Non-AD Valorem Assessment?????

[midiwiz]

Seriously? Here we go. Over the weekend, from TV Finace Dept. We recieved (as many of you probably did) an assessment meeting notice. that they want to levy for 2025-2026. So aside from the incompetence of management of this community, I'm wondering how many people on tight budgets this is going to adversly effect.

I also find it somewhat dodging to hold a public hearing on a Thursday afternoon at 3pm. Honestly, the timing is suspect, August notice, meeting Sept, collection October.

How does an organization blow a budget by $4.5M???????

[Bill14564]

Seriously? Here we go. Over the weekend, from TV Finace Dept. We recieved (as many of you probably did) an assessment meeting notice. that they want to levy for 2025-2026. So aside from the incompetence of management of this community, I'm wondering how many people on tight budgets this is going to adversly effect.

I also find it somewhat dodging to hold a public hearing on a Thursday afternoon at 3pm. Honestly, the timing is suspect, August notice, meeting Sept, collection October.

How does an organization blow a budget by $4.5M???????

Looking at the proposed budget for my district, the two largest increases I see are $300K for electricity and $20K for landscaping. We knew last year that SECO was increasing fees by a stupid amount and it looks like it hit this year. The increased maintenance fee will just about cover the increased charge from SECO.

[Rainger99]

Seriously? Here we go. Over the weekend, from TV Finace Dept. We recieved (as many of you probably did) an assessment meeting notice. that they want to levy for 2025-2026. So aside from the incompetence of management of this community, I'm wondering how many people on tight budgets this is going to adversly effect.

I also find it somewhat dodging to hold a public hearing on a Thursday afternoon at 3pm. Honestly, the timing is suspect, August notice, meeting Sept, collection October.

How does an organization blow a budget by $4.5M???????

Is this all districts or just some?

[GoRedSox!]

I can see in Informed Delivery that I will receive this notice in the mail today. I am unclear on what this assessment is, as the only thing I pay directly to The Villages Community Development District is the monthly amenity, garbage, water, irrigation, sewer bill.

Is this a new proposed charge, or an increase in what we already pay with property taxes to the Sumter Tax Collector? I am in Alden Bungalows, I believe that is District 10.

Thank you in advance for any information on this, I am not familiar with this charge.

[midiwiz]

I can see in Informed Delivery that I will receive this notice in the mail today. I am unclear on what this assessment is, as the only thing I pay directly to The Villages Community Development District is the monthly amenity, garbage, water, irrigation, sewer bill.

Is this a new proposed charge, or an increase in what we already pay with property taxes to the Sumter Tax Collector? I am in Alden Bungalows, I believe that is District 10.

Thank you in advance for any information on this, I am not familiar with this charge.

it's a total of approx. $1500 over 3 periods of an assessment. aka extra charge.

[midiwiz]

Is this all districts or just some?

District 10, why just 10? there must be others.

[midiwiz]

Looking at the proposed budget for my district, the two largest increases I see are $300K for electricity and $20K for landscaping. We knew last year that SECO was increasing fees by a stupid amount and it looks like it hit this year. The increased maintenance fee will just about cover the increased charge from SECO.

but this is $4.5MILLION for ONE district!!!!!!

[GoRedSox!]

District 10, why just 10? there must be others.


I was just saying I am in District 10. I have no idea what other districts may or may not be affected.

[midiwiz]

I was just saying I am in District 10. I have no idea what other districts may or may not be affected.

yes I get that BUT $4.5M for 1 district????

[Bill14564]

it's a total of approx. $1500 over 3 periods of an assessment. aka extra charge.

??? I see an increase of $46 in my once-yearly maintenance fee. What is this $1,500 over three periods?

It seems the District 10 letters have gone out. I have no idea what the other districts are doing but the discussion would likely be in the minutes of their last meeting, the agenda for their next meeting, or the scheduling of a special public meeting.

[Bill14564]

but this is $4.5MILLION for ONE district!!!!!!

