LOOK, GOVERNOR CRIST WANTS OUR "REDUCE TAXES NOW" SIGN .....ALSO, JEB BUSH EVEN IS WEARING ONE OF OUR VOLUSIA TAX REFORM STICKERS!!
Well if you missed our live streaming webcast last night you can view it at the following web address:
Press Release
BRINGING REAL REFORM TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
March 30, 2009
Volusia Tax Reform is excited to announce that it’s Executive Director, Margie Patchett, will become the Executive Director of Lower Taxes Now.Org as of April 1st. Lower Taxes Now is a non-profit 501 (c) 4 that has been formed to spread the revolution of local government reform. Mrs. Patchett will travel the State of Florida on a regular basis to start budget studies in each county.
Patchett is the Executive Director of LowerTaxesNow.org, (LTN) which is a state wide organization whose goals are to: Increase the efficiency of government services; Encourage consolidation of government resources to save money; Lower taxes by lowering costs; and Encourage citizen involvement in reducing government spending. The mission of LTN is to promote greater government efficiency in an effort to improve our economy and the quality of life for Floridians. Margie Patchett will coordinate and move the government reform movement to a new level throughout the State of Florida.
Matt Falconer the founder of Taxpayer Budget Review Committees of Forida (TBRC) and author of The Socialist Republic of Florida, is co-founder and will be the Director of Media for LTN. "Margie will take the Study of the TBRC and encourage citizens throughout the State to duplicate our efforts here in Orange County and of Volusia Tax Reform. Margie has the enthusiasm and passion to move the government reform movement to a different level in the State of Florida in order for the citizens to accomplish true, meaningful and comprehensive government reform" said Matt Falconer. “Margie will take our message to all 67 counties in Florida and start a budget study in each county. She will speak to every organization and business that will listen. If you are a member of an organization or club let us know and we will present our study on greater government efficiency” he said.
"I am very excited to take on this new challenge to educate and encourage Floridians to form budget review committees in their community in an effort to hold their elected officials accountable to fiscal spending" stated Margie Patchett.
Margie Patchett, Executive Director and co-founder of Volusia Tax Reform, will take her passion and experience statewide in an effort to teach others how to reform local government.
Lower Taxes Now is different that all existing organizations because they explain;
WHY we need lower taxes (to save our economy);
HOW government will provide services with less revenue (efficiency);
WHAT the taxpayer can do to help.
We will need your financial support to support Margie and her operating expenses.We have been reluctant to ask for contributions in the past, but now with full time staff we need support to grow the movement and succeed.
Please make checks to “Lower Taxes Now” and mail to 4201 Vineland Road, I-14, Orlando, FL 32811. Even a small contribution will help and solidify your faith in our mission.
There are millions of people fed up with government spending and waste in Florida. With Margie’s energy and passion we will gather them together and take back our government.
Visit LowerTaxesNow.org and join the revolution to take back our government
Patchett will continue to be the Executive Director of Volusia Tax Reform and LowerTaxesNow.org
| JOB TITLE | SALARY | |||
| POLICE SERGEANT | 66839.24 | |||
| ASSISTANT COMM DEV DIRECTOR | 67812.16 | |||
| HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR | 68294.72 | |||
| REDEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR | 70335.20 | |||
| POLICE LIEUTENANT-PROF STAND | 70460.00 | |||
| SUPER/ADMIN SERVICES | 72063.68 | |||
| SHIFT COMMANDER | 73213.14 | |||
| DEPUTY CITY CLERK | 73871.20 | |||
| POLICE LIEUTENANT-COMM INV | 77226.24 | |||
| ASST PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR | 78366.08 | |||
| SHIFT COMMANDER/PARAMEDIC | 80006.68 | |||
| ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR | 81536.00 | |||
| PARKS DIRECTOR | 81818.88 | |||
| SENIOR SHIFT COMMANDER | 86849.88 | |||
| CHIEF BLDG OFFICIAL/QCA | 89063.52 | |||
| COMMUNITY DEV DIR | 100000.16 | |||
| POLICE CHIEF | 111535.84 | |||
| PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR | 111847.84 | |||
| FINANCE DIRECTOR | 122720.00 | |||
| CITY MANAGER | 148769.88 | |||
| EMERGENCY SERVICE WORKERS EXCEEDING $66,320 CY 2008 INCLUDING OVERTIME | ||||
| POLICE SERGEANT | 67957.39 | |||
| UTILITY MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR | 68041.34 | |||
| FIRE LIEUTENANT/PARAMEDIC | 68187.03 | |||
| POLICE SERGEANT | 73750.04 | |||
| FIRE LIEUTENANT/PARAMEDIC | 89677.16 | |||
| FIRE LIEUTENANT/PARAMEDIC | 91379.23 | |||
March 20, 2009
I have lived in Florida since 1972., How come the Seabreeze Marching 100 has been fine for 100 years and now there isn’t enough money to keep the program? How did we all get along before the “real estate” boom?
Government and media talk about putting people back to work. People need to go back to work. Here are just a few examples of how government is actually stopping people from earning a living or making it so hard you just want to go sit under a rock.
Example
1) If you are a real estate property appraiser you were earning approximately $350.00 to do an appraisal. To be an appraiser you have to have a vehicle, internet, computer, phone, education, gas, insurance, clothing, food and shelter to name a few, right? You need to have education, continuing education and a license. These all cost money. Our government took one instance of coercion between a big bank and one appraisal company in California and has virtually destroyed an industry. There are now “management companies” to manage appraisers. Guess what? They are now expecting appraisers to do this same job for $175.00. Mind you there is a rumor that the owners of these “management companies” when traced deep enough lead to members of the Senate and Government. Brought to you Courtesy of the Federal Government.
2) If you are a swimming pool subcontractor who pours concrete, does tile work or plumbing on a swimming pool you now have to go get licensed, pay fees, take tests and pay someone who doesn’t even know how to do what you do sign off and say they saw you do this work and you did it correctly. So, almost overnight, you are out of work. It was always the Swimming Pool Contractor who had the license, knowledge and was responsible for your work. Not any more. Brought to you Courtesy of the State of Florida.
3) If you are a mortgage broker the Florida legislature is right now deciding your fate. The Federal Government passed the S.A.F.E. Act. So, after years of doing your job which you were required to go to school, pass a test, get fingerprinted, get a license, do continuing education, pay annual fees and dues, pay and pass State Audits your licensed will be TERMINATED December 31, 2009. Out of work, finished, washed up. You need to go to work for a bank who is not going to be required to have a license. You know, the bank who was in co hoots with the appraisal company. IF you want to still be a mortgage broker you have to go to school (again), pass a 100 question state test (again) pass a 100 question federal test , get fingerprinted (again) only this time every year. Also, if you were a mortgage processor or underwriter you too must be licensed. So overnight, you are washed up. Brought to you Courtesy of the Federal Government.
