$400,000 CDD Budget Increase

The CDD has approved a proposed budget increase of $400,000 for Security Services.
A public hearing for final approval of the budget is set for July 26 2007 @ 6:00pm at the Waterstone II Clubhouse.

Current results of the Security/Budget Poll as of 8-10-07 9:00am:

104 - Neither, I do not want to pay more in Non-Ad Valorem taxes

42 - Hire two 24-hour uniformed off-duty Homestead police officers with marked patrol cars

45 - Hire three 24-hour uniformed security guards, one located at each of the three soft gates

The Poll question was not drafted by me, I asked another community leader to draft it, because prior comments suggested that my questions were biased/slanted. Although I created this Blog I do not consider it my private Blog. I have previously e-mailed all community presidents invitations to be a writer on this Blog. There is a link on the home page for anyone who would like to be a contributor/writer. I set up the Blog to allow anonymous comments because it will allow a free flow of comments without getting too personal.

As a CDD board member I am governed by the Fla Sunshine Laws and must be cautious of my comments in this forum, as I do not want to risk a violation. I will soon be posting responses to some of the posted items plus correcting and clearing up some incorrect statements. I am open to listening & speaking directly with any/all residents, so you can get "the rest of the story" I believe to properly represent residents I/we need to begin by listening to them. Angel Garrote 305-403-3007 Angel@HomesteadForSale.com.

Remember the CDD meeting minutes are available on www.WaterstoneWay.com which is the best source for the Truth & Facts regarding the CDD.

Thanks for your comments and participation, Angel Garrote

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CDD Meetings - Morning/Afternoon/Evenings?

Thank You for participating in the CDD Meetings Poll.
Currently CDD meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of every month@ 1:00pm @ Waterstone II Clubhouse. Do you think that moving these meetings to a different time or day would encourage more community participation?
Current Results: Yes=27 No=0

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CDD Bond Refinancing (Advanced Refunding)

Thank You for participating in the CDD Bond Refinancing Poll.
The current 2002 CDD bonds are under consideration for advanced refunding (refinancing).The proposed savings are estimated at $826,000.How do you feel those savings should be used?
Current Results as of 7-22-07 10:00pm:
42=Apply the Savings to Lower the CDD Assessments
19=Use the Savings to Fund Capital Projects/Improvements within Waterstone

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Green Space Vs Storage?

Thank You for participating in the Green Space Vs Storage Poll.
Would you like to see specified CDD Common Area/Green Space used for Storage of Boats, Trailers, Campers etc...?
Current Results: No=50 Yes =15

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Waterstone Trash Schedule

Thank You for participating in the Waterstone Trash Schedule Pole.
Our current garbage, trash & recycling schedule provides for pickup service 4 days a week in 12 communities and 3 days per week in the other 4 communities.Garbage-Monday, Trash-Tuesday, Recycling-Wednesday, Garbage-Thursday We have garbage, trash or recycling outside our communities 3-5 days per week.Our previous schedule combined all pick-ups within 2 days. Would you support a request for the City for a new schedule to combine all pick-ups within 2 days?
Current Results: Yes=37 No=7

As a result City of Homestead Public Works has listened to our concerns and have stated that they will be working on the schedule to combine all pick-ups within 2-3 days.

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Citizens Unite To Limit Property Taxes!

In order to address effectively the problem of rising property taxes in the City of Homestead, a group of citizens is forming a committee of electors to amend the City of Homestead Charter to limit ad valorem tax increases to 8% percent above/over the roll back rate, unless a higher rate is approved by the voters of the City Homestead.

We will also be forming a political committee to support this initiative, and are open to discussion of other changes that will protect residents from future financial burdens.

The benefits of limiting the rate of increase of property taxes, goes far beyond the simple enjoyment of more of your own money in your pocket. Limiting government spending slows inflation, helping to preserve the value of savings and retirement funds. It also forces lawmakers to exercise responsibility and oversight while planning for the future, as errors cannot be covered by simply raising taxes. A cap on tax increases also keeps a government financial crisis from becoming your financial crisis as they tap your pocket to cover the city's shortfalls. Furthermore you can free yourself from being a one issue tax voter when selecting candidates for political office. Lower taxes also increase property values, again putting more money in your pocket, and making housing more affordable for all citizens and also creating an ownership society where we all have more of a stake in our city.

For more information on joining the committee of electors, or to help with this effort, please call me at 305 246 2125,or email me brianforhomestead@gmail.com
Brian L. Judge