[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Jazuela

Wait and see is something people do when they've given up on trying to participate. "Let's wait and see if that tornado comes through our kitchen" instead of "get down into the storm cellar now, kids."

You could march. Lot of that going on.

I don't think that the tax increase will be anywhere close to 25%.

For one thing, that would not be good for home sales.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

You could march. Lot of that going on.

Or you could go to the public meetings and add to the numbers of people showing up to voice their concerns. They seem to be listening.


I don't get the passiveness, or snide comments about people wanting to effect change.

[Chatbrat]

Back in 92, we had the tax revolt in NJ, fired the Governor(Florio) and most of the incumbents --the taxes went down- I was Morris County coordinator for"Hands Across NJ" it worked--we made a change---too bad it didn't last

[SERENITY52]

Why have any tax increase? But if you must, a 10% sales tax would be best.

[fastboat]

Before the country raises taxes I for one would like to see a complete, detailed list of receipts and expenditures, in plain English. First question is Why have the commissioners included a, what was it, 12% raise for themselves? Why isn't the developer paying for the Buena Vista road extension himself, it's for HIS benefit more than anyone else's? With all the NEW homes being built, a much larger tax base, why do taxes need to be raised by such an outlandishly large percentage?

Start with those.......

[Rwirish]

Both taxes are not needed. A terrible idea.

[Altavia]

Using percentages alone to judge merit is like a blind man touching an elephants tusk and concluding the elephant is made of ivory.

The proposed investment in first responder services and infrastructure amounts to less than $1 a day for a $300K valuation.

[jeriteri]

Originally Posted by garyseitz

Sorry if I was not clear. I’m no way suggesting a raise in sales tax. Was merely pointing out the financial impact on me. ie: 25% property tax = 3% sales tax increase. I agree a 10% sales tax would be idiotic.

A hike in sales tax would not be the same. Property tax is carved in stone whereas sales tax income fluctuates.

[MDLNB]

NO to an increase in sales tax. And I doubt if they can convince ANYONE that an increase in property tax by 25% is credible or warranted. With the increase in building and influx of migration of retirees, I do not see how they can justify an increase that large. Show me the stats that warrants such an increase. Convince me.

[ts12755]

Sales tax is paid by all... Property tax is only paid by home owners.

[Rowley]

We moved to TV for several reasons and but the reason we chose Sumter County was due to the taxes being lower than the other two. What is being done to reduce costs at the county level? What will be the added benefits of higher taxes? I’m not an advocate of increased taxes as I have a limited budget and I personally will have to reduce my expenses. Why not government?

Originally Posted by CFrance

Gas may or may not go back up, but pretty sure the 25% property tax increase wouldn't go down.

[45candyapple]

Raising taxes might be a needed thing to do, however, we shouldn't be hit all at once..........it is outrageous to have a 25% tax hike in one year. The County Officials should have had a better plan all these years and projected the need for more money to take care of the needs of the county. Even though people live in The Villages doesn't mean EVERYONE is rich. It is just as much a burden on some of us and anyone not living in The Villages. Where are the mind's of the Officials. Do they live in Sumter so their taxes will be raised also????

Same goes for a sales tax rate all at once, CRAZY!!!

The cost of everything is going up but it happens a little at a time. Use your heads County People.

[New Englander]

The property tax in Sumter County is going up. But I really doubt it will be as large as 25%.

[72lions]

You are aware that Sumter County’s tax rate is lower than it was 5 years ago, right?

[airstreamingypsy]

I think it's outrageous to increase the costs to Sumter County residents who don't live in The Villages. The county needs more money because of The Villages, and The Villages is who will benefit from it. Making long time residents, of Sumter, who won't benefit, will create even more of a hardship for them. These people lived in a peaceful, beautiful pastoral place. Now they have trucks all day, traffic, noise. People who live in The Villages think it's a wonderful place, people who don't see their homeland being destroyed and now they will have to pay for it?