4) If you are a homeowner and you want to MOVE YOUR FRONT DOOR you have to have plans, engineering, apply for a permit and wait and wait and wait, for some bureaucrat to take their time and justify their job (your taxes, your money, you pay for his or her job) and sign a piece of paper that says it’s OK for you to MOVE YOUR FRONT DOOR.
5) This doesn’t have anything to do with a career but I have to say that now that Spring is around the corner I am amazed as I drive to work and back (that I don’t make any money doing now by the way) at how blessed I am to be able to enjoy such lovely landscaped and manicured medians. I see the happy government mulch installers, sprinkler repair men, pest control professionals doing their best to keep that median looking sharp. They are being paid by my tax dollars. You know what…. I don’t have any money left to take care of my own lawn. I can no longer afford, mulch, pest control or a sprinkler repair man. Let’s look into ALL the government budgets, let’s look into the businesses owned by Senators and Congressmen. Why don’t we have a say in what they do with our money? We did fine for years without “Medians” that are lushly landscaped and irrigated. I thought there was a water shortage! For years we have been hearing on the news you get fined if you are caught watering your lawn. Well, if they knew there was a water shortage, why did they spend all this money irrigating the highways?????????
Government is OUT of CONTROL. Perhaps writing letters and emails just doesn’t get it anymore. So, let’s keep rolling and look into who gets paid what and who owns what if you are a part of a Government that isn’t for the People but that STOPS the people !!.
Thank you very much for the freedom of speech!
All for now and we will see you tomorrow at the Orlando Tea Party!
Margie
www.myspace.com/volusiataxreform
CITY OF HOLLY HILL:
| City of Holly Hill - - Current - Salary Information | ||||||
| 2006-2007 | 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | ||||
| Current | Current | Pay Grade/ | 2006-2007 | Pay Grade/ | 2007-2008 | Pay Grade/ |
| Employee | Position | Step Salary | Gross Salary | Step Salary | Gross Salary | Step Salary |
| *James Patton | Police Sergeant | $56,411.26 | $61,488.91 | $59,267.10 | $102,534.14 | $67,669 |
| *Joseph Borelli | Police Sergeant | $57,821.50 | $80,206.22 | $60,748.69 | $130,508.63 | $62,875 |
| Christopher Hurst | Pub. Works Director | $87,368.74 | $88,552.59 | $91,737.15 | $92,625.24 | $97,241 |
| Timothy Harbuck | City Manager | $70,383.04 | $72,934.71 | $98,500.06 | $92,061.68 | $104,410 |
| Kurt Swartzlander | Finance Director | $76,999.94 | $82,000.08 | $81,142.46 | $86,920 | |
| Mark Barker | Police Chief | $73,211.84 | $74,040.99 | $76,872.43 | $78,858.20 | $85,559 |
| Douglas Gutierrez | Comm. Dev. Director | $67,656.16 | $67,524.75 | $81,694.91 | $78,011.63 | $86,597 |
| Diane Cole | Hum. Res. Director | $66,152.53 | $66,171.77 | $69,460.14 | $70,132.51 | $73,628 |
| Charles Beach | Recreation Director | $64,574.22 | $65,361.06 | $67,803.01 | $68,859.47 | $71,871 |
| *Mitchell Dees | Police Sergeant | $60,748.69 | $95,754.59 | $62,267.50 | $68,148.64 | $64,447 |
| Susan Worde | Asst. Finance Dir. | $63,841.23 | $77,022.53 | $67,033.20 | $67,927.72 | $71,055 |
| *Ronnie Spencer | Fire Chief/Paramedic | $55,626.77 | $71,311.09 | $60,898.07 | $67,441.01 | $71,007 |
| Scott Gutauckis | IT Director | $61,380.18 | $61,251.28 | $74,116.64 | $66,238.90 | $78,564 |
| *Charles Cobb | Fire Captain | $55,771.79 | $72,898.09 | $58,560.32 | $65,441.58 | $62,074 |
| * Eligible for Overtime | ||||||
March 19, 2009
| Everyone, Don't forget the Orlando Tea Party this Saturday at Lake Eola Park in Orlando from Noon until 2 p.m. VTR is providing a bus for those who need a ride. Time and Location for bus are as follows: Date: Saturday March 21, 2009 Departure time: 10 a.m. BE THERE AT 9:30 Where: 1540 Cornerstone Office Park, Daytona Beach Fl Corner of LPGA and Williamson in front of the Phoenix Building. Food and refreshments will be served on bus. Call to reserve your seat!
Everyone,
Well as you know the Orlando Tea Party is
scheduled for this Saturday.... For those of you
who are driving it is at Lake Eola Park from
noon until 2 p.m. If you go to this link you
will see a map of the area and you can get
driving directions:
http://www.cityoforlando.net/fpr/net/ViewMap.aspx?Park=062
Also there was a great article recently in the
Orlando Sentinel regarding government efficiency
or inefficiency at the State level. Please go
to this link to read more:
State auditors recommended more
coordination between state agencies that have
collectively issued 41,000 cell phones to
employees at a cost of $17 million a year.
And it turns out the state of Florida owns more than 13,800 individual pieces of property, ranging from farms and forest to universities, warehouses and vacant lands
Now, as I mentioned in our previous email, VTR
has been obtaining public records information.
We have asked our cities/county to provide us
with the number of city employees that make in
excess of $66,300 per year. This amount
represents double the average wage here in
Volusia County which is $33,150.00. So, at the
bottom of this email you will see the response
from the City of New Smyrna Beach. NOTE: the
attorney in New Smryna Beach makes
$210,000.00.!! I have worked for attorneys in
Volusia/Flagler Counties since 1984 and I am
sure they will be interested to know that a city
attorney earns $210,000 per year!!! This does
not include benefits, add another 40 percent on
top of that wage for pension and benefits..In
fact add another 40 percent on top of all these
wages for pension and benefits....Also, most
city attorneys specialize in contracting
specialized attorneys to do the work the city
attorney cannot do!!!
All for now.
Margie
|
January 30, 2009
Your Dollar, Your Decision Training Seminar and Summit
Orlando International Airport Hyatt – January 31, 2009
Agenda
Saturday, January 31
10:00 – 11:00 Arrival, introductions, and opening remarks
11:00 – 11:30 Allen Douglas will present overview of “Your Dollar Your Decision Petition Drive”
11:30 – 12:30 David Biddulph will present “Vote on Taxes Amendment to the United States Constitution” (working lunch)
12:30 – 1:00 Margie Patchet will present “Organizing Your County Taxpayers”
1:00 – 1:30 Linda Hayward will present “Setting Up an effective Retail Petition Gathering Network”
1:30 – 2:00 Scott Rogers will present “Petitioning 101”
2:00 – 2:30 Mathew Falconer will present “Earned Media”
2:30 – 3:00 Group discussion and closing remarks
OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER SANSOM:
January 21, 2009
Dear Speaker Sansom:
It is with great enthusiasm that we read your comments
in the Miami Herald today where you were quoted as
saying:
“The property tax
debate will likely revive the proposal which died last
year to swap a sales tax increase for a property tax
cut, he said. "Is the sales tax alternative better for
the economy or not?,'' he said. "If it doesn't help, why
do it. If it does, we need to consider it. I don't know
if we'll ever do it but I hear in so many places that
property taxes hurt small businesses that we need to
have the Finance and Tax Council have another swing at
the bat."
