How much tax increase will the new proposed fire district cost you

[rustyp]

The Villages District Office released a chart (page 5 of the attached link) with the proposed tax increase by house type in Sumter County for the new proposed fire district. I was unable to figure out how to copy just the chart thus I will attach the link to this weeks District's bulletin.

Spoiler alert - A designer home per the chart will have a potential tax increase of $290.20 per year.

https://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/PDFMeeting.aspx?id=20220421001301

[Stu from NYC]

Designer homes will have tax increase of 188 or 290 no idea what we will come under but if we get better ambulance service ok with increase..

[Papa_lecki]

NO - that is not the tax increase. It is the MAXIMUM potential tax increase.

The tax increase… “is capped at one (1) mill which is equivalent to $1 for every $1,000 of the assessable value of residential and commercial properties. This would mean the Board could levy 0 mills or any millage in between to a maximum of 1 mill.”

Theoretically, the county tax should be reduced, since they are not providing fire and EMS service.

A few hundred dollars is a bargain compared to a 45 minute wait for an ambulance.

[Two Bills]

Less than a Starbucks coffee a week for majority of villagers.
If the service is going to improve as much as claimed, an absolute bargain!

[MartinSE]

Less than a Starbucks coffee a week for majority of villagers.
If the service is going to improve as much as claimed, an absolute bargain!

I agree completely, but it is the "claimed" part that bothers me, and the second part that bothers me is to give up local control. Politics is so volatile right now, that I think I prefer local control.

[rustyp]

The Villages District Office released a chart (page 5 of the attached link) with the proposed tax increase by house type in Sumter County for the new proposed fire district. I was unable to figure out how to copy just the chart thus I will attach the link to this weeks District's bulletin.

Spoiler alert - A designer home per the chart will have a potential tax increase of $290.20 per year.

https://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/PDFMeeting.aspx?id=20220421001301

NO - that is not the tax increase. It is the MAXIMUM potential tax increase.

The tax increase… “is capped at one (1) mill which is equivalent to $1 for every $1,000 of the assessable value of residential and commercial properties. This would mean the Board could levy 0 mills or any millage in between to a maximum of 1 mill.”

Theoretically, the county tax should be reduced, since they are not providing fire and EMS service.

A few hundred dollars is a bargain compared to a 45 minute wait for an ambulance.

Thanks - good point. I modified the original post to "potential" tax increase.

[Bill14564]

I would have liked to see an answer to, "What happens if the special district is not approved?" We still have the VPSD and the interlocal agreement to fund it. We will still be getting our own ambulance service (by direction of the BOCC) to improve response times. I would think there would have to be another interlocal agreement to fund that from my current property taxes as well. So what would we NOT get if the district is not approved.

Plus, I am concerned about what will happen with my Sumter County taxes. There will be two new lines on my tax bill but the Sumter County line will still be there. The Annual Difference shows how much more will be collected by the two new lines than is currently being collected through property taxes. However, since we don't know that property taxes will decrease at all, the true annual increase for a designer home could be as much as $433 to $628.

- We like the fire protection and EMT service provide by the VPSD - that is not going away.
- We want better response from the transport provider and that should be coming due to the vote by the BOCC regardless of the special district.
- What more will we be getting from what could effectively be an increase to our property taxes of as much as 28%? (probably would be more like 18% but that's up to the BOCC lowering rates)

The answer might be that with the special district and our own funding we don't have to rely on the BOCC and interlocal agreements. We would control our own destiny with regards to the fire protection and transport services. Perhaps that is worth the effective tax increase.

[tophcfa]

I’m confused, what’s the point of having good ambulance service when they will drop you at a horrible hospital. Shouldn’t the focus be on having a half way decent hospital for the ambulance to bring people to? Villagers would be better off having good helicopter service to Gainesville or Jacksonville.

[kkingston57]

I agree completely, but it is the "claimed" part that bothers me, and the second part that bothers me is to give up local control. Politics is so volatile right now, that I think I prefer local control.

Local control? We live in the Spanish Springs area (Sumter County). I could go < 1 mile north and be in Marion County and go less than < 1 mile south and be in Lake County and we live in TV. Sometimes local control is difficult to implement. As I sit here UF helicopter is taking off < 1/2 mile from my house.

