[twoplanekid]

Originally Posted by Kenswing

Most fire departments throughout the state use independent fire districts. We’re actually an outlier still being under the county. I figure if it works for the other 53 ifd’s it’ll work just fine for us too.

I understand that there may be 53 independent fire districts. However, most fire departments are independent fire districts.?? This is what I am questioning and would like to see the data.

[oldtimes]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Saw a road sign: Vote No. No new fire district. No new taxes.




and think, some people believe the message.

Unfortunately that is true. No facts just someone's opinion.

[oldtimes]

Originally Posted by Altavia

For me as Bill14564 noted, the financial unknowns are no different from either side.

I have more confidence in The Villages establishing a quality, cost effective fire service for The Villages than Sumter County.

Exactly. There are many retired firefighters in The Villages who will be interested in being on the commission to provide good service at a reasonable cost.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Plinker

The variable of concern to me in your estimate is the 0.1 mil rate. Could this not also be increased to a 1.0 mil rate? That could represent a very substantial amount of money to many Villagers. Did I read the legislation incorrectly? Can
the rate be from 0.1 to 1.0? Potentially a big difference.

Yes, the millage could rise to the 1mil cap. But, why would that happen?

It would happen because the VPSD presented a budget that required more funds. But since we have also been told that the County has never turned down a VOSD request, the same amount would be need and provided if the IFD did not exist. Voting against the IFD is no protection from increasing budgets.

You are concerned about a possible increase up to a 1 mil cap? Then you should be really concerned that in 2019 the BoCC increased the tax rate by 1.7 mils! There was no cap on *that* increase.

So, take your chances on the possibility that 1mil cap could be reached or take your chances with the BoCC and a history of raising taxes by 1.7 mils.

[Bilyclub]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

So, take your chances on the possibility that 1mil cap could be reached or take your chances with the BoCC and a history of raising taxes by 1.7 mils.

So, voting yes would be taking the big chance that the BoCC would not do the right thing and lower property taxes for those paying for the TVIFD. There should also be a Sumter County IFD so that the funding source is clear.

[Babubhat]

Nothing in this thread will change anyones mind

[oldtimes]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

Nothing in this thread will change anyones mind

Some will understand better than others. I know at least one who has seen the light.

[Byte1]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Like you, I was initially against this proposal. My concerns were that it could be used as an excuse for the county raise taxes through a backdoor method, and that I might very well end up paying substantially more than a person on the next block for the same service because of the milage rate tied to a home's assessment.

However, looking deeper and thinking about it, the services cost what they cost, and therefore the proposal should be cost neutral. Likewise, unless the county plays games, it should be revenue neutral as well. And the county can play games with the tax rate whenever they want anyway. As far as paying more than a neighbor for the same service, we already are---3/4 of the fire services cost comes out of the general revenue which is of course based on home assessment.

Given all that, I've reconsidered and will support the new IFD---since I'm pretty sure that a merger of the two fire depts would result in a decrease in service to TV, something worth avoiding.

Thank you....

[Bilyclub]

After much reading I can safely say the following:

The Sumter Co FD and The Villages FD have similar, total budgets.
The Independent Villages Fire District would include 80% of the population and property values of Sumter Co.
The Sumter Co FD would serve 20% of the population and property values in Sumter Co.
Each FD will get their funding from their service area.
All the above statements were from Don Wiley.


With similar budgets and the the passing of the TVIFD, will those 20 % in Sumter Co be in for some sticker shock when they get the bill for their FD? Why is the SCFD budget so big with less properties to serve?
Have TV properties been subsidizing the SCFD?

I think whichever way the IFD vote goes, the residents of TV will be paying something for the SCFD.

[Mrs.Guy]

Originally Posted by Bilyclub

After much reading I can safely say the following:

The Sumter Co FD and The Villages FD have similar, total budgets.
The Independent Villages Fire District would include 80% of the population and property values of Sumter Co.
The Sumter Co FD would serve 20% of the population and property values in Sumter Co.
Each FD will get their funding from their service area.
All the above statements were from Don Wiley.


With similar budgets and the the passing of the TVIFD, will those 20 % in Sumter Co be in for some sticker shock when they get the bill for their FD? Why is the SCFD budget so big with less properties to serve?
Have TV properties been subsidizing the SCFD?

I think whichever way the IFD vote goes, the residents of TV will be paying something for the SCFD.

Would it be safe to say that you will be going to the VHA informational meeting tonight to get the answers to your questions? The people that run YOUR government and YOUR fire dept. will be there to answer any questions. On the front page of todays paper.

[kingofbeer]

Status quo sounds good to me. I don't want my property taxes to go up.

[Bilyclub]

Originally Posted by Mrs.Guy

Would it be safe to say that you will be going to the VHA informational meeting tonight to get the answers to your questions? The people that run YOUR government and YOUR fire dept. will be there to answer any questions. On the front page of todays paper.

They will not answer those questions because they are not the Sumter County Board who is responsible for the Sumter County Fire Department. The SCBOC has chosen to remain silent on the whole issue except for Don Wiley.

[Babubhat]

Originally Posted by oldtimes

Some will understand better than others. I know at least one who has seen the light.

One. That should decide the issue. I like my Money more than speculative promises

[Mrs.Guy]

Originally Posted by kingofbeer

Status quo sounds good to me. I don't want my property taxes to go up.

If the Sumter Co Board had their way and combined both dept. into one and you were laying on the ground holding your chest waiting for AMR..... well you might think just a little differently. With your last breath you might be asking where do I send the money? And you do know the two dept. have different ISO ratings..... Take a wild guess who has the better one and pays less in insurance. Last I looked the VPSD had an ISO rating of 2 and only 2% of all Fire Dept. in the U.S. can say that. They are professionals at their job and they would like our support.....that's all I needed to know to VOTE YES. We want them there when we need them and should be there for them also.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by kingofbeer

Status quo sounds good to me. I don't want my property taxes to go up.

If you vote yes, your property taxes may go up
If you vote no, your property taxes may go up

They shouldn't, but that will essentially be up to Sumter County, not The Villages

But if you vote no, you may have your emergency services merged with Sumter County, which would probably diminish service, AND your property taxes may go up