Volusia Tax Reform was in favor of Amendment 5 and had
the citizens of this great State of Florida been allowed
to vote on it, it would have overwhelmingly passed.
This “tax swap” is what would help pull the State of
Florida out of this recession as it would have reduced
every property owners tax bill 25 to 40 percent.
Additionally, it would have leveled the playing field
for not only Floridians to contribute to the education
of our children, but the tourists would have been
contributing as well. Most importantly, it would have
forced Tallahassee to completely review the funding of
our schools which is a paramount duty of the State of
Florida to provide quality education to our children.
Volusia Tax Reform hopes that you meant what you said
and this is not just another politician’s double talk.
The citizens of the State of Florida elected our
Senators and Representatives to make sometimes, hard
decisions. The job of Senator and Representative is not
to be an easy role, our elected officials are to make
difficult decisions at times, however, those decisions
should always be in the best interest of Floridians.
These are very difficult times we all find ourselves in
and families are having to make difficult decisions just
to maintain the status quo. I would suggest the State
of Florida begin to prioritize it’s budget just as
families are now having to do.
This is an historic time in our State and I would hope
our elected officials would do what is right and in the
interest of the citizens of the State of Florida, not
just special interest groups. I would hope this is not
what will happen in these historical times. We are all
aware that special interest groups fund campaigns,
however, do not forget that the citizens have more
votes. The citizens look to you and our other elected
officials to bring about the will of the people. Let us
hope this is what will happen.
What you do the next few years in your term in office
will be recorded in the history books. Let your name be
recorded in history as one of the persons that have the
courage to bring about bold ideas and reform.
If you are serious in attempting to revive this measure,
then rest assured you will have the full support of
Volusia Tax Reform. Thank you for your service to our
State.
Sincerely yours,
Margaret M. Patchett
Executive Director
January 15, 2009 - CALL TO ACTION
Our next live webcast will be January 28, 2009.
NOW, MARK THE DATE... JANUARY 31ST IN ORLANDO FOR THE TAXPAYER PROTECTION AMENDMENT ACT... WE NEED YOU!!!!
Taxpayer:
I hope you will join us, and thousands of other Floridians, in a grassroots campaign to place a cap on local government spending that is breakable only by voter approval. The cap would tie local government growth to inflation and population growth, preventing government from growing faster than the citizens' ability to pay for it.
Local government revenues in Florida have grown at alarming rates over the past decade; far more than population growth and inflation would allow. Did you know that total local government revenue in Florida grew an astonishing 112% over this ten year period, and that doesn’t count all the special taxing districts created by local governments whose revenues grew an even more astonishing 192%, while inflation and population growth combined grew less than 55% in that same time span? How long can the average Floridian continue to afford their government?
The quality of life for all Floridians, and the economic future of our great state’s citizens and small businesses, is being destroyed by the high rates of taxation Small businesses account for over two-thirds of the new jobs in our economy. How can these businesses continue to expand Florida’s employment opportunities with burdensome and anti-business tax rates?
We need your help. We are looking for motivated grassroots activists like you to become County Captains for the Your Dollar, Your Decision (www.YourDollarYourDecision.com) petition drive to limit the growth in spending by local governments. The duties of the County Captain include:
We will be conducting a training seminar and summit for Your Dollar, Your Decision at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Int’l Airport, Orlando, Florida on January 31, 2009 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This seminar will provide you with all the information you need to be a successful County Captain. We look forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
Allen Douglas
NFIB, Florida Legislative Affairs Director
David Biddulph
Tax Cap USA
Mathew Falconer
The American Platform
Margie Patchet
Volusia Taxpayers Union
Name_____________________________________________________________
Organization_______________________________________________________
Title______________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________
City___________________________________________ST_________________
Zip_________
County_________________________
Phone__________________________
Email__________________________________________
Affiliations/experience______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Participation: Yes, I would like to be a County Captain and will attend the Saturday session_____
Yes, I would like to be a County Captain but I am unable to attend the Saturday session _____
No, I do not wish to be a County Captain but I would like to volunteer in my county _____
No, I do not wish to be a County Captain or volunteer but I would like to donate to Your Dollar, Your Decision, $10.00_____ $20.00_____ $50.00_____
$100.00 or more_____ Other amount_____
Please make your donation payable to Your Dollar, Your Decision. Your contribution is not tax deductible.
Send form to: Your Dollar, Your Decision, P.O. Box 1698, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1698
Seminar Leaders:
Allen Douglas, National Federation of Independent Businesses, 850-681-0416, allen.douglas@nfib.org
David Biddulph, Americans for Prosperity – Advisor, 386-423-4744, odemocracy@aol.com
Mathew Falconer, The American Platform,
Margie Patchet, Volusia Taxpayers Union
Linda Hayward
Summit Administration
David Biddulph, Americans for Prosperity – Advisor, 386-423-4744, odemocracy@aol.com
Scott Rogers, Tax Cap Committee/Online Democracy, 904-521-6690, scot614@aol.com
January 14, 2009
TONIGHT: Wed Jan 14 6:30p
Spruce Creek in Port Orange
Thursday Jan 15 6:30p
Mainland High in Daytona
New Smyrna Beach High
Maureen France an executive board member of VTR is
spearheading a committee to audit the School Board budget.
We have many many volunteers… thank you… They will have
results of their audit in about four to six months! Stay
Tuned..
Also, you may recall a year or so ago I was interviewed by Time Magazine. Well I have found out that article is now one of the most emailed articles on Time.com. Please read below:
Tho, I just got it in my RSS reader as one of the MOST emailed articles on TIME.Com so it must be making headway!!!
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1682074,00.html?xid=rss-mostpopular
Now, tonight is our live video webcast on www.kenneytv.com
from 7 to 8 p.m. It is a live call in show. We will be
talking about the school board and also NANCY SCHLEICHER
from the Deltona Citizens Action Committee will also be our
guest.
All for now..
Margie
www.volusiataxreform.com
Margie,
The Volusia County School District (VCSD) sponsored a community budget meeting held at DeLand High School on Monday. It was very interesting. Their presentation centered around the severe cuts they are facing from the State of Florida due to declining sales tax revenues, etc on the state level. It was reported out enrollment is down 2,700 students. The VCSD gets approximately $7,500 per student. The materials they handed out centered around “VCSD is at a breaking point”. The VCSD is threatening to cut sports, music, IB, Science Fairs, etc in an effort to parents riled up. That, they did. There were 500+ parents in attendance and of course they do not want to see these further cuts.
I spoke on behalf of Volusia Tax Reform (VTR) and said that we sympathize with their plight and that we want to work with them. I stated that we would advocate that the legislature reevaluate funding formulas and how education is funded as it is not necessarily a stable funding source to rely on property tax revenues (as we have now seen).