[kkingston57]

I’m confused, what’s the point of having good ambulance service when they will drop you at a horrible hospital. Shouldn’t the focus be on having a half way decent hospital for the ambulance to bring people to? Villagers would be better off having good helicopter service to Gainesville or Jacksonville.

Agree service is important. Post was about cost. There is a helicopter parked all of the time at Villages Hospital and this time of the year it does fly out of the hospital approximately once a day. I wonder what their charge is.

[Babubhat]

The benefits are not adequately explained. Claims made are speculative. Unnecessary in my opinion

[Papa_lecki]

The benefits are not adequately explained. Claims made are speculative. Unnecessary in my opinion

You are happy with the 30 to 45 minute response time of the ambulances? I’ve been a bystander a few times and times the response, well in excess of 30 minutes.

[Bill14564]

You are happy with the 30 to 45 minute response time of the ambulances? I’ve been a bystander a few times and times the response, well in excess of 30 minutes.

The wait times for the ambulance are supposed to be solved by the ambulance service provided by VPSD as of October 1. This was due to the BoCC vote that already occurred and will happen whether the independent district is created or not. (see the 2nd question on page 3 of the District Bulletin)

It may turn out that the level of service funded by the Interlocal Grant Agreement is insufficient to reduce the wait times to an acceptable level. The independent district with the ability to set rates and collect taxes will help with that.

[MartinSE]

Local control? We live in the Spanish Springs area (Sumter County). I could go < 1 mile north and be in Marion County and go less than < 1 mile south and be in Lake County and we live in TV. Sometimes local control is difficult to implement. As I sit here UF helicopter is taking off < 1/2 mile from my house.

I was referring to the board that will run it. From what I understand if the district is approved the governor will appoint the board, instead of us.

My understanding could well be wrong.

But, if it is a power given to the governor, with all the "issues" around politics right now, and the potential every so often for the party of the governor to change. I just think I would prefer to avoid that changing the board every time a different party is in office.

[MartinSE]

You are happy with the 30 to 45 minute response time of the ambulances? I’ve been a bystander a few times and times the response, well in excess of 30 minutes.

The problem is, the improvement is a claim, without an explanation of what is going to guarantee they improve. I am pretty sure they guarantee the price is going up, but only claim the service will improve.

And, something that makes me a little nervous is that the board, which runs it, is to be appointed by the Governor. That is fine if you like the current Governor, but are you going to be happy when the party in office and changes the Board? How are you protected from impacts as that happens?

A lot of promises and not enough written explanations. In todays political quagmire, I am concerned about any government promises by either party.

[Bogie Shooter]

I was referring to the board that will run it. From what I understand if the district is approved the governor will appoint the board, instead of us.

My understanding could well be wrong.

But, if it is a power given to the governor, with all the "issues" around politics right now, and the potential every so often for the party of the governor to change. I just think I would prefer to avoid that changing the board every time a different party is in office.
Well, if you read the link in post #1, you will find everything you posted is wrong. Except appointments of the first board.

[Topspinmo]

Less than a Starbucks coffee a week for majority of villagers.
If the service is going to improve as much as claimed, an absolute bargain!


Like majority villagers go to Starbucks.

[Two Bills]

Like majority villagers go to Starbucks.


So, you failed comprehension at school?

[MartinSE]

Well, if you read the link in post #1, you will find everything you posted is wrong. Except appointments of the first board.

Thank you, I thought that was the same link that appeared in another post, and was just "promises". I agree there is a LOT more information in that link. So, thank you for correcting me.

I still don't understand WHY the governor has to appoint the initial board. I don't see anything explaining how or when those board members appointed by the governor are replaced. And how is the board held accountable for meeting the promised improvements in service.

Again, we are shown what it will cost. We are not told if we still have to pay Sumter County. And we are provided no metrics for measuring the success or failure, other than a nebulous "better" or "faster". I would like too know how we are to measure the success of the project and how we hold those running it accountable if they fail to succeed in keeping their promises.

If there is a link to documentation, that would be great.

[Bogie Shooter]

Thank you, I thought that was the same link that appeared in another post, and was just "promises". I agree there is a LOT more information in that link. So, thank you for correcting me.

I still don't understand WHY the governor has to appoint the initial board. I don't see anything explaining how or when those board members appointed by the governor are replaced. And how is the board held accountable for meeting the promised improvements in service.

