a HUGE fan of the company, T&D.
Obviously not That ethical.

[Ben Franklin]

Impact fees, if they don't pay for the impact caused by new building, it then forces all of us who already live here to pay for the newbies coming in. It also depresses your home value by allowing for lower cost for new building. Shouldn't newbies be responsible for the impact they cause, and not all of us already living here? Some may call forcing all of us to pay for the future is socialism.

(Admin. I don't understand what political means in this forum, since a few of these strings seem to be political, so if I over-stepped, then delete this post)

[rustyp]

Has it been stated or please give me a refresher exactly what can be funded by these impact fees ? Is it more than public roads ?

[Nick B]

Impact fees are job killers no matter where you live. I say negotiate with the developer to carry more of the burden instead of nailing all developers. The fees can't be used to help reduce property taxes. Cost of living will increase at a higher rate with added tax increase AND costs associated with the increase in impact fees. Lay off Brett Hage just because of his employer. Florida has flourished because of its conservative approach by government, not in spite of.
Why is an impact fee a job killer but tax increase isn't? The home buyer pays the impact fee not the developer. The homes in TV are at least 100,000 overvalued and it hasn't stopped growth another grand or two won't either.

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

That is an excellent summary of the situation.

I would just add one point that many residents have still not focused on. The Developer should not only be paying 100% for county road infrastructure that his massive expansion of The Villages is necessitating. He should also be paying for his other county infrastructure: Libraries, fire, police, jails, other government buildings, EMT, parks, sewers, etc. To impose those impact fees, the County Commission needs to contract for a new impact fee study.

Also, remember that Sumter County is unique. No other county is facing the rapid and massive increase in infrastructure costs that are being piled on Sumter County by the Developer's massive expansion of The Villages. The Developer should be paying those costs, not us current residents.

Road impact fees cannot be used on anything other than roads. If the developer owned the libraries, jail, fire houses, etc., he would be paying for them.

[Stu from NYC]

Why is an impact fee a job killer but tax increase isn't? The home buyer pays the impact fee not the developer. The homes in TV are at least 100,000 overvalued and it hasn't stopped growth another grand or two won't either.

It is because the developer says it is.

[Advogado]

Road fees cannot be used on anything other than roads. If the developer owned the libraries, jail, fire houses, etc., he would be paying for them.

Everybody knows, or should know, that. What is your point? Do you understand that impact fees are used to pay for county-owned infrastructure necessitated by the relevant new development. Somebody has to pay for it, either the Developer or us.

[tophcfa]

Road impact fees cannot be used on anything other than roads. If the developer owned the libraries, jail, fire houses, etc., he would be paying for them.

So what’s your point? If you looked at the counties budget you would see that roads are the biggest line item expense. Any portion of the road expenses covered by increased impact fees could lead to a reduction in residential property taxes equal to the same dollar amount.

[Pairadocs]

I'm canceling my pool service with T&D. Getting real tired of the blatant buyoff of Rep. Hage.

From the other site:
A lawmaker’s updated bill would make impact fee limits retroactive to Jan. 1.

The change to the bill cosponsored by Rep. Brett Hage, R-The Villages, would seem to paint into a corner a trio of Sumter County Commissioners trying to raise impact fees on builders. Impact fees were a key issue in last year’s elections, when the then-challengers ousted incumbent commissioners over a a 25 percent property tax rate increase in 2019.

The stage is set for a showdown on impact fees when the Sumter County Commission meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Everglades Recreation Center in The Villages.

What do you think should be done about impact fees? Express your thoughts in a Letter to the Editor at news@**************.com

House Bill 377 and Senate Bill 750 would limit impact fee increases by local governments to 3 percent a year. Hage, whose disclosure form showed he’s earning a six-figure salary from The Villages, has been championing the bill. The Villages is vehemently opposed to raising impact fees and has been using the Developer-owned Daily Sun to beat back the proposal and assail the character of Commissioners Craig Estep, Oren Miller and Gary Search, all three of whom are residents of The Villages.

A 3 percent impact fee hike means The Villages would pay about $1,000 for each single-family detached home, up less than $30 from the current rate of $972.