I mentioned that we were forming a budget review committee for the VCSD budget made up of business people and parents and invited any other interested parents to join us. (I had several that gave me their email addresses).
I stated that VTR believes that the VCSD as well as other governmental entities must become much more efficient with their funds, just like companies and families are having to do. I said that we know all budgets had become inflated over the past several years. I said that VTR believes that the teachers and school-based personnel are on the front lines for educating our students and that they are the folks who most impact our student’s futures. I suggested that these people are the last ones who should be cut form the budget and that it is a matter of prioritization. I suggested that district level personnel and programs and their corresponding budgets should be much more closely scrutinized. I stated that we believe a quality education can be given to students for $7,000+ per student/year and that we know private schools are doing it for much less. Certainly a school district as large as ours would have some economies of scale that could be employed.
I concluded with the statement that: “One thing is for certain—citizens cannot pay more in property taxes, especially in this economy.”
Our points were well received by those in attendance. School Board Member Candace Lankford and Superintendent for Academic Instruction were there overseeing the meeting.
MY OBSERVATION: Cuts have still not been made at the top, at the district level, to any significant degree. WHY? I surmise it is because they are the ones recommending the cuts and they are not going to recommend cutting their own jobs. But, that is why we have a school board, elected by WE, THE PEOPLE. They are supposed to be there to represent our interests and if it means losing some jobs at the top to keep the schools operating, then that is precisely what the school board should be implementing. It appears they are, instead, looking out for these high level people, at the schools (and our) expense.
The first meeting of the VTR School District Budget meeting will be held at Cornerstone Office Park (1540 Cornerstone Blvd., Suite 200, Daytona Beach, FL 32117) in the University of Phoenix Office Building, upstairs in the conference room on Tuesday, January 20th at 5:30 pm. Anyone interested in attending, please do attend! Respectfully submitted, Maureen France
Maureen France
October 17, 2008
October 15, 2008
WE WILL NEED 800,000 SIGNATURES BY FEBRUARY 1, 2010 IN ORDER TO PLACE THIS ON THE BALLOT IN NOVEMBER 2010. Remember, citizen's initiatives can only be in general election years. To download the petition and find out more, go to www.yourdollaryourdecision.com
Your Dollar, Your Decision is a constitutional initiative to stop runaway government spending by placing a spending cap on local government. The cap would tie local government growth to inflation, and would only be breakable by the approval of you, the voter.
The petition effort will lead to a constitutional amendment being placed on the 2010 ballot.
Over the last several years, local government tax revenues have increased at a much faster rate than taxpayers’ income growth. In 2007, the Florida Legislature placed a cap on property tax revenue that was quickly broken by over 40 percent of local governments. Many local governments raised other taxes and fees to make up for the property tax revenue shortfall. A cap will prohibit this type of behavior, and reign in irresponsible spending by local governments. It will stop local government from spending your tax dollars on unnecessary projects and focus on the citizens’ needs.
If governments want to spend over the cap, they must first get approval from the voters.
Q: Why is a revenue cap so important?
A: Over the last several years, local government tax
revenues have increased at a much faster rate than taxpayers'
income growth. In 2007, the Florida Legislature placed a cap on
property tax revenue that was quickly broken by over 40 percent
of local governments. Many local governments raised other taxes
and fees to make up for the property tax revenue shortfall. A
cap will prohibit this type of behavior, and reign in
irresponsible spending by local governments.
Q: When will you have this on the ballot?
A: We hope to gain enough support to place it on the 2010
ballot.
Q: Would this be a problem if local officials were
held accountable for their actions?
A: Because local governments can hide revenue increases
in a complex variation of taxes and fees it is very difficult to
hold them accountable during re-election; a revenue cap
breakable only by voter approval is a more effective way to hold
them accountable and stop repeated tax increases.
Q: Won't this damage our community's bond rating?
A: This is a frequent criticism of revenue caps. In
Colorado, where a similar measure has been in place for several
years, they have not experienced any damage to local
governments' bond rating as a result of the revenue cap. We
believe in bonding, as we still expect our governments to be
able to undertake large public works projects: water systems,
roads, schools, etc. Our amendment will still provide for
bonding.
Q: There are a lot of improvements that my community
wants to make; won't this kill a lot of community projects?
A: It will not stop any project that has broad
community support. If it does not exceed the revenue cap, the
project moves forward. If it exceeds the revenue cap the project
will move forward if a majority of the voters support it.
Q: Couldn't the Legislature do this?
A: Yes, but they have chosen not to. The House passed a
similar proposal in April of 2008, but the Senate refused to
even consider it. Local governments have spent millions of
taxpayer dollars fighting all attempts to cut property taxes.
Q: Has this been done anywhere else before?
A: Similar proposals have been passed in other states,
most notably in Colorado in the mid-nineties.
Q: How did this work in Colorado?
A: It's worked very well in Colorado. When voters have real
authority to determine how much they will pay in taxes, and
therefore limit the ability of government to waste money, they
become more prosperous. Government can increase revenues and
spending, if they make their case to the public and voters
approve it.
Q: Could this make residential property taxes go up?
A: Naturally, property taxes rise as real estate values
rise. The main reason the property tax issue reached crisis
level is the fact local governments held millage rates steady as
real estate values skyrocketed, reaping a windfall. Had this
amendment been in place at the time, local governments would
have been forced to reduce millage rates to remain under the
revenue cap and the crisis would not have occurred.
Q: Won't local revenue go back down when the housing
and real estate market level out?
A: No. Historically, property values rise consistently over
time. If the local government holds property tax rates steady,
they should see increased revenues over time. If the revenues
increase at such a rate as to exceed the cap, as they did in the
real estate spike in the middle of this decade, local
governments would be forced to lower millage rates or seek voter
approval to exceed the cap.
Q: This is just like Hometown Democracy, which a lot
of people oppose, how is this different?
A: Hometown democracy is a property rights issue, and
would give voters final approval over land-use changes to
someone else's property. This proposal gives voters final
approval over how the government collects THEIR tax money.
Q: Won't we be adding a lot of government expense to
running more elections?
A: Only if the local governments request frequent tax increases.
Proper planning will allow for votes to occur on regularly
scheduled election days.
Q: Didn't the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission
reject this idea?
A: Yes, due to heavy lobbying pressure from local
governments which have spent millions of taxpayer dollars
fighting all attempts to cut property taxes.
September 10, 2008
We want to tell you what happened at the Volusia County Budget meeting last night. Citizens started arriving at about 6 p.m. when the meeting was suppose to start. Unfortunately, the council was only on agenda Item Number 46 at the time we arrived (which was suppose to be heard at about 2:15 in the afternoon). So the citizens sat through 1 hour and 45 minutes until 7:45 p.m. when the public hearing on the budget finally began. As you can imagine, some citizens were very frustrated at this and began to "voice their opinions."
