[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

Well, IMO they might have to live within budget like most do? But, I sure they find way to keep flow coming especially their 6 figure salary plus for part time job…

So 500K total salary for the county commissioners, what % of the budget do you believe that is and even if they reduced it by 50% it wouldn't make an impact.

[shut the front door]

Originally Posted by Joecooool418

They have already said they will be cutting about 50 jobs and eliminating a bunch of services. They said eventually they will have to cut into the police and fire department too.

The first services they specifically mentioned were veterans' services, elderly transportation services, parks, libraries, and the animal shelters.

But wait! All those posters said that police and fire have nothing to do with it and that they aren't allowed to?

[RoboVil]

Originally Posted by JoMar

So 500K total salary for the county commissioners, what % of the budget do you believe that is and even if they reduced it by 50% it wouldn't make an impact.

They are still getting paid a great amount for a part-time job. Anyone else getting $125,000 a year for a part-time job? If I was getting that amount, I sure would want the gravy train to continue.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by RoboVil

They are still getting paid a great amount for a part-time job. Anyone else getting $125,000 a year for a part-time job? If I was getting that amount, I sure would want the gravy train to continue.

There are 5 Commissioners in Sumter County. They get paid $84,119 each for the 2026-2027 year, per state mandate. The county doesn't get to decide what their commissioners are paid. Their health benefits are provided by the county, however they still have to pay 20% of the premiums plus any co-pay or co-insurance. If they want to put their spouse or dependents on the plan, they have to pay 100% of the premiums for them, at the group rate. The current average cost for the Commissioner to have insurance through the "company plan" would be approximately $286 per month. That's THEIR 20% cost. The rest - $1082/month - is paid by the county.

Once their term is over, if they're not re-elected, they drop off the benefits package and have to matriculate back into the ACA or Medicare system (depending on their age), or self-pay.

Finally, county commissioners work between 30 and 60 hours per week, depending on that week's specific issues. So yes it's a FULL time job, not part-time.

[RoboVil]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

There are 5 Commissioners in Sumter County. They get paid $84,119 each for the 2026-2027 year, per state mandate. The county doesn't get to decide what their commissioners are paid. Their health benefits are provided by the county, however they still have to pay 20% of the premiums plus any co-pay or co-insurance. If they want to put their spouse or dependents on the plan, they have to pay 100% of the premiums for them, at the group rate. The current average cost for the Commissioner to have insurance through the "company plan" would be approximately $286 per month. That's THEIR 20% cost. The rest - $1082/month - is paid by the county.

Once their term is over, if they're not re-elected, they drop off the benefits package and have to matriculate back into the ACA or Medicare system (depending on their age), or self-pay.

Finally, county commissioners work between 30 and 60 hours per week, depending on that week's specific issues. So yes it's a FULL time job, not part-time.

Thanks for the correction. You certainly have detailed information regarding county officials. Are you a county commissioner yourself, or is one in your family?

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

There are 5 Commissioners in Sumter County. They get paid $84,119 each for the 2026-2027 year, per state mandate. The county doesn't get to decide what their commissioners are paid. Their health benefits are provided by the county, however they still have to pay 20% of the premiums plus any co-pay or co-insurance. If they want to put their spouse or dependents on the plan, they have to pay 100% of the premiums for them, at the group rate. The current average cost for the Commissioner to have insurance through the "company plan" would be approximately $286 per month. That's THEIR 20% cost. The rest - $1082/month - is paid by the county.

Once their term is over, if they're not re-elected, they drop off the benefits package and have to matriculate back into the ACA or Medicare system (depending on their age), or self-pay.

Finally, county commissioners work between 30 and 60 hours per week, depending on that week's specific issues. So yes it's a FULL time job, not part-time.

County Commissioners in Florida are paid by using a state mandated population formula. Their salaries can vary from year to year. An individual commissioner can voluntarily choose to take a reduced salary. They are never paid an hourly rate. They hold an elected, part time position. AT TIMES, they may work 30-60 hours per week. Participation in the government healthcare plan is optional. If they serve 2 terms (8 years), they become eligible for continued retirement and health benefits.

