[Cliff]

There was an interesting article in the Sun today (Thursday). It was written by John Rohan and was entitled Guest ID Card Usage. After reading it I realized that I have had my head in the sand for the past seven years and did not realize that I am paying amenity fees so that some residents of TV can have their friends and relatives who live in the immediate surrounding towns and cities come and use the pools, golf courses, etc, by using ID cards issued under the in-area guidelines. These cards are good for 365 days a year and can be reissued upon expiration. So, you and I pay the amenity fees to use these facilities and Joe Blow (who also lives here) gets a bunch of year-round ID cards for his multiple friends and relatives and they can come and swim, play golf, and use all the other facilities, and it doesn't cost them a cent (except for the small charge to play an Executive Golf Course). Such a deal. Folks, there is a Guest ID Card Focus Group meeting at the Savannah Center at 2PM on Thursday the 11th of September just to decide if these rules governing issuance of guest ID cards should be changed. Might be a good choice to attend and see what is going on with your amenity fees.

[villages07]

Cliff,

A few clarifications....

You cannot obtain an in-area guest ID for just any Joe Blow....It has to be child, grandchild, or great granchild (and their spouses) and you, the sponsoring resident, must accompany them when they use any of the facilities or amenities. They do pay the same 'guest fees' as your best high school buddy who comes to visit you in February for Golf, movies, etc.

But, even with these clarifications...you are right, there is a need to review the policy and ensure it is fair and not being abused or has large holes for cheaters. Hence, the focus group that is reviewing guest ID policies.

What I found interesting is that it does not appear that if you have a parent living in the Tri County area that you can obtain an in area guest id for them. Hmmmm...wonder why? Some residents have elderly parents living in surrounding retirement homes and probably would like to bring them to TV for a break every so often.

[Cliff]

You got your information from the districtgov web site and the Focus Group report? Or, did you just get told that it was under the terms you described? Lots of misconceptions and conflicting info from what I have read. The 365 day passes are what I think are abuses of the system. And, I do not believe the 365 day passes have a price tag on them. I may be wrong and won't say you are wrong either. I intend to attend the meeting and get the correct information firsthand.

[villages07]

Cliff,

I got the info from the district gov website, specifically the minutes/notes from the guest id focus group meeting.

Terminology: what you call the 365 day passes are officially called "in area guest ID"

You're right, the in area guest IDs do not cost anything to obtain (I never said they did) but if the guest participates in any activity that has a fee, they pay the standard guest fees (e.g. exec golf 6.50 green fee and 3.50 trail fee).

Here's the link to the document I referenced:

http://www.districtgov.org/images/Gu...ting080814.pdf

[graciegirl]

Village07, I so enjoy your clear and concise information, time and time again. You are a dependable, logical, well researched source for so many areas in TV.

[zcaveman]

The "in area" guest pass is a relatively new thing (2-3 years maybe?). Prior to the "in area" guest pass you had to live in a county other than Marion, Sumter or Lake. This "in area" guest pass rule was subtly put into play. The article explained why the "in area" guest pass was established but the residents had no say in it.

I think that if anyone wants to have a "in area" pass for their relatives that qualify, they must pay the same amenity fees that the resident pays - plus the nonresident fees - for golf, etc OR the resident should be charged an additional amenity for every "in area" quest address. This is only for the 365 days a year passes. Guests from out of state follow the established rules.

Amended 9/5 - After thinking about it, it would probably not be a good idea to charge a full amenity fee. That would probably mean that the "in area" guests could lobby to get into some of the clubs, etc. Maybe just charge an annual fee for each "in area" guest address to offset the maintenance of the pools and other facilities they might use.

[conn8757]

Good idea ZCaveman.

[Cassie325]

Please note the information above...whether one agrees or not....this is the "rule" as it stands today.

Hope this helps....