Last night at the Volusia County Council Budget Meeting was fabulous!!!!! Tons of informed citizens spoke intelligently about the effects of the current economy and the proposed tax increase. I think every speaker made a significant impact on the county council. We MUST rally the troops to get EVERYONE to attend the Sept. 18th final budget hearing—if we do, I agree with Margie—it will force them to do away with the proposed increase. More and more people are waking up to the fact that we cannot afford our government. BRAVO to all—we made a difference!!!!
Maureen France
The following is a link to the article in the News Journal:
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/WestVolusia/wvlWEST02POL090508.htm
September 3, 2008Well, the Supreme Court made it's ruling and Amendment 5 WILL NOT BE ON THE BALLOT... Also, Amendments 7 and 9 WILL NOT BE ON THE BALLOT EITHER.
August 25, 2008
Everyone,
Well we just heard on the news that due to the budget deficits the State of Florida is facing, currently 1.8 BILLION DOLLARS, our elected officials in Tallahassee want to INCREASE THE SALES TAX!!!!! What happened to them stating that an increase in sales tax hurts the poor?????? Do they just want to nail the hammer shut on the coffin of the Florida economy? Don’t they know the basics of Economics 101? That when you increase taxes it creates an even more downward spiral of the economy???? What are they thinking?
WHY ARE THEY LOOKING TO INCREASE OUR TAXES RATHER THAN LOOKING TO DECREASE THEIR SPENDING?????
For those of you that are saying, well what about Amendment 5? Amendment 5 would increase these items... Well Amendment 5 is a TAX SWAP, NOT A TAX INCREASE!!!! ADDING ONE PERCENT TO THE SALES TAX WAS THE CORNERSTONE OF THE ARGUMENT FROM MANY OF THE TALLAHASSEE LEGISLATORS WHY THEY WERE AGAINST AMENDMENT 5. NOW IT LOOKS LIKE THEY WILL BE ADVOCATING THIS SALES TAX INCREASE WITHOUT GIVING A REDUCTION IN PROPERTY TAXES!!!
IF THE SUPREME COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF KEEPING AMENDMENT 5 ON THE BALLOT, THEN ARE THE STATE LEGISLATORS NOW RECOMMENDING INCREASING SALES TAX BY TWO PERCENT????
VTR WOULD ENCOURAGE ALL FLORIDIANS TO EMAIL, CALL AND FAX THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN TALLAHASSEE, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT ARE UP FOR RE ELECTION THIS YEAR!!!!! MAKE SURE YOU VOTE!!!!! THE EMAILS FOR OUR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS EMAIL!! LET THEM KNOW YOU DO NOT WANT A TAX INCREASE!!
This is ridiculous!!!! Unbelievable!!
Margie
Email addresses for Florida Senators and Representatives:
alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov, argenziano.nancy.web@flsenate.gov, aronberg.dave.web@flsenate.gov, atwater.jeff.web@flsenate.gov, baker.carey.web.@flsenate.gov, bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov, bullard.larcenia.web@flsenate.gov, carlton.lisa.web@flsenate.gov, constantine.lee.web@flsenate.gov, crist.victo r.web@flsenate.gov, dawson.mandy.web@flsenate.gov, deutch.ted.web@flsenate.gov, portilla.alex.web@flsenate.gov , dockery.paula.web@flsenate.gov, fasano.mike.web@flsenate.gov, gaetz.don.web@flsenate.gov , garcia.rudy.web@flsenate.gov, geller.steven.web@flsenate.gov, haridopolos.mike.web@flsenate.gov, hill.tony.web@flsenate.gov, jones.dennis.web@flsenate.gov, joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov, justice.charlie.web@flsenate.gov, king.james.web@flsenate.gov, lawson.alfred.web@flsenate.gov, lynn.evelyn.web@flsenate.gov, margolis.gwen.web@flsenate.gov, oelrich.steve.web@flsenate.gov, peaden.durell.web@flsenate.gov, posey.bill.web@flsenate.gov, pruitt.ken.web@flsenate.gov, rich.nan.web@flsenate.gov, ring.jeremy.web@flsenate.gov, saunders.burt.web@flsenate.gov, siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov, storms.ronda.web@flsenate.gov, villalobos.alex.web@flsenate.gov, webster.daniel.web@flsenate.gov, wilson.frederica.web@flsenate.gov , wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov
sandy.adams@myfloridahouse.gov, bob.allen@myfloridahouse.gov, thad.altman@myfloridahouse.gov, kevin.ambler@myfloridahouse.gov, tom.anderson@myfloridahouse.gov, frank.attkisson@myfloridahouse.gov, gary.aubuchon@myfloridahouse.gov , loranne.ausley@myfloridahouse.gov, dennis.baxley@myfloridahouse.gov, aaron.bean@myfloridahouse.gov, dorothy.bendross-mindingall@myfloridahouse.gov, ellyn.bogdanoff@myfloridahouse.gov, marty.bowen@myfloridahouse.gov, debbie.boyd@myfloridahouse.gov, mary.brandenburg@myfloridahouse.gov, ronald.brise@myfloridahouse.gov, donald.brown@myfloridahouse.gov, susan.bucher@myfloridahouse.gov, edward.bullard@myfloridahouse.gov, dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov, jennifer.carroll@myfloridahouse.gov, charles.chestnut@myfloridahouse.gov, marti.coley@myfloridahouse.gov, larry.cretul@myfloridahouse.gov, faye.culp@myfloridahouse.gov, joyce.cusack@myfloridahouse.gov, don.davis@myfloridahouse.gov, mike.davis@myfloridahouse.gov, charles.dean@myfloridahouse.gov , carl.domino@myfloridahouse.gov, greg.evers@myfloridahouse.gov, terry.fields@myfloridahouse.gov, keith.fitzgerald@myfloridahouse.gov, anitere.flores@myfloridahouse.gov, jim.frishe@myfloridahouse.gov, bill.galvano@myfloridahouse.gov, luis.garcia@myfloridahouse.gov, rene.garcia@myfloridahouse.gov, andy.gardiner@myfloridahouse.gov, dan.gelber@myfloridahouse.gov, joe.gibbons@myfloridahouse.gov, audrey.gibson@myfloridahouse.gov, hugh.gibson@myfloridahouse.gov, rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov, eddy.gonzalez@myfloridahouse.gov, michael.grant@myfloridahouse.gov, denise.grimsley@myfloridahouse.gov, gayle.harrell@myfloridahouse.gov, adam.hasner@myfloridahouse.gov </ A>, alan.hays@myfloridahouse.gov, bill.heller@myfloridahouse.gov, doug.holder@myfloridahouse.gov, tee.holloway@myfloridahouse.gov, ed.homan@myfloridahouse.gov, ed.hooper@myfloridahouse.gov, dorothy.hukill@myfloridahouse.gov, evan.jenne@myfloridahouse.gov, stan.jordan@myfloridahouse.gov, will.kendrick@myfloridahouse.gov, martin.kiar@myfloridahouse.gov, dick.kravitz@myfloridahouse.gov, paige.kreegel@myfloridahouse.gov, rick.kriseman@myfloridahouse.gov, john.legg@myfloridahouse.gov, marcelo.llorente@myfloridahouse.gov, janet.long@myfloridahouse.gov, carlos.lopez-cantera@myfloridahouse.gov, richard.machek@myfloridahouse.gov, mark.mahon@myfloridahouse.gov, stan.mayfield@myfloridahouse.gov, seth.mckeel@myfloridahouse.gov, matt.meadows@myfloridahouse.gov, david.mealor@myfloridahouse.gov, dave.murzin@myfloridahouse.gov, mitch.needelman@myfloridahouse.gov, peter.nehr@myfloridahouse.gov, bryan.nelson@myfloridahouse.gov, jimmy.patronis@myfloridahouse.gov, pat.patterson@myfloridahouse.gov, frank.peterman@myfloridahouse.gov, joe.pickens@myfloridahouse.gov, jc.planas@myfloridahouse.gov, ralph.poppell@myfloridahouse.gov, ari.porth@myfloridahouse.gov, steve.precourt@myfloridahouse.gov, bill.proctor@myfloridahouse.gov, scott.randolph@myfloridahouse.gov, ron.reagan@myfloridahouse.gov, betty.reed@myfloridahouse.gov, < A