Want do the candidates say.......
False tax cut
"Fire district votes to cut property taxes," read the headline in our local paper. But instead of cheering, property owners are jeering a 56 percent increase in taxes.
As in any contract, reading the fine print is key. The Lehigh Acres Fire Control District board on Sept. 6 decided to lower the millage rate from $2.79 per $1,000 of taxable property to $2.49. At first blush, great news. But, the budget still went up 43 percent over last year and more than 100 percent over two years ago.
This special-interest-controlled board raised taxes instead of lowering them.
Rolling back the millage to $1.59 would have saved taxpayers money and still maintained the excellence in care that we expect from our first responders.
As your Fire Commissioner, I would vote to cut taxes, bring a business approach to the governance of the board, and restore a voice for the common man on the board. Remember, a vote for Julie Barrett is a vote for a name Lehigh can trust!
— JULIE BARRETT
Candidate
Lehigh Acres Fire Control District
Seat 2
Smoke and mirrors?
Being responsible and accountable to the needs of the people of the Lehigh Acres fire district should be the way of the future for its fire board. The district is in the customer-service business.
But this current fire board, with four firefighters on it, is just about to make a $36.3-million dollar mistake that will have repercussions for years to come for your children and their children.
Most people in Lehigh Acres would agree that firefighters did an excellent job protecting our homes and lives, especially during the fire this last April; but by just looking at this budget and the questionable items in it, and the lack of prevention items needed, it would be very easy to cut $7 to $10 million and still have one of the most effective fire departments in the county.
This board needs to lower contingency and miscellaneous fund items to a minimum acceptable level. I also believe that staff should file for grants every 45 to 60 days to save the taxpayers' money. This department has only received one true grant in the last five years.
Is this budget responsible and accountable to the people of this district at $38.3 million this next fiscal year, or is it just a smoke and mirror game?
— ROBERT J. ANDERSON
Candidate
Lehigh Acres Fire Control District
Seat 5
"Fire district votes to cut property taxes," read the headline in our local paper. But instead of cheering, property owners are jeering a 56 percent increase in taxes.
As in any contract, reading the fine print is key. The Lehigh Acres Fire Control District board on Sept. 6 decided to lower the millage rate from $2.79 per $1,000 of taxable property to $2.49. At first blush, great news. But, the budget still went up 43 percent over last year and more than 100 percent over two years ago.
This special-interest-controlled board raised taxes instead of lowering them.
Rolling back the millage to $1.59 would have saved taxpayers money and still maintained the excellence in care that we expect from our first responders.
As your Fire Commissioner, I would vote to cut taxes, bring a business approach to the governance of the board, and restore a voice for the common man on the board. Remember, a vote for Julie Barrett is a vote for a name Lehigh can trust!
— JULIE BARRETT
Candidate
Lehigh Acres Fire Control District
Seat 2
Smoke and mirrors?
Being responsible and accountable to the needs of the people of the Lehigh Acres fire district should be the way of the future for its fire board. The district is in the customer-service business.
But this current fire board, with four firefighters on it, is just about to make a $36.3-million dollar mistake that will have repercussions for years to come for your children and their children.
Most people in Lehigh Acres would agree that firefighters did an excellent job protecting our homes and lives, especially during the fire this last April; but by just looking at this budget and the questionable items in it, and the lack of prevention items needed, it would be very easy to cut $7 to $10 million and still have one of the most effective fire departments in the county.
This board needs to lower contingency and miscellaneous fund items to a minimum acceptable level. I also believe that staff should file for grants every 45 to 60 days to save the taxpayers' money. This department has only received one true grant in the last five years.
Is this budget responsible and accountable to the people of this district at $38.3 million this next fiscal year, or is it just a smoke and mirror game?
— ROBERT J. ANDERSON
Candidate
Lehigh Acres Fire Control District
Seat 5
posted by Editor Facts & Myths | 8:31 AM
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