[Normal]

I’m not sure commissioner salaries are the number one priority on budgeting. The Sheriff’s Office consumes the lion’s share of all tax dollars here in Sumter County. Procurement and HR will be doing a lot of work to make things fit across the county. Extra bells and whistles like, training travels and the new bailiff position are likely gone.

Municipalities and county governments all had to see this coming. The amendment was easily going to pass. Wildwood seems better poised to absorb the hits rather than county government. I’m sure the key is both working together while considering the “build baby build” mentality has an ending and is a poor model for the future of the county.

[asianthree]

Many who voted for A-3 won’t be affected, so bonus.
Sadly veterans who counted on help filing paperwork, getting helpful information, and rides to appointments, may be affected. Our past villages had , 3 WW guys already panicking if rides disappear or help fixing issues, what will they do..Hopefully neighbors will step up to help with paperwork and other issues.

After all does it really matter the trickle down effects….as long as not my house, don’t care who is effected? I know lowering taxes never has a negative impact….

[Normal]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Many who voted for A-3 won’t be affected, so bonus.
Sadly veterans who counted on help filing paperwork, getting helpful information, and rides to appointments, may be affected. Our past villages had , 3 WW guys already panicking if rides disappear or help fixing issues, what will they do..Hopefully neighbors will step up to help with paperwork and other issues.

After all does it really matter the trickle down effects….as long as not my house, don’t care who is effected? I know lowering taxes never has a negative impact….

Meanwhile, the VA clinic stays 100% opened with 100% continuous status quo service with some improvements. Yes, some may need to have the VA help with paperwork, but there are ample volunteers who will assist right there at the front door. Ride shares are probably like they were before the county stepped in.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by RoboVil

Thanks for the correction. You certainly have detailed information regarding county officials. Are you a county commissioner yourself, or is one in your family?

No, this is public information. I looked it up.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Normal

I’m not sure commissioner salaries are the number one priority on budgeting. The Sheriff’s Office consumes the lion’s share of all tax dollars here in Sumter County. Procurement and HR will be doing a lot of work to make things fit across the county. Extra bells and whistles like, training travels and the new bailiff position are likely gone.

Municipalities and county governments all had to see this coming. The amendment was easily going to pass. Wildwood seems better poised to absorb the hits rather than county government. I’m sure the key is both working together while considering the “build baby build” mentality has an ending and is a poor model for the future of the county.

It didn't "easily" pass. It only passed by 2 points.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Normal

I’m not sure commissioner salaries are the number one priority on budgeting. The Sheriff’s Office consumes the lion’s share of all tax dollars here in Sumter County. Procurement and HR will be doing a lot of work to make things fit across the county. Extra bells and whistles like, training travels and the new bailiff position are likely gone.

Municipalities and county governments all had to see this coming. The amendment was easily going to pass. Wildwood seems better poised to absorb the hits rather than county government. I’m sure the key is both working together while considering the “build baby build” mentality has an ending and is a poor model for the future of the county.

Extra bells and whistles like training? Because sure, continued training officers with guns and in positions to take away your rights is overrated.

Municipalities and county governments did anticipate this coming. They spoke about it, warned about it, and even generated budgets to show what would be cut if it passed. Now many of those who spoke out in favor of it and helped pass it are asking where the cuts will be and complaining when they find out. Educating oneself *after* voting is somewhat less than useful.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by shut the front door

But wait! All those posters said that police and fire have nothing to do with it and that they aren't allowed to?

DeSantis was asked about police and fire after amendment 3 passed. He stated there is no reason to be concerned. The state can easily fund counties who need assistance.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

DeSantis was asked about police and fire after amendment 3 passed. He stated there is no reason to be concerned. The state can easily fund counties who need assistance.

Lame Duck rarely care about Q&A, unless they have prediction for next gov.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Lame Duck rarely care about Q&A, unless they have prediction for next gov.

DeSantis leaving office will not change the fact that the state can easily fund counties who need assistance. The incoming governor has stated he will continue to find ways to lower property taxes in Florida as amendment 3 has allowed.