target=_blank ref="mailto:curtis.richardson@myfloridahouse.gov" h>curtis.richardson@myfloridahouse.gov, garrett.ricter@myfloridahouse.gov, david.rivera@myfloridahouse.gov, julio.robaina@myfloridahouse.gov, yolly.roberson@myfloridahouse.gov, dennis.ross@myfloridahouse.gov, marco.rubio@myfloridahouse.gov, maria.sachs@myfloridahouse.gov, franklin.sands@myfloridahouse.gov, ray.sanson@myflor idah ouse.gov, ron.saunders@myfloridahouse.gov, robert.schenck@myfloridahouse.gov, elaine.schwartz@myfloridahouse.gov, michael.scionti@myfloridahouse.gov, jack.seiler@myfloridahouse.gov, david.simmons@myfloridahouse.gov, kelly.skidmore@myfloridahouse.gov, william.snyder@myfloridahouse.gov, priscilla.taylor@myfloridahouse.gov, geraldine.thompson@myfloridahouse.gov, nick.thompson@myfloridahouse.gov, perry.thurston@myfloridahouse.gov, trey.traviesa@myfloridahouse.gov, baxter.troutman@myfloridahouse.gov, shelly.vana@myfloridahouse.gov, jim.waldman@myfloridahouse.gov, will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov, trudi.williams@myfloridahouse.gov, juan.zapata@myfloridahouse.gov
August 15, 2008
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-budgetgroup1508aug15,0,130243.story
Also, I have received hundreds of emails from all of you which I have copied just a small sampling of at the bottom of this email.
Margie
Copies of emails I have received:
Hi Marge-that is very disappointing-The property values will continue to drift downwards
I'm angry and you are not going to like the tone of my email, but being nice means being ignored in Florida. I am angry and ready to take to the streets!! It's nice to be nice but it's better to be effective.
WHAT A SHAME....THE TBRC & ALL THE CITIZENS OF FLORIDA WHO WORKED SO HARD TO GET RELIEF AND FAIRNESS ON THEIR PROPERTY TAX BILL, NOW HAVE IT TAKEN AWAY BY AN INFERIOR JUDGE, WHO DISREGARDED A STATE APPROVED COMMISSION THAT REPRESENTS AND ACTS ON BEHALF OF EVERY RESIDENT IN FLORIDA.
Dear Margie,
This proves a point I made that the people of this country have been railroaded
into submission by socialist interests abusing our due process of law setting up
conflicts between branches of governments that is the judicial branch as well as
Executive branches. This is tantamount to a dissolution of our constitution when
a judge subverts the peoples right to vote on a matter at the polls. This is a
crisis of unimaginable proportions. I really dont expect the supreme court to
turn down the lower courts ruling and this matter has shown that the power to
vote has been effaced by the government and its attempts to RULE the people not
govern. This is evident and this is why I said to you that I will sell my
properties and get the hell out of here, before a civil war breaks out. WE THE
PEOPLE says the Declaration of Independence, well now what? I have had enough.
This is so outrageous that this is tantamount to a declaration of war on the
people of this state even perhaps the nation. When the right for the people is
quashed by a court, (notice I said right) you have a quasi democracy. We are all
just playacting democracy. Democracy according to the State. So the State
manipulates the Ballots to suit their purposes to grab and maintain rule. This
Judge should be impeached for breaching his oath to the Constitution of the
United States of America. This should be called out and his tenure revoked. The
truth is that this is the Judicial Branch stepping out of line. Way out of line.
This Judge is so power hungry its inconcievable. For him to thwart the people's
will of the State of Florida is reprehensible. Get him out of there he needs to
go home
Margie,
More time wasted trying to do things right. Why was Amendment 5 thrown off the
ballot by a judge in less than 2 months while portability which is being
challenged for violating the Federal Constitution is still in court and
continues to be thrown out. It is so sickening! Nothing will ever change unless
people make it happen. The only way this can be accomplished is by people taking
to streets with signs and posting signs in their yards to warn tourist not to
buy in this unconstitutional corrupt State. That would send a shock wave through
this Nation that would guarantee change for us. You are in the perfect position
to make this happen. It would be a modern day REVOLUTION. People need to grow
back bones instead of wasting their time running to
Tallahassee on busses to beg the political idiots running this State for
help. Unless people stand up for their selves nothing will ever change.
Another year wasted and nothing accomplished!
You know it is funny how they are blaming all the
Foreclosures on variable
rates and people who had taken on more than they could afford. What about people
like me who have been hit with
property tax in the amount of 500 a month along with my mortgage and
insurance for a modest home and have now lost my job here. Since there are no
other jobs in this area, how do I pay mortgage with these crippling taxes? The
answer is I can’t and it is not because I over extended myself either. This is a
direct impact by the Florida Government. I’m not worried though, because that
idiot in Tallahassee said taxes are going to drop like a rock!
I believe in Miami-Dade 43% would be my savings. I am sure our FL Legislature could make up those dollars by a variety of ways, including but not limited to a one cent increase in the state sales tax, reviewing existing sales tax exemptions, and overall budget cuts. Schools would still be funded and believe here in Miami-Dade, 25,000 students per year have been leaving but our school budget did not go down and someone should audit them to find out why!
WHAT IS THE TRUTH?
The truth is that most cities and taxing authorities in the State of Florida have increased their revenues over the past five years more than 60 percent; some upwards of 100 percent increases in their total revenues.
The truth is because of the overspending of our government, the middle class Floridians can no longer afford to purchase new homes nor keep their existing homes.
The truth is student enrollment in the State of Florida for the years 2006 and 2007 has dramatically declined.
The truth is the dramatic decline in student enrollment is a DIRECT INDICATOR THAT FLORIDIANS ARE MOVING OUT OF THIS STATE!!
The truth is most of the local elected officials will not even admit that there is any waste in government spending.
