Topic: Florida Forever and your tax dollars

DID YOU KNOW:

THROUGH THE FLORIDA FOREVER PROGRAM, THE CITIES AND COUNTIES ARE USING YOUR TAX DOLLARS TO PURCHASE CONSERVATION PROPERTY?

DID YOU KNOW:

THAT PROPERTY WHICH HAD BEEN ASSESSED BY THE PROPERTY APPRAISER FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS FOR $77,500.00 WAS PURCHASED BY THE COUNTY OF VOLUSIA FOR $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS?

DID YOU KNOW:

THE CITIES AND COUNTIES ARE PURCHASING EASEMENTS FROM 4 TO 6 MILLION DOLLARS OF YOUR TAX DOLLARS?

WATCH THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORT AS SEEN ON CHANNEL 9 NEWS:

http://www.wftv.com/video/22584811


DID YOU KNOW:

IN A STATE WIDE POLL CONDUCTED BY WWW.LOWERTAXESNOW.ORG 58 PERCENT OF CITIZENS STATED FLORIDA HAS PRETTY SERIOUSLY GOTTEN OFF ON THE WRONG TRACK.. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.LOWERTAXESNOW.ORG AND SIGN UP AT AND BE READY TO GATHER WHEN YOU ARE CALLED.....


As the saying goes, Follow The Money which is exactly what we have done through our budget study groups.

The Forever programs purchase properties that are in danger of being developed. These properties may be wetlands, historical, etc. So the State, County, Cities and/or Water Management Districts may purchase these jointly or individually. Since 2002 the Florida Forever Program has purchased $2.2 Billion worth of properties.

The following is just a small example of what we have found and are consistent throughout the State:

For the past 20 years three parcels in Volusia County were assessed by the property appraiser for a total of $77,500.00. In 2004 the County put these properties on it's wish list to purchase through the Forever Program. From 2004 to 2007 the property appraiser then increased those values by 2,000 PERCENT to 1.4 Million Dollars. Note, condominiums located on the beaches throughout the State did not increase by 2,000 Percent during this same time frame. The County then received three appraisals and the one they used was valued at 1.5 Million Dollars. In 2007 the County purchased these parcels for 1.5 Million Dollars. The appraisal specifically stated this value is based on hypotheticals, as the majority of the property is wetlands and landlocked. No lender would ever loan on these properties as it is landlocked and also, the owners in order to develop these properties would have to obtain permits from the St. John's Water Management District in order to develop the wetlands. In all likelihood St. John's would never allow this to happen. The Florida Forever Program is for properties that are in DANGER OF BEING DEVELOPED.... Did this property meet the criteria?

Not only this, but the Forever program is purchasing easements for 4 to 6 million dollars each. Now usually easements are given, they are not purchased. For this kind of money the Forever program should have purchased the properties. When you purchase an easement, the owner still owns the property but just agrees not to ever develop a certain portion of their property.

Also, there are numerous instances where properties were valued by the property appraiser for $300,000.00 and the County purchased it for 1.6 Million Dollars.

Its up to each of us to save our state, act now, sign up above to receive informational flyers, get involved and join one of our budget study groups...attend council meetings, we want your opinion, we need your voice...DONATE TO THE CAUSE... run for office......

 

DID YOU  KNOW:

From 2002 to 2008 Volusia County Population increased 13 percent while property taxes, INCREASED 75  PERCENT?

DID YOU KNOW:

VOLUSIA COUNTY SPENDING IN 2008 WAS MORE  THAN IT COLLECTED IN REVENUES?

In a recent state wide poll conducted  by LowerTaxesNow.org, 58 percent of the citizens said they  feel the State of Florida is on THE WRONG TRACK!  WHAT DO YOU  THINK?

County Spending increases from 2002 - 2008

Volusia County Taxes and Spending vs. Population

County Spending Changes 2008 vs 2002

Volusia County per Household Taxing and Spending.