Last month, commissioners voted 4-1 to reject an agreement proposed by The Villages to raise fees by 40 percent to $1,372 per home. The agreement would have allowed the county to raise fees only on The Villages development and not other businesses.

Commissioners said the amount was too low and it was substantially less than the $2,430 per home recommended in a 2019 study.

I get your perspective on the the controversy over impact fees, etc. have been following that myself, what I can't understand is how you tied that to announcing you are cancelling your pool service ??? What does canceling one's pool service have to do with impact fees in a development ? What do those two topics have in common I was thinking ? Have one neighbor who swears T& D is the best he's had anywhere in Florida, so just wondering ?

[Topspinmo]

I get your perspective on the the controversy over impact fees, etc. have been following that myself, what I can't understand is how you tied that to announcing you are cancelling your pool service ??? What does canceling one's pool service have to do with impact fees in a development ? What do those two topics have in common I was thinking ? Have one neighbor who swears T& D is the best he's had anywhere in Florida, so just wondering ?

Maybe he figured the same rabbits pulled out of the same hat? He wants different hat and rabbit.

[Villages Kahuna]

Remember, the question to be decided is who will pay for the infrastructure being built to permit the rapid development of The Villages going south.


The Developer used to pay for this type of infrastructure but came up with the “better idea” of getting all the residents of Sumter County to foot the bill thru a 25% property tax increase. That tax increase was passed into county law by county commissioners who were beholden or even employed by the Develooer.
The taxpayers rejected the idea by electing three new county commissioners who ran on the platform of reversing that tax increase. And they have voted to do so. The actuall rollback of property taxes has been delayed by six months fir “additional study”. The new taxes haven’t been billed or paid.
The construction of the infrastructure continues and is being paid for by the Developer.


So what happens next?

The bill proposed by Representative Hage has to be voted on and passed by both the Florida House and Senate, and signed by the Givernir. Even though the majority of elected state officials are Republican, there’s no assurance the Bill will pass and be signed into law. A good chance that it will, but not a certainty.

The same uncertainty exists regarding whether the property tax rollback will remain in place or not.

So if the Hage bill becomes Florida law and the three new Sumter County commissioners don’t budge on the property tax rollback, the Developer will be left with a choice. He can pay for the infrastructure that he deemed necessary and is building, or he can slow the infrastructure construction to the amount that can be funded with Representative Hage’s limited impact fees. Or he can pay for the infrastructure himself and recapture his outlays with increases in the price of new homes and increased commercial rents. Either way, without all the taxpayers of Sumter County being taxed to pay for expansion of The Villages to the south, the pace of development would have to slow.

If you have an opinion on how you want this question to be decided, let your state representatives in the House, Senate and Governor’s office know of your feelings. If you fail to do so and continue to let your elected representatives be bought and beholden to the monied interests on the question, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself.

[Villages Kahuna]

Everybody knows, or should know, that. What is your point? Do you understand that impact fees are used to pay for county-owned infrastructure necessitated by the relevant new development. Somebody has to pay for it, either the Developer or us.Or the buyers of new homes or businesses who pay rent to occupy commercial space owned by the Developer!

By rolling back the tax increase the people that won’t be required to pay for all the new roads and infrastructure far to their south will be all the existing home owners in Sumter County.

[PennBF]

Lets call it what it is. Alleged Government Corruption and allegedly maybe qualifying for RICO if in fact there are some others who are participating in this scam? The voting
booth is one avenue open as well as a investigation by the Florida Attorney General's office. :popcorn:

[DanishAndScottish]

lets call it what it is. Alleged government corruption and allegedly maybe qualifying for rico if in fact there are some others who are participating in this scam? The voting
booth is one avenue open as well as a investigation by the florida attorney general's office. :popcorn:

this

[Advogado]

Lets call it what it is. Alleged Government Corruption and allegedly maybe qualifying for RICO if in fact there are some others who are participating in this scam? The voting
booth is one avenue open as well as a investigation by the Florida Attorney General's office. :popcorn:

http://www.ethics.state.fl.us/Documents/Forms/Complaint%20Form.PDF?cp=2020913