The truth is many local elected officials would much rather increase the millage rates above the roll back rate to show they will not accept what Tallahassee has mandated and without any concern whatsoever of the tax payers of the State of Florida.
The truth is that at most a 9 percent roll back in government spending will not cripple the cities or taxing authorities.
The truth is most of the cities and taxing authorities continue to use scare tactics to alarm the citizens that their public safety is at risk if they reduce their budgets by at most 9 percent! Even though the truth is in the last five years the cities and taxing authorities have increased their revenues astronomically.
The truth is the cities and counties are voting to increase all other revenues, impact fees (in some instances 300 to 400 percent), franchise fees, water fees, etc. without any concern whatsoever as to how this will further erode the economy in the State of Florida.
The truth is the citizens of this great state have voiced their opinions to their elected officials, both at the local and state levels, that they cannot afford to pay these real estate taxes!
The truth is citizens do not trust most of their elected officials.
The truth is we need good people to run for office who will represent the voice of the citizens!
The truth is Florida is in a recession and the citizens are looking for the elected officials to LEAD US IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!
The truth is we need public servants. not politicians!!
VOLUSIA TAX REFORM'S PLATFORM FOR TRUE REAL ESTATE TAX REFORM:
*Reducing real estate taxes through capping government spending;
*To oversee and monitor that our taxing authorities are held accountable to fiscal spending of our tax dollars
Volusia Tax Reform understands there are numerous proposals that our legislatures are considering. However, Volusia Tax Reform would like to emphasize that the more complicated any of the plans for tax reform become, the more of a possibility exists that there will be loopholes and unintended consequences. Overall, we need a plan that will:
*Provide equity to all property owners;
*Address out of control government spending at all levels;
How this is accomplished could take any number of forms that may be acceptable to Volusia Tax Reform. Volusia Tax Reform still believes that Property Appraiser, Morgan Gilreath’s 7 point plan is the most comprehensive and workable solution to date.
Volusia Tax Reform would welcome further discussions in replacing part of the ad valorem tax with a state sales tax.
The property appraiser would assess the property not at "HIGHEST AND BEST USE", however, it would be assessed at ‘VALUE IN USE". Example: If property is situated on a prime piece of real estate for development, however is currently used for agriculture, then it would be assessed at "VALUE IN USE" not ‘HIGHEST AND BEST USE".
Volusia Tax Reform desires equality in real estate taxes and wants to be an active participant in the discussion regarding quantity of property tax paid versus the value of services being received from taxing authorities. The quality of services being provided, of course, falls upon the citizens to determine within their communities and requires continued citizen involvement, which we would strongly recommend. If the citizens do not consider the quality of services their local city and/or county provides it would be up to them to protest at the local levels.
Volusia Tax Reform understands there are still evolving discussions and proposals being presented and we want to ensure that true, meaningful and comprehensive tax reform is accomplished this year. Therefore, we encourage our state legislature to focus on improving the equity of property taxes because the state legislature is the only body that can accomplish that objective.
Executive Committee
Margie Patchett
Tom Blawn
Doug Kosarek
Maureen France
Steve Koenig
Stuart Patchett
Dick Pollard
Rusty Saunders
VOLUSIA TAX REFORM MISSION STATEMENT:
*TO OVERSEE AND MONITOR THAT OUR TAXING AUTHORITIES ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO FISCAL SPENDING OF OUR TAX DOLLARS
HERE ARE SOME OF THE THANK YOU LETTERS WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM CITIZENS:
I would just like to express our appreciation to you and your volunteers for all of the hard work you have done to make this happen. I know it has to have taken over your life. You remind me of one of my favorite quotes from Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has"...and you certainly have proven this to be true.
Thank you Margie, My wife and I live on Social Security and between the home owners insurance and the property tax reduction that looks like it was a political soothsayer, My wife and I can no longer afford to live in Florida. We've been here since 1964 with a good life but spending and wild economy during the past 8 years, killed Florida's senior citizens ability to survive the wild ride in property tax escalation. We endured a huge telephone rate increase but it's to much of a hardship anymore. With Tennessee's Electric power rates, property taxes and home owners insurance I'll be able to eat again without scrimping and actual have a few bucks left over each months. I want to wish all of you that stay and continue to pay blood money to survive my best wishes. For us oldsters, the writing was on the wall.
WE HAVE FORMED SEVERAL COMMITTEES AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!! IT IS ONLY THROUGH THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF THE CITIZENS THAT WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Please go to our "Meetings" link as there are special meetings coming up that we are requesting people to attend in order that OUR VOICES CAN BE HEARD AGAIN!!!
THE COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENTS WERE VOTED DOWN!!!!! THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAN THE POLLS AND GOT THE WORD OUT!! OUR COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL NOT BE GETTING A RAISE NOW!!!
WOW - WE DID IT! Together WE saved the taxpayers of Volusia County almost 30 million dollars. Read the "news" article called "Pressured Volusia council lets some air out of tax bubble."
Volusia County has the 3rd highest Millage Rate in the State of Florida following Duval and Palm Beach?!!
Volusia County's Millage Rate is nearly double that of our surrounding Counties?!!
Volusia County Property Owners are realizing that their property taxes are out of control! Make your concerns heard! Whether you live in-state or out-of-state, whether you are homesteaded or not...you need to be familiar with this issue! If we do not address property taxes now, where are our taxes going to be next year? ...And the year after?
THERE IS HOPE. A NEW GROUP HAS BEEN FORMED VOLUSIA TAX REFORM, A GROUP OF VOLUSIA PROPERTY OWNERS UNITING TOGETHER TO LOWER PROPERTY TAX.
Emails we have received:
Margie,
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
I am beside myself. I don't know what to say.
I have written everyone - Even the Honorable Kenneth Wilkinson
and Mike Hogan took the time to respond back to my email. That
was very nice of them and I am going to write to them again. I
have their personal email addresses.
Without the TBRC, where would we be today. They have MADE A
DIFFERENCE this year. We must not let their courgeous efforts go
for naught when November rolls around. I pray with all my heart
that CP002 is approved by the voters come November. The message
must get out to every voter in Florida. They can not let this
opportunity for real tax reform go by the wayside.
Enough for now. I have to get ahold of myself. The TBRC should
remain the governing body - they got it done without any
political allegiance or homage to those ........... (special
interest groups). Hip Hip Hooray for VTR and Americans for
Prosperity also. You gave me a reason to feel good about the
future of Florida and I'm forever grateful
Oh my Gosh!!!! Really?
Do I understand this correctly? We will have the opportunity to finally VOTE for something substantial? My eyes or old age must be deceiving me. Please explain I am so confused. We can vote on what happens to our money in this county? But WOW what do I need to do to keep this going?
