[asianthree]

Originally Posted by LeRoySmith

If you're aware of a veteran that needs assistance please post it here. I'm happy to help in any way needed.

Will pass on to post for those who know change will be difficult for WW and Korea vets.

3 WW guys, have survived kids, and spouses.

Their appointments bulk scheduled so one and done trip every quarter.
Unique storyline, life thoughts on world issues, and general conversation (DWTS and jeopardy) can brighten anyone’s day. Mostly they miss conversations, two sharp as a tack, one short term memory is waning. Neighbors pitch in helping with meds, groceries deliveries, and visits. Their hope to stay in their home until the last dirt nap takes them.

While they had DAV for transport, preferred rides with neighbors, apparently I was the highlight. Treated them to Family package bbq at Artman, enough food for lunch plus couple more take away meals. Lots of laughs, words of wisdom (old values but thought that counts).

[justjim]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

It is what the voters wanted. Whether you are happy or not is not important. Amendment 3 allows the state to continue to reduce property taxes for all residents in the future. The plan is that each resident will eventually pay $0. A Florida resident will own their home free and clear.

Public School taxes are about half of my tax bill and so it is with everybody. Amendment 3 does not exempt those taxes. If you are fortunate, you may have a free and clear mortgage but you will continue to pay for public schools. As it should be IMHO.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by Normal

That is incorrect. Currently the VA is seeking to open 3 new clinics in Florida. There have been no announcements about closing any of its existing clinics. The need for the second clinic is the capacity at Mulberry.

At last count there is room for close to 5,000 veterans. When we came in 2007 waitlist was 3+ years. With the build in Lake City, Clearmont, and death, creating space, plus numerous specialist moved to Gainesville. Full page article in DS more than a year ago the reason for move more office space, procedural and surgical space.
At the time of article the lease was not being renewed, however new facility would be up and running prior to that option.

Staff has limited information, and what they do know isn’t public conversation

[Normal]

Originally Posted by asianthree

At last count there is room for close to 5,000 veterans. With the build in Lake City, Clearmont, and death. Full page article in DS more than a year ago the reason for move more office space, procedural and surgical space.
At the time of article the lease was not being renewed, however new facility would be up and running prior to that option.

We shall see then. Don’t forget staff in the VA work on seniority. They will need to relocate to the new clinic and all the new staff will need to be cut. It won’t be a good time even though there will be an expansion of services. You must be also aware that there are more and more circumstances where the first clinic remained open after a second clinic opened in the same area. Orlando comes to mind with the Orlando VA Medical Center and the Lake Nona VA hospital.

[BlueStarAirlines]

Originally Posted by Goldwingnut

Never mind, not worth wasting my time.

Note-this is not directed at you Goldwingnut...just a general observation.

Agree. Its somewhat sad that almost everyone in government were so vocal in their position against admendment 3. The perception was that they were more interested in defending their castle than making hard decisions prior to amendment 3 even becoming a thought. I think if voters would have heard "we hear you and we think there are some areas that where we can make some reductions" would have tempered the frustration. The various Florida county sherriffs on TV fear mongering was over the top and solidified that voters needed to act.

I'm still mad that the Martin theatre in Wildwood was bought in 2018 by a church for $280k and then bought by City of Wildwood in 2024 for $805k. $525k increase in selling price in 6 years for a run down building. No permits for improvements were granted after June 2018, so the either the building appreciated like crazy or Wildwood egregiously overpaid. Everyone knows which one.....

I'm mad that both Wildwood and Sumter County have funded redundant golf cart registration programs....and its just a sticker that can be removed. Could neither side realize on their own that they have redundant programs? Would love to see the total number of registered carts for each.

Its time for a serious look at folding the Wildwood police department into Sumter County. I know Wildwood doesn't want this, but there are efficies that can be realized. Just because a city can have their own police force doesn't mean they should have or need their own.

I've seen the proposed cuts for Sumter county and understand the impacts to the population. Some I don't like but understand cuts need to be made.

[justjim]

Remember your neighbors and friends are those people (Local
County and municipal elected officials) who must deal with the fallout of less revenue to provide services to ALL residents of their jurisdiction. Personally I don’t envy the job they must do to balance the budget and provide services with a significant amount of less revenue. You certainly will not please ALL the people all the time.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by Normal

We shall see then. Don’t forget staff in the VA work on seniority. They will need to relocate to the new clinic and all the new staff will need to be cut. It won’t be a good time even though there will be an expansion of services.