I don't keep track of the budgets of the other districts but you can find them under each district's page on districtgov.org.

I can't say whether $4.5M is reasonable outside the Villages but it is consistent with the CDD10 budget over the past several years.

[midiwiz]

??? I see an increase of $46 in my once-yearly maintenance fee. What is this $1,500 over three periods?

It seems the District 10 letters have gone out. I have no idea what the other districts are doing but the discussion would likely be in the minutes of their last meeting, the agenda for their next meeting, or the scheduling of a special public meeting.

it's right in the center -

24-25 $707.82
25-26 $760.91
25-26 $53.09

This is ASIDE from your amenity fee.

[midiwiz]

I don't keep track of the budgets of the other districts but you can find them under each district's page on districtgov.org.

I can't say whether $4.5M is reasonable outside the Villages but it is consistent with the CDD10 budget over the past several years.

all you guys put up with this BS? we are not supposed to pay an assessment so they can hit their budget, their budget is to be within what we currently pay every year.

[Bill14564]

it's right in the center -

24-25 $707.82
25-26 $760.91
25-26 $53.09

This is ASIDE from your amenity fee.

You are misunderstanding.

My maintenance fee for FY 24-25 was $621.68
My maintenance fee for FY 25-26 will be $668.31
This is an increase in my maintenance fee of $46.63 compared to last year.

[Bill14564]

all you guys put up with this BS? we are not supposed to pay an assessment so they can hit their budget, their budget is to be within what we currently pay every year.

Do you believe flowers for the roundabouts did not increase this year?
Do you believe labor for mowing the grass did not increase this year?
Do you believe the cost of maintaining the roads in the Villas did not increase this year?
Do you believe the cost of electricity did not increase this year?

Do you believe ANYTHING that the maintenance fee pays for did not increase this year? Because if anything DID increase this year (like electricity increasing $300K) then either the maintenance fee must increase or something that we enjoy now must be dropped.

Hey, I'm all for dropping every street light and being able to see the stars again but I suspect that suggestion would not get very far.

[midiwiz]

Do you believe flowers for the roundabouts did not increase this year?
Do you believe labor for mowing the grass did not increase this year?
Do you believe the cost of maintaining the roads in the Villas did not increase this year?
Do you believe the cost of electricity did not increase this year?

Do you believe ANYTHING that the maintenance fee pays for did not increase this year? Because if anything DID increase this year (like electricity increasing $300K) then either the maintenance fee must increase or something that we enjoy now must be dropped.

Hey, I'm all for dropping every street light and being able to see the stars again but I suspect that suggestion would not get very far.

I'm well aware of that I ran a HOA for 3.5 years on the coast, and IF these numbers refect reality or the delta it's worded completely wrong. I still stand behind what I said, if the current solution doesn't fit the budget you change the solution. PLUS They grow their own flowers! The are far more self sufficient that you give them credit for. As for the crew? we changed as we found better bids and kept the runner up in our back pocket. Just like a corporation, once insurance re-up is completed you start reviewing and looking for next year. It's common business practice.

[Bill14564]

I'm well aware of that I ran a HOA for 3.5 years on the coast, and IF these numbers refect reality or the delta it's worded completely wrong. I still stand behind what I said, if the current solution doesn't fit the budget you change the solution. PLUS They grow their own flowers! The are far more self sufficient that you give them credit for. As for the crew? we changed as we found better bids and kept the runner up in our back pocket. Just like a corporation, once insurance re-up is completed you start reviewing and looking for next year. It's common business practice.

CDD10 meetings are held monthly. The PWAC spends much of the maintenance fee and they also have monthly meetings. The CDD10 budget workshops were held last month. There recently was an opening for a CDD10 supervisor and other positions will be up for election. Have you considered being part of the solution?

