[Altavia]

Wildwood Tax Flyer Shows Lowest Rate in Region | Wildwood Florida

The City of Wildwood has issued its annual tax flyer, showing the city again ranks lowest in both ad valorem and total tax rates among municipalities in Sumter and surrounding counties.

The 2.8287 rate adopted as part of the budget that took effect Oct. 1 represents the sixth consecutive annual millage rate decrease, attributed to recent growth and development.

Residents pay the city $2.8287 for each $1,000 of assessed property value. That amount is collected by Sumter County’s tax collector as part of the property owner’s consolidated annual tax bill, which also includes taxes for Sumter County, the school board, the water management district, and any other applicable districts. The county distributes the respective share to each taxing authority for use in their annual budgets.

“We work hard to achieve the perfect balance of what we provide residents in exchange for what they contribute, recognizing that many families are still struggling to make ends meet,” said Mayor Ed Wolf. “Each vote we cast as commissioners is based on a decision of what we believe will best serve our community both now and in the future.”

Compared to neighboring cities, Wildwood’s ad valorem rate is more than half a mil (0.5675) below the second lowest, adopted by Lady Lake, and more than a full mil (1.0847) lower than that of Fruitland Park. Combined county, school, and water management taxes for Wildwood residents are nearly three-quarters of a mil (0.7439) lower than for citizens residing in Lake County.

Wildwood spends 35 percent of its tax revenue on public safety, with another 26 percent going to transportation infrastructure. The remaining 39 percent is divided between general government services, culture and recreation, economic development, and debt service.

The amount allocated to debt service, currently 3 percent, has decreased 1 percent each year since 2021.

“We devote a significant amount of time and attention to the budgeting process,” said City Manager Jason McHugh. “It is a balancing act that requires us to continually evaluate community needs and projected growth. Because the growth we are experiencing is unprecedented, we use our best judgement, continually monitor, and adjust as necessary. As a public servant, it is rewarding to know your actions are creating positive results.”

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[Normal]

Because Wildwood has expanded its borders for the collection of taxes, but not the services that go with it.

Hopefully Villagers are elected to city council next cycle so we can eventually become unincorporated like so much of the villages in Sumter county are. Luckily we will outnumber the actual residents of Wildwood when it comes to votes.

If you want to continue to pay more than a thousand dollars a year to Wildwood, leave things as they are…
If not

Vote Villagers 2024!

[mtdjed]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Wildwood Tax Flyer Shows Lowest Rate in Region | Wildwood Florida

The City of Wildwood has issued its annual tax flyer, showing the city again ranks lowest in both ad valorem and total tax rates among municipalities in Sumter and surrounding counties.

The 2.8287 rate adopted as part of the budget that took effect Oct. 1 represents the sixth consecutive annual millage rate decrease, attributed to recent growth and development.

Residents pay the city $2.8287 for each $1,000 of assessed property value. That amount is collected by Sumter County’s tax collector as part of the property owner’s consolidated annual tax bill, which also includes taxes for Sumter County, the school board, the water management district, and any other applicable districts. The county distributes the respective share to each taxing authority for use in their annual budgets.

“We work hard to achieve the perfect balance of what we provide residents in exchange for what they contribute, recognizing that many families are still struggling to make ends meet,” said Mayor Ed Wolf. “Each vote we cast as commissioners is based on a decision of what we believe will best serve our community both now and in the future.”

Compared to neighboring cities, Wildwood’s ad valorem rate is more than half a mil (0.5675) below the second lowest, adopted by Lady Lake, and more than a full mil (1.0847) lower than that of Fruitland Park. Combined county, school, and water management taxes for Wildwood residents are nearly three-quarters of a mil (0.7439) lower than for citizens residing in Lake County.

Wildwood spends 35 percent of its tax revenue on public safety, with another 26 percent going to transportation infrastructure. The remaining 39 percent is divided between general government services, culture and recreation, economic development, and debt service.

The amount allocated to debt service, currently 3 percent, has decreased 1 percent each year since 2021.

“We devote a significant amount of time and attention to the budgeting process,” said City Manager Jason McHugh. “It is a balancing act that requires us to continually evaluate community needs and projected growth. Because the growth we are experiencing is unprecedented, we use our best judgement, continually monitor, and adjust as necessary. As a public servant, it is rewarding to know your actions are creating positive results.”

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But isn't that in addition to the Sumter County taxes which are paid by other residents in the unincorporated portion of The Villages in Sumter County. Does Wildwood get a reduction in county taxes since they have their own Police Force?

[cjrjck]

I live in Sumter county but not in Wildwood. If I did, I would heavily support candidates for city government that are Villages residents just I I would support candidates for county government seats who are Villages residents. Around 2006, Wildwood annexed some 5600 acres south of 44 in hopes of the Villages expanding there. It was a move designed to increase tax revenues and it paid off. A smart move by anyone's standards. Now it is up to those Villages residents living in Wildwood to run for city government positions to ensure that those tax revenues are wisely spent.

[baustgen]

Glad I live in unincorporated Sumter County.

[Randall55]

Originally Posted by baustgen

Glad I live in unincorporated Sumter County.

Since when is Wildwood the lowest taxes in the area? Villagers who do not live in Wildwood pay the lowest taxes. The unincorporated areas of Sumter have no city tax, at all!

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Randall55

Since when is Wildwood the lowest taxes in the area? Villagers who do not live in Wildwood pay the lowest taxes. The unincorporated areas of Sumter have no city tax, at all!

Wildwood is claiming the lowest *city* taxes. They are only talking about their piece of the overall bill.

[Maker]

I have yet to see any benefit to paying extra taxes to Wildwood.
Any amount is too much. They do zero for me.

[mrf0151]

So, from those that live inside the city of Wildwood, how much are your city taxes over and above the Sumter Tax annually.?

[Normal]

Originally Posted by mrf0151

So, from those that live inside the city of Wildwood, how much are your city taxes over and above the Sumter Tax annually.?

$ 1;470 per year. Legally zoned, but it takes about 12 minutes to get to the actual Wildwood sign up on 44. That’s the actual City of Wildwood tax. An amenity fee for being allowed to shop there? We have been driving to Leesburg though off of 470 for groceries because it’s closer. Of course our electric company is Leesburg Electric.

[westernrider75]

Originally Posted by Maker

I have yet to see any benefit to paying extra taxes to Wildwood.
Any amount is too much. They do zero for me.

I’m not sure where you live, but they do provide police protection and I see them all the time on the roads.

[LoisR]

Didn't you know this before you moved into their district?

[justjim]

The Villages turned a “dead railroad city” (Wildwood) into the fastest growing city in the area. One could argue if that is good or bad. A retirement community such as The Villages is certainly a plus for the school district.