Yep 17 physicians, NP’s and PA’s at quarterly current and retired medical gatherings, last month. The numbers of transfers from Mulberry to Lake City was greatly expected, with employees traveling 1-1.5 hours to Mulberry VA facility. The new clinic not only benefits the veterans, but staff close to new facilities.

All positions at new facility will be posted the same as each new VA facility. But it’s not just seniority, those with experience in newer procedures come to the top of the list. Our daughter’s robotics teaching/experience puts her far ahead of those who have 20 years experience with basic, but not up-and-coming new technologies.

Our Granddaughter is looking to transfer to new Villages location, along with her fiancé. Our Multi generational Medical family keeps current with multiple facilities in different states

[Birdrm]

How did Sumter County survive 10 years ago when revenue was considerably less, assessed values have increased and 25,000 new homes were added in TV to the tax rolls.
I wanted to know how was all the increased tax revenue spent?

[Normal]

Originally Posted by BlueStarAirlines

It’s time for a serious look at folding the Wildwood police department into Sumter County. I know Wildwood doesn't want this, but there are efficies that can be realized. Just because a city can have their own police force doesn't mean they should have or need their own.

Wildwood requires a centralized police department but certainly doesn’t need the sheriff’s department. It’s one of many issues the two governments could discuss in a workshop if they met before the end of the year to cut costs. There are also state mandates that might be waive red or adapted for cost savings.

For sure the behemoth in the room is the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department with something like 72 million in costs this year. Why are Wildwood residents still subsidizing it at current rates?

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Birdrm

How did Sumter County survive 10 years ago when revenue was considerably less, assessed values have increased and 25,000 new homes were added in TV to the tax rolls.
I wanted to know how was all the increased tax revenue spent?

The county property tax on my home has stayed pretty much the same over the last eight payments; it is actually a little less in 2026 than it was in 2019. The house is taxed a little less for county services in 2026 than it was in 2019. New homes are taxed the same amount for county services that I was in 2019.

Note that the taxing level on my home has not increased for the 32% inflation over that time.

"All the increased tax revenue" seems to be spent on providing services similar to those provided in 2019 but to far more homes spread over much more of the county but without increasing property taxes.

Population: 130K -> 160K = 23% increase
Inflation: 32%
Combined: 55%

County revenue (general fund): $124M -> $185M = 50% increase

"All the increased tax revenue" seems to actually be a little less than needed to cover growth in population combined with inflation over time. It looks like our commissioners have done a good job controlling spending.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by justjim

Public School taxes are about half of my tax bill and so it is with everybody. Amendment 3 does not exempt those taxes. If you are fortunate, you may have a free and clear mortgage but you will continue to pay for public schools. As it should be IMHO.

Amendment 3 allows for additional reductions in property taxes. School taxes are exempt AT THIS TIME. This can legally change in the future years.

[biker1]

I believe the future elimination of school taxes would require another amendment. I do not believe Amendment #3 has a path forward to do this. If you can find evidence to the contrary, please post as what I found seems to indicate that school taxes are not eligible.

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

Amendment 3 allows for additional reductions in property taxes. School taxes are exempt AT THIS TIME. This can legally change in the future years.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by biker1

I believe the future elimination of school taxes would require another amendment. I do not believe Amendment #3 has a path forward to do this. If you can find evidence to the contrary, please post.

Amendment 3 allows for a change in the State Constitution. It also allows future property tax reduction. To me, it is clear that school taxes can be eliminated or reduced. I am not certain if voter approval will be required. If so, I believe voters will approve. Just my opinion.

[biker1]

In the following document, school taxes appear to not be impacted.

https://www.flsenate.gov/PublishedCo...Homeowners.pdf

Specifically, it states,

The amendment does not apply to ad valorem taxes collected by school boards.

Regarding a possible future amendment targeting school taxes (I really hate to jump ahead like this), that could be tough. Amendment #3 passed by 2%.

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

Amendment 3 allows for a change in the State Constitution. It also allows future property tax reduction. To me, it is clear that school taxes can be eliminated or reduced. I am not certain if voter approval will be required. If so, I believe voters will approve. Just my opinion.

[kansasr]

Originally Posted by Birdrm

How did Sumter County survive 10 years ago when revenue was considerably less, assessed values have increased and 25,000 new homes were added in TV to the tax rolls.
I wanted to know how was all the increased tax revenue spent?

In the last 10 years, inflation is up 40%.....given that figure alone, i think our elected officials have done a good job with their budgets.

I'm going to miss libraries and public parks.