[ALadysMom]

If a discount were given to Villagers would dine/shop locally and it would “tax” those who have not invested in our community. Since outsiders would incur an additional cost per transaction it would discourage spongers. This is how many country clubs operate elsewhere.

[ALadysMom]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Easy solution----make the people in the pool get out and show their IDs. Word will get around quickly, even quicker if they prosecute those people for trespassing.

Very logical. Thanks for posting! It’s refreshing to read a common sense solution.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by ALadysMom

If a discount were given to Villagers would dine/shop locally and it would “tax” those who have not invested in our community. Since outsiders would incur an additional cost per transaction it would discourage spongers. This is how many country clubs operate elsewhere.

I don't understand what you are trying to say. "Outsiders" who dine and shop are paying customers not "spongers". Those that sneak into an amenity that we pay for are the "spongers", and should be prosecuted.

[asianthree]

I am always asked to get my Id, when I’m in the pool

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by ALadysMom

If a discount were given to Villagers would dine/shop locally and it would “tax” those who have not invested in our community. Since outsiders would incur an additional cost per transaction it would discourage spongers. This is how many country clubs operate elsewhere.

I do not agree that we should discourage non-residents from spending their cash in the restaurants, shops, etc. that exist within the boundaries of The Villages. It keeps those businesses going strong. Which means that they will be there when any of us wish to go to them.

[AOCMVA]

Originally Posted by Mjsmithx

I recently had a very unpleasant conversation with a person that used to live in the villages and decided to move outside. However, this person continues to eat at the local country club restaurant and continues to play golf on the championship courses. Her reason for leaving was the amount of the amenity fees and the bond. Should we restrict access to the country clubs and the golf courses to the residents who pay for the upkeep of all of these facilities? I continue to be amazed by the people who want to be negative about the Villages but still chose to take part in what is offered. And before the negative comments roll in, I have been coming to the Villages since 1998 and have owned here for 8 years. Oh, and her reason for still coming here; she doesn't have those amenities where she chose to buy, even though she champions the lack of amenity fees she pays.

This is just a thought from me, someone who visits the Villages every year. I know what the memberships cost and also know what it cost for a non member to play at both Executive and Championship courses. I work at a membership course in Virginia and it's a semi private course meaning, members come play unlimited rounds for a certain annual price. Those non members who play pay the full rack price and this brings a significant income for the day to day operations of the course. I would imagine, if all being equal, those non residents who play, pay much more than the residents so that extra money would help support the course upkeep. This being said, I would imagine this would help keep your membership prices in check while contributing to the high cost of maintaining a golf course. Again, this is just my perspective from working at golf courses for a long time. If my answer does not apply, I apologize but thought I'd share my view as a course worker who's privy to $$ required to successfully operate a course. By the way, I love the Villages and everything that is offered. I've met some wonderful people and will keep coming until I finally purchase there.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I think that non-Villagers should be allowed to pay-to-play and should be allowed to eat in CC restaurants. However, they should have to don a vest that identifies them as outsiders so they can be looked upon with scorn and contempt. They should also have separate restrooms and water fountains.

[alwann]

Originally Posted by ALadysMom

If a discount were given to Villagers would dine/shop locally and it would “tax” those who have not invested in our community. Since outsiders would incur an additional cost per transaction it would discourage spongers. This is how many country clubs operate elsewhere.

There is a precedent for this, although a confusing one. Homeowners get a discount when showing their IDs at The Villages movie theaters. But then the owner lets everybody get in with a greater discount on Tuesdays.

[dillywho]

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that many came down a little too hard on the OP. You are all right about where the outsiders are concerned with the restaurants, championship courses, etc. We do need and appreciate them. I just don't see the need to berate someone for voicing a concern, whether valid or not. It sounds as if, even though not 100% correct, she was just trying to protect all of us.

That being said, I interpreted her post being that in her conversation, the other lady seemed to be referring to all the amenities in her argument. If that is the case, then the lady who moved away would be wrong about ALL the amenities she might be using and not paying our amenity fees. If the championship courses and country clubs were all she was referencing, then she is right about coming over to The Villages.

[dillywho]

Originally Posted by asianthree

I am always asked to get my Id, when I’m in the pool

Perhaps that has changed (I haven't been to the pool in ages), but it used to be common knowledge that people would not be asked to get out and show their Villages ID. If it has changed, that is great!

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by ALadysMom

If a discount were given to Villagers would dine/shop locally and it would “tax” those who have not invested in our community. Since outsiders would incur an additional cost per transaction it would discourage spongers. This is how many country clubs operate elsewhere.

This sounds like a can of worms...……………………….

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by dillywho

Perhaps that has changed (I haven't been to the pool in ages), but it used to be common knowledge that people would not be asked to get out and show their Villages ID. If it has changed, that is great!

How long are your ages?

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by asianthree

I am always asked to get my Id, when I’m in the pool

That's because you look so young, you hottie!!

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by ALadysMom

If a discount were given to Villagers would dine/shop locally and it would “tax” those who have not invested in our community. Since outsiders would incur an additional cost per transaction it would discourage spongers. This is how many country clubs operate elsewhere.

At true country clubs it’s members only, with a buy in amount, say $20,000, plus greens fees, ( a guest cost for 18 with caddy is $400.) plus need to spend $600 a month in the restaurant. There are no private country clubs in TV,

[bonrich]

Originally Posted by rondvu2

Although Town square music is not technically part of your amenity fee. It would not exist if it wasn't for us villagers paying our amenity fees as there would be no villages and no funding to do so. Its all good, just wish they knew which bathroom to use, including the pets! LOL We all got to go somewhere.

If I kt.new where the hell I was going, I would have been there by now!

Your amenity fees do not pay for the entertainment in the Town Squares, the Business Association covers the cost.