[midiwiz]

CDD10 meetings are held monthly. The PWAC spends much of the maintenance fee and they also have monthly meetings. The CDD10 budget workshops were held last month. There recently was an opening for a CDD10 supervisor and other positions will be up for election. Have you considered being part of the solution?

for those of us that work for a living AND have been president of a HOA in Florida, sure I considered it for all of 1 second. Trust me it's not the headache I care to have again.

[idlewild]

You are misunderstanding.

My maintenance fee for FY 24-25 was $621.68
My maintenance fee for FY 25-26 will be $668.31
This is an increase in my maintenance fee of $46.63 compared to last year.

Did you see this, midiwiz? Which is it: a $1500 increase or a $50 increase?

[Bill14564]

Did you see this, midiwiz? Which is it: a $1500 increase or a $50 increase?

We'll know when the TRIM notices come out in a couple of weeks.

I'll be happy to win a beer from anyone who wants to be against me.

[midiwiz]

We'll know when the TRIM notices come out in a couple of weeks.

I'll be happy to win a beer from anyone who wants to be against me.

i talked to them took 30 minutes for someone to know what is going on. Finally they just blamed the poor wording on the lawyers LOL. it's the taxes that are effected not the monthly rip-off bill. They admitted the message was a bit off and it's what the bill should be vs what is. ergo not 1500 ..... they felt a bit stupid.

[Bogie Shooter]

i talked to them took 30 minutes for someone to know what is going on. Finally they just blamed the poor wording on the lawyers LOL. it's the taxes that are effected not the monthly rip-off bill. They admitted the message was a bit off and it's what the bill should be vs what is. ergo not 1500 ..... they felt a bit stupid.

Taxes?
Would it not be the maintenance fee?
Why the “rip-off” …….not a happy camper?

[midiwiz]

Taxes?
Would it not be the maintenance fee?
Why the “rip-off” …….not a happy camper?

yes they explained all that type of stuff gets dumped into our tax bill with the county and the county gives them the $$$ for it.

As for the "rip-off" sure, I guess you've never lived in other parts of Florida? We used to pay $6 a month for reclamation water, no matter how much we used. Sewer fee is amazing, never had that one. Either rate I don't complain about the amenities fee, I much like life, pay it so all of you can enjoy what you like.

[Bogie Shooter]

yes they explained all that type of stuff gets dumped into our tax bill with the county and the county gives them the $$$ for it.

As for the "rip-off" sure, I guess you've never lived in other parts of Florida? We used to pay $6 a month for reclamation water, no matter how much we used. Sewer fee is amazing, never had that one. Either rate I don't complain about the amenities fee, I much like life, pay it so all of you can enjoy what you like.

:1rotfl::1rotfl:
Was this all in a van down by the river……

[GoRedSox!]

I received my notice in the mail, and it was worded far better. It’s said my maintenance assessment in 24-25 was $510.61. They are proposing a new assessment for 25-26 of $548.91. They then say the increase is $38.30.

There is a public hearing to discuss on September 4 at 3 pm.

I realize this increase is over 7%, but I am not going to sweat $38.30 over a year. This is a non-issue for me, and I hope for everyone. Good luck to all.

[BrianL99]

I received my notice in the mail, and it was worded far better. It’s said my maintenance assessment in 24-25 was $510.61. They are proposing a new assessment for 25-26 of $548.91. They then say the increase is $38.30.

There is a public hearing to discuss on September 4 at 3 pm.

I realize this increase is over 7%, but I am not going to sweat $38.30 over a year. This is a non-issue for me, and I hope for everyone. Good luck to all.


As always, the Sky is Falling when issues get to TOTV. A little more than $1 day doesn't seem like a catastrophe.

[Bill14564]

As always, the Sky is Falling when issues get to TOTV. A little more than $1 day doesn't seem like a catastrophe.

Yes, but a dime here and a nickel there and pretty soon you're talking about real money..

In 2018 my maintenance fee was $500. It was increased in 2021, 2023, and now 2025 to where it will be $668. Not, "a little more than $1 a day," but more like an increase of $.50/day since I moved here.