Again, we are shown what it will cost. We are not told if we still have to pay Sumter County. And we are provided no metrics for measuring the success or failure, other than a nebulous "better" or "faster". I would like too know how we are to measure the success of the project and how we hold those running it accountable if they fail to succeed in keeping their promises.

If there is a link to documentation, that would be great.

Well, if you read the link gov. Names initial board members to staggering terms, as the terms end, new board member is elected to the board by the people.

As the man says on that tv commercial, “this is an ongoing full time job….keeping these people straight”

[44Apple]

Like majority villagers go to Starbucks.

Starbucks cheap shot.

[Goldwingnut]

What's not been pointed out, because it not under control of the district staff, is that as a part of this divestiture from the county, the county will have a decrease in property tax proportional to the amount of the fire department(s) budget and that they (the county) will have a similar separate tax levied on the county (non-villages) residents for fire service. The county fire service will have a similar funding process as The Villages. This should offset a significant portion of the increase that has been presented. The district staff can't speak to this because it is out of their control, it is in the hands of the county staff and the county commissioners.

The true test will be to see what the county plans to do with taxes, if they don't do a tax cut to compensate for the services they will no longer be providing/funding then we, the taxpayers, need to rise up and let our voices be heard. The time for this however is not at budget approval time in September (like what happened 3 years ago), the time is during the budget workshop process that is happening now. These workshops draw few to attend, mainly because they don't understand the process. These workshops are when the decisions are made, and the changes can happen. Don't let them slip by, they've already started. When September rolls around this is just a formality, the final approval, what is required by Florida law, the time for change will be long past.

Understanding how your government works is essential in making it work for you and the way you want it to.

[rustyp]

What's not been pointed out, because it not under control of the district staff, is that as a part of this divestiture from the county, the county will have a decrease in property tax proportional to the amount of the fire department(s) budget and that they (the county) will have a similar separate tax levied on the county (non-villages) residents for fire service. The county fire service will have a similar funding process as The Villages. This should offset a significant portion of the increase that has been presented. The district staff can't speak to this because it is out of their control, it is in the hands of the county staff and the county commissioners.

The true test will be to see what the county plans to do with taxes, if they don't do a tax cut to compensate for the services they will no longer be providing/funding then we, the taxpayers, need to rise up and let our voices be heard. The time for this however is not at budget approval time in September (like what happened 3 years ago), the time is during the budget workshop process that is happening now. These workshops draw few to attend, mainly because they don't understand the process. These workshops are when the decisions are made, and the changes can happen. Don't let them slip by, they've already started. When September rolls around this is just a formality, the final approval, what is required by Florida law, the time for change will be long past.

Understanding how your government works is essential in making it work for you and the way you want it to.

///

[JMintzer]

You are happy with the 30 to 45 minute response time of the ambulances? I’ve been a bystander a few times and times the response, well in excess of 30 minutes.

Really? Seems it's MUCH shorter (by a power of 10...)

https://www.**************.com/2019/03/09/villages-fire-department-maintains-stellar-response-times-despite-rapid-growth/

[Papa_lecki]

Really? Seems it's MUCH shorter (by a power of 10...)

https://www.**************.com/2019/03/09/villages-fire-department-maintains-stellar-response-times-despite-rapid-growth/

I am talking the old ambulance (AMR).

I was at Sarasota driving range. TV fire department was there in 2 min (they are right across the street). They had the gentleman stabilized in 10 minutes, ambulance took another 35 to 40.
Another time at Piesanos AMR took about 50 minutes.

[Worldseries27]

starbucks cheap shot.
white chocolate mocha goes for 4.75.
Ihop 2 egg, 2 bacon, hash browns and toast 9.99
have to say when a coffee cost nearly 50% of a ihop breakfast
i think the shot might be applicable here

[crash]

I agree completely, but it is the "claimed" part that bothers me, and the second part that bothers me is to give up local control. Politics is so volatile right now, that I think I prefer local control.

You are miss reading this, the special district gives more local control to the Villages instead of the county not less. It is the counties miss management of the AMR contract that has caused the poor ambulance problem. Their management is so poor that they are keeping AMR around for all the county not in the Villages.