COPIES OF EMAILS VTR HAS RECEIVED:
GOD BLESS YOU ALL. I have lived in Volusia County since 1972 and worked as a mortgage broker for 20 years. I own a home and 3 rental properties with my husband who is a real estate appraiser, small builder and real estate broker. We have 2 children left at home to raise and are in our 50's. We are basically SHUT DOWN and have been for over 1 year. Prior to that increased taxes ate our retirement. What we worked so hard for is going down the tubes. Even if we wanted to move WE CAN'T. It was discouraging to hear that Tallahassee isn't coming to terms. If they would eliminate real estate taxes and increase the sales tax it would help tremendously. Folks that want to downsize can. Real estate would boom.
We have already left Florida after 30 years, but our house remains-14 months on the market! What once was a hot place to buy is no more. Although we can’t vote this year, we have watched how tirelessly you have set your face to the wind
I bought a small beach home as a second home for my retirement in 2004 and as an investment. I could not easily afford to pay for a larger home, so I thought that I should buy a second home and rent it out. Never did I anticipate my taxes going from 1200 dollars a year for a 1060 square foot home to 5,200 dollars annually not to mention insurance going from 600 a year to 2000 a year. Needless to say, I can not sell the beach house because few people will qualify to buy it with steep taxes and I am slowly depleting my savings supporting what I thought would be a wise retirement plan.I need tax relief now. I think that the taxed value of all homes should be no more than 60 % of their worth with 5% max increases. Afterall, homeowners sacrifice 20% of the worth just to sell it. Fluctuations in the market account for another 20%. As a Teacher and want-to-stay middle class investor I really need the tax help
Do you think we will have any type of relief by 2008??? I am seriously at the cross road, I don't want to leave this area. I have lived here since 1991 and it is home. However, like everyone else I don't know that I can hang on much longer. I live beach side and just received my insurance renewal for this year, $10,000 for the year, up 100% from last year. We bought our house in 2005, I knew it was going to be difficult with taxes considering we were coming from a property we had lived in and was homesteaded since 1996, but with the two combined it is just too much. My mortgage is minor compared to my $1350 per month escrows. It is really hard, this is where my 11 year old was born and has grown up. I don't want to drag him away from his home and make him start over, yet I don't know how much longer I can take the pressure. I could move to another state and live with a lot less stress. You asked for letters, I have attempted many of times to sit down and write you one, yet every time I start, I also start crying. > Thank you for all you are doing.
As an out-of state owner, My wife and I are very concerned about the inequitable taxes we pay at our condominium as opposed to other "resident" owners. We purchased our property now, to retire to in the next 15 to 20 years, but already we have seen our property tax go from 1900.00 to 5900.00 to almost 7300.00 dollars in the last 2 1/2 years. We do not lease out our home, but when taxes reach the equal amount of our mortgage, we will probably have to sell our dream of retiring in Florida. I question the "Save our Homes" amendments' legality, as it empowered the population of Florida to raise or enact taxes, and I believe that that power is reserved for the government and not the populous..
We out of state property owners use less services and cost very little and bring revenue into the state i cannot understand being seniors looking to retire and reside in your state would be left out of this much needed tax reform because we are from another state we still need relief even more because we are holding two homes and pay two state property taxes why can't we be included. if not there will be a huge amount of homes for sales and many of us will move to another state for retirement because it will be cheaper... please respond with a comment this is crazy i am paying 9000 on a house which i paid 194,000 4 years ago and now because someone says it is worth 450,000 i have to pay 9,000 from 2,000 i cannot afford to retire now into this house and this is the cry of many out of state people please count us in.
Count me in to help with any committee that you would like. I am very committed and passionate about tax relief and a seeing a major decrease in government spending in Volusia County and Florida. I have a selfish motive as well----my taxes have increase 300%---I pay property taxes comparable to a palace and yet have only a 1700 sw.ft.single family home. I think 5,000/year is a little much. I also have a very small rental and pay over $5,000 in property taxes. The beach is out of control with spending while not providing services for it's local citizens------ok----don't get me going. Just suffice to say, I would be pleased to help in any way you would like. Take care
I am an out of state investor with 12 or so rental houses in the area. This is a deep issue for me and I have been watching it very closely. I have emailed the Govenor twice and communicated my concerns to everyone I know in the area. Unfortunately since I work in Louisville, KY can't attend your meetings, but my main concern is the State addressing the tax problem without any help to the temporary resident, landlord, and/or business owner. If they leave us out of any relief, I personally will let all my properties go and pull my money out of the State. This also includes our frequent trips to FL to check on these properties (basically we're spending money helping the State as well). If these issues have been addressed with the Govt leaders in Tallahassee, that's great and I think we need to keep pushing them along with other resident concerns. If not, those leaders certainly need to know the impact of ignoring our group of concerned non state residents. Thanks so much for your organization and what you stand for. Please contact me if you need any help.
We are heading north April 11/07.If the burden for non homesteaded property taxes is not adjusted fairly,we will be relocating to another state after 19 yrs.What happened to all the revenue during the boom time? Was nothing set aside for down time?To suggest cutting essential services is ludicrous. Shame on you.
As part-timers, we don't have the benefit of the Homestead and Save our Home. We have no problem paying our fair share of the tax burden, but our current tax burden is far from fair when we pay 4 - 5 times as much as some of our neighbors. Hope your group can accomplish meaningful reform that is fair to all taxpayers. If things continue as they now stand, we will have no choice but to sell our Florida property and look to other options.
My family lives in Port Orange and I purchased a condo as an investment for my future to be near them. I am suffering terribly with the tax hike, it tripled! How close are we to seeing some kind of relief??
My taxes increased in 4 years from 2,000 per year to 9,000 per year. I bought the home because I could afford it... the house the taxes and the services but I never imagined this.... and now I can't afford this home I will have to sell it now....but... I can't sell it because everyone is trying to sell ...so I purchased my home at 194,000 and in four years it has been reevaluated from 194 to 450 why because some one said so then what happens when now I can't sell it for that so do they roll the tax back and to what amount... this is crazy but most of all this has got to be illegal. We are the slaves of the government, we are the indentured servants.
I own 2 1/2 acres of property in the county section of Ormond Beach that is located on a privately maintained dirt road. We lived in Florida most of our lives and my wife was born in Daytona Beach. We can't even afford to pay the taxes on the undeveloped land. We use no city services and we are having trouble selling the property because no one wants to build because they would be unable to afford to pay the taxes on it. By the way we paid approximately 2400.00 last year!!
Many thanks for keeping us here in Tennessee informed as to the unfairness in Volusia County taxes. As I have stated before we are paying $4300 plus for a one bedroom condo in Dayitona Beach and this is terribly out of line and the taxes have gone up 70% over the past three years. We have a 5 Bedroom home here in TN with 3 1/2 baths on the lake, and we only pay $1200 in Property Taxes.
Thank You-for keeping this on the front burner. As a landlord here in Osceola County, I feel the tax sting the most
What happened?
Pd. Pol. Adv. sponsored and paid for in-kind by Volusia Tax Reform P.A.C. 1540 Cornerstone Boulevard, Suite 200, Office #200, Daytona Beach, FL 32117. Telephone Number: 386.236.2604
© 2006 Volusia Tax Reform