$168/year isn't going to keep me from buying good beer but if it was in my pocket I could buy 20 more.

[mtdjed]

Yes, but a dime here and a nickel there and pretty soon you're talking about real money..

In 2018 my maintenance fee was $500. It was increased in 2021, 2023, and now 2025 to where it will be $668. Not, "a little more than $1 a day," but more like an increase of $.50/day since I moved here.

$168/year isn't going to keep me from buying good beer but if it was in my pocket I could buy 20 more.

Seems like this whole thread was much ado about nothing.

[jrref]

The increase isn't that much in the big scheme of things but I'm sure for some on a fixed income, rising costs can be a problem. This whole thing with Seco concerns me because they raised the prices now but what's stopping them from continuing in subsequent years. I think we need to build a very large solar farm on the Polo Grounds and generate our own power.

[Rainger99]

I'm sure for some on a fixed income, rising costs can be a problem.

Aren’t we all on a fixed income?

It is just that some are fixed higher than others.

[CarlR33]

Aren’t we all on a fixed income?

It is just that some are fixed higher than others.

The fixed income statement would be for someone living in a van down by the river not The Villages?

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Aren’t we all on a fixed income?
It is just that some are fixed higher than others.

I have always been on a fixed income, it was called a salary!

and for awhile I was in charge of sales commission finance, and those sales reps are NOT on a fixed income!

[Retiredsteve]

Do you believe flowers for the roundabouts did not increase this year?
Do you believe labor for mowing the grass did not increase this year?
Do you believe the cost of maintaining the roads in the Villas did not increase this year?
Do you believe the cost of electricity did not increase this year?

Do you believe ANYTHING that the maintenance fee pays for did not increase this year? Because if anything DID increase this year (like electricity increasing $300K) then either the maintenance fee must increase or something that we enjoy now must be dropped.

Hey, I'm all for dropping every street light and being able to see the stars again but I suspect that suggestion would not get very far. I do believe everything is going down. The President tells me that every day

[Worldseries27]

Bottoms up

[SaucyJim]

Do you believe flowers for the roundabouts did not increase this year?
Do you believe labor for mowing the grass did not increase this year?
Do you believe the cost of maintaining the roads in the Villas did not increase this year?
Do you believe the cost of electricity did not increase this year?

Do you believe ANYTHING that the maintenance fee pays for did not increase this year? Because if anything DID increase this year (like electricity increasing $300K) then either the maintenance fee must increase or something that we enjoy now must be dropped.

Hey, I'm all for dropping every street light and being able to see the stars again but I suspect that suggestion would not get very far.

I second the motion on the streetlights. I can read in my living room with the light pollution coming in off of my street. At least put them on motion detectors or greatly lower the wattage in the bulbs.

[BrianL99]

Things must be better in some Districts.

The PWAC just approved a $3.5M make-over for the Sumter Landing Wharf.

[Chamo]

How about starting not planting flowers at the roundabouts three times a year? How about they stop building for a while instead of buying every piece of property, they can get and build on. They are spreading way too far and way too fast. It will have to come to an end sooner or later. They should take care of what they have now instead of looking 20 years in the future.

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

“Incompetent management?” Look around. If “this place” looked in poor repair, I would likely suspect mismanagement. If my budget no longer allowed me to live here, I would not expect others to supplement my expenses. I would have to explore other areas in which to live.

[Worldseries27]

how about starting not planting flowers at the roundabouts three times a year? How about they stop building for a while instead of buying every piece of property, they can get and build on. They are spreading way too far and way too fast. It will have to come to an end sooner or later. They should take care of what they have now instead of looking 20 years in the future.
wellllll????

[RoseyRed]

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:Bottoms up

[Bill14564]

Things must be better in some Districts.

The PWAC just approved a $3.5M make-over for the Sumter Landing Wharf.

The last I heard, that was approved as a new amenity and was removed from the Project Wide responsibility. What this means is that the maintenance fee being discussed in this thread will no longer be used for that portion of the Sumter Landing infrastructure. In theory, that helps keep our maintenance fee down a tiny amount.