[Bill14564]

What's not been pointed out, because it not under control of the district staff, is that as a part of this divestiture from the county, the county will have a decrease in property tax proportional to the amount of the fire department(s) budget and that they (the county) will have a similar separate tax levied on the county (non-villages) residents for fire service. The county fire service will have a similar funding process as The Villages. This should offset a significant portion of the increase that has been presented. The district staff can't speak to this because it is out of their control, it is in the hands of the county staff and the county commissioners.

The true test will be to see what the county plans to do with taxes, if they don't do a tax cut to compensate for the services they will no longer be providing/funding then we, the taxpayers, need to rise up and let our voices be heard. The time for this however is not at budget approval time in September (like what happened 3 years ago), the time is during the budget workshop process that is happening now. These workshops draw few to attend, mainly because they don't understand the process. These workshops are when the decisions are made, and the changes can happen. Don't let them slip by, they've already started. When September rolls around this is just a formality, the final approval, what is required by Florida law, the time for change will be long past.

Understanding how your government works is essential in making it work for you and the way you want it to.

What leads you to say "will have" in the first highlight above? The county pays for its fire protection and ambulance service today partially through property taxes. Why is there any reason to believe that will change? If the county no longer pays for emergency service within the Villages then the county will have a budget surplus but what reason is there to believe they will cut taxes? They *could* leave the property tax rate as it is and use some portion of the surplus to enhance emergency services outside the Villages.

September is too late to make changes to the county budget for this coming year but the independent district would not begin to operate until the 2024 fiscal year. Would this September 2022 budget have changes for the new district or would those changes be part of the budget created a year from now?

September 2022 may be too late to change the budget but it isn't too late to make a decision on the independent district. If the budget that comes out this September doesn't appear favorable then it could affect the vote in November.

[MURALO]

Agree service is important. Post was about cost. There is a helicopter parked all of the time at Villages Hospital and this time of the year it does fly out of the hospital approximately once a day. I wonder what their charge is.

About $20,000.00!

[retfc2@yahoo.com]

The governor will appoint the first board of 5 members. After that the board members will be elected by the Villagers for 2 and 4 year terms.

[Joe C.]

If the current system is defective, why does anybody thing that TV can do better?
And if TV can do better, how is this accomplished?
And if TV can do better, then why doesn't Sumter County adopt their plan and leave the status quo as far as taxes?

Look at whomever is leading the "charge" for this change, and think of whose pockets are going to be lined.

If the system needs to be fixed, then fix it. But when monies are involved, someone is getting richer.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Like majority villagers go to Starbucks. no one goes to the Starbucks in the villages anymore there to crowded

[Bogie Shooter]

If the current system is defective, why does anybody thing that TV can do better?
And if TV can do better, how is this accomplished?
And if TV can do better, then why doesn't Sumter County adopt their plan and leave the status quo as far as taxes?

Look at whomever is leading the "charge" for this change, and think of whose pockets are going to be lined.

If the system needs to be fixed, then fix it. But when monies are involved, someone is getting richer.

Obviously you have not read all the information that has been published on the new plans.

[BumpaOompa]

Why is the cost higher for a Premier model than a Villa? Are people living in Premier homes less healthy and more likely to use the service?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I don't know why AMR is so horrible here in the Villages. We had AMR in New Haven and they were amazing. Average wait time for an ambulance was less than 3 minutes unless there was some kind of catastrophe (fire on one side of town plus a 10-car pileup on the highway and a stabbing downtown and multiple-building fire/explosion at a factory compound, for example).

[rogerk]

What do you mean by "giving up local control?". We will vote locally for the local members of the new fire district board. Can't get much more local than that.

[MartinSE]

What do you mean by "giving up local control?". We will vote locally for the local members of the new fire district board. Can't get much more local than that.

Initially the governor will appoint them, why not us is my question? And don't forget, incumbents tend to remain and get elected - like 90% or more of the time. They could turn out awful, but we wont know until after the Governor changes maybe.

And again, I haven't seen anything that explains what metrics will be used to determine if in fact things are better, and what recourse WE have other than to complain to the Governors appointed flunkies.

I still have not seen an explanation of WHY we have to change everything because AMR is slow. Why not fix that and leave things that have worked so well.

[Babubhat]

None. Vote No

[LuvtheVillages]

Why is the cost higher for a Premier model than a Villa? Are people living in Premier homes less healthy and more likely to use the service?

The cost is based on the assessed value of your home. Premier homes are valued higher than Villas.