Three years ago I was in the throes of selling one home to buy another, entrusting my investment to a freshman real estate agent. Harry is a successful businessman whose upscale retail store of glassware (Swarvoski and Bacarra) and ceramics (Capo De Monte, Lladro and Hummel) had become a frequent shopping target. I bought trinkets as compared to items that many of his other customers would purchase.
His goal was to upgrade from a $500k house to one twice the value. His professionalism was given with every customer purchase – the slightest flaw was unacceptable. He would return it to the manufacture and scrutinize another piece if it was in stock. I had no doubt his new adventure in real estate would be another success. After a year, he would become his own broker. I was his first client toward that goal.
When he shared his ideas of opening a real estate office, he hinted toward considering me as office manager, but the conversation led to my interest in his guidance to sell my home in Orlando.
Even though he had already given me a few concessions on his fees, he went out of bounds of what a typical agent might provide. He escorted me from Orange to Hernando County so we could both gain from the experience. He knew my circumstances for the move - he wanted exposure to every facet of his new trade.
His first attempts were through the typical means of MLS listings. This was not a good experience. Pre-owned homes were the first considerations. His disgust of what we saw dwarfed my own.
Front yards were poorly maintained but you don’t buy a house with landscaping a major concern. Most often, we cringed at the interiors. There is one house in particular that sticks out among the rest. Every room was dark and dreary.
The family room was poorly kept but the master bedroom was most repulsive. It may have served as a room for picture developing. An unmade bed and all kinds of “debris” lying on the floor were bad but the closets were disgusting. Not a single piece of clothing was hung properly on hangers; a policeman’s uniform was shabbily displayed in front. With cloths strewn on the floor there was little or no walking space.
Then there was the porch. The kick panel had serviced its purpose too many times, dislodged from the framework. Segments of screens were ripped. Harry was the first to suggest we just leave. Other dwellings may have been less offensive but were still poorly shown.
There are some basic principles to be followed if the seller and agent are truly intent on making the sale.
Natural rays of light brighten the house, giving rooms a more open feeling, as does removal of clutter. Personal knickknacks distract buyers from how they envision their own showpieces. Clean floors avoid hygiene from being a concern.
Most of what might be removed to give a more homey feeling won’t be missed. But what about keeping things out of sight? Box it, store it in the garage. It’s a perfect time to do some weeding, a perfect opportunity to hold a garage sale. You’ll also give the buyer the impression that you’re ready to move ASAP.
With all of these suggestions, Harry still wasn’t completely satisfied with the appearance of my home. After 15 years, the home was as clean and neat as anyone could expect. Yet, he had me go a few steps further. On his suggestion, I removed a few wall pictures (and patched and painted over nail holes) for a roomier feeling. He had me place simple flower arrangements in the living room, kitchen and master bath. Highlighting the garden tub would entice women. Mildly scented candles in every room and the A/C set at a pleasant temperature added to the aura of the home.
Harry gave me notice to vacate the house whenever prospective buyers were to tour the house. People are leery of open discussion when the seller is present; they feel intrusive when they should be welcomed.
I didn’t buy a previously owned home in Spring Hill. My realtor was privy to an investor home not yet put on the market. I was very fortunate. It’s near perfect to my wants and needs. But Adams’ architect failed to include a linen closet!
This is not a perfect world, but if your want to sell your house, just remember the interested party is looking to buy a home. A house isn’t necessarily a home unless it looks the picture in the eyes of the prospective buyer.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Everybody Dance Now!
Everybody dance now! It’s been three, going on four, decades since you may have put on your boogie shoes, gone to funkytown to dance