On the other hand, our amenity fee just got hit for another $3.5M plus yearly maintenance costs. The PWAC/SLCDD can't afford an amenity fee cap if they're going to take on new $M projects every year.

[Bill14564]

How about starting not planting flowers at the roundabouts three times a year? How about they stop building for a while instead of buying every piece of property, they can get and build on. They are spreading way too far and way too fast. It will have to come to an end sooner or later. They should take care of what they have now instead of looking 20 years in the future.

New home construction does not impact the non-ad valorem maintenance fee at all for districts 1-13.

As others have pointed out, your CDD and the PWAC seem to be taking care of things pretty well.

[VAtoFLA]

How about starting not planting flowers at the roundabouts three times a year? How about they stop building for a while instead of buying every piece of property, they can get and build on. They are spreading way too far and way too fast. It will have to come to an end sooner or later. They should take care of what they have now instead of looking 20 years in the future.
The developer deciding to stop building would have no impact on the maintenance of the existing CDD's.

[thelegges]

How about starting not planting flowers at the roundabouts three times a year? How about they stop building for a while instead of buying every piece of property, they can get and build on. They are spreading way too far and way too fast. It will have to come to an end sooner or later. They should take care of what they have now instead of looking 20 years in the future.

In 2004 my parents took first look at TV. In 2007 builds are going to Stop. There was such a panic homes were selling in seconds. We were shopping for a vaca home, and decided not to buy. Then downturn in 2008 of buying. We bought the first house in 2010.

So I have to ask Chamo if TV shut the door in 2010, where would you be? Definitely not in TV.

Is it ok to shut the door because you bought, and no one else should be allowed?

Some residents in the far North of TV think the build should have stopped at SS.

Flowers on the other hand is 4 times a year, tearing out annuals way before they come to full potential could be dropped to 3 times a year and still have beautiful roundabout. Planting more perennials would be beneficial

[Worldseries27]

the developer deciding to stop building would have no impact on the maintenance of the existing cdd's.
this is no place for logic

[Worldseries27]

Need a variety. Maybe plant some medicinal flowers

[Mrfriendly]

District 10, why just 10? there must be others.

District 7 also.

[Mrfriendly]

I received my notice in the mail, and it was worded far better. It’s said my maintenance assessment in 24-25 was $510.61. They are proposing a new assessment for 25-26 of $548.91. They then say the increase is $38.30.

There is a public hearing to discuss on September 4 at 3 pm.

I realize this increase is over 7%, but I am not going to sweat $38.30 over a year. This is a non-issue for me, and I hope for everyone. Good luck to all.

In district 7, my parcel annual maintenance assessment is $543.61 and the proposed is going to be $652.33 which is an increase of $108.72 compared to last year..

[idlewild]

In district 7, my parcel annual maintenance assessment is $543.61 and the proposed is going to be $652.33 which is an increase of $108.72 compared to last year..

Thanks for sharing.

Your $108.72 increase might not seem like much, but it's your new base so every same % increase hereafter will net a higher maintenance fee.

Assuming, admittedly incorrectly, that all homesites in a CDD pay the same maintenance:

CDD 7: ~$100 increase at 4,765 homesites = $476,500.
CDD 10: ~$50 increase at 6,639 homesites = $331,950.

:pepper2:

Anyone in CDD 8 or CDD 9?

[Justputt]

In what world does the cost of labor, electricity, road repairs, other utilities, and other infrastructure not rise? If we lived in an undermaintained dump, I could understand the outrage BUT WE DON'T! Do you think if you lived outside the bubble in any other development these things would be covered by the developer at no cost to the homeowner? As it turns out, VT does an excellent job of maintaining the properties long after they're built out, and unlike other developers, they just don't turn the page, move on, and let nature take over common grounds! I would like to know if WE are paying for those commercial properties (buildings, business) VT family members hold onto and rent out.

[JMintzer]

??? I see an increase of $46 in my once-yearly maintenance fee. What is this $1,500 over three periods?

It seems the District 10 letters have gone out. I have no idea what the other districts are doing but the discussion would likely be in the minutes of their last meeting, the agenda for their next meeting, or the scheduling of a special public meeting.

Pretty much the same here. Ours is $52/year... (District 10)

[BrianL99]

As it turns out, VT does an excellent job of maintaining the properties long after they're built out, and unlike other developers, they just don't turn the page, move on, and let nature take over common grounds! I would like to know if WE are paying for those commercial properties (buildings, business) VT family members hold onto and rent out.

Who is VT and what properties are they maintaining, other than the ones they own?

The property owners in The Villages maintain the "common grounds", through the District (other than any miscellaneous "common ground" owned by the County).

We are sort of paying for some on the commercial properties, because the Districts leases space from the Developer.

[Flyers999]

In 2004 .......

Flowers on the other hand is 4 times a year, tearing out annuals way before they come to full potential could be dropped to 3 times a year and still have beautiful roundabout. Planting more perennials would be beneficial

CDD4 here. That was proposed at a meeting a few years ago and it was revealed that it would cost us more money if we went from four planting to three. Here's why. The developer is contractually obligate to pay the CDD a certain amount of money each year to do four plantings. If the CDD did three, the developer's contribution would drop to zero.

[Worldseries27]

Any increase here?

[Marmaduke]

Seems like this whole thread was much ado about nothing.
Exactly, Much Ado about Nothing.
Research or a phone call to the District Offices would have been my 1st step, if I had been concerned, especially IF I had such defined HOA experience.

But, the jibber jabber that resulted was different than a usual post in TOTV, where many folks chime in.

T.Y. for your measured responses Bill and regulars. I agreed with everything you posted.

And, I'll add, it's Not a Rip-Off.

If I thought it was a "RIP-OFF in ANY WAY, I wouldn't have moved to TV in the first place.

We believe in Due Diligence. No surprises here with the moderate rise in the Cost of Living, no major shift. SMH!

[midiwiz]

Exactly, Much Ado about Nothing.
Research or a phone call to the District Offices would have been my 1st step, if I had been concerned, especially IF I had such defined HOA experience.

But, the jibber jabber that resulted was different than a usual post in TOTV, where many folks chime in.

T.Y. for your measured responses Bill and regulars. I agreed with everything you posted.

And, I'll add, it's Not a Rip-Off.

If I thought it was a "RIP-OFF in ANY WAY, I wouldn't have moved to TV in the first place.

We believe in Due Diligence. No surprises here with the moderate rise in the Cost of Living, no major shift. SMH!

ok 2 points, not really reaching out to see what's up is often better than the call. Most Social media responses happen far faster, PLUS I always check for flaws before I go to the source. Our attorney educated me in the loop holes, I go that road first.

your opinion on rip off. I feel it is. I am not happy with the taxes, etc. I was cheaper where we used to be by over half, and don't give me the move if you don't like it crap. I'm stuck here whether I like it or not for at least 2 more years. Like I said I pay this money for all of you to enjoy this place. When we retire we'll go somewhere else.

[Pugchief]

I pay this money for all of you to enjoy this place. When we retire we'll go somewhere else.

Why would you move to an active retirement community if you weren't interested in the amenities? And now you resent everyone else here?

All the activities and awesome people are what sold us on staying.

[Mrprez]

District 12 increase is $19.07. Notices came today.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Another great reason to live in the Historic Side. No maintenance assessment fees. Sumter folks love to brag about how their taxes are lower than ours. And that's true. They are lower. But then they have to add the cost of bonds and maintenance assessment fees. I'm gonna take a gander that this adds up to more than we pay in just our taxes here on the "other side of the tracks."

[Ignatz]

Couldn’t agree more! We pay for the “total package” here in TV. WOW, imagine being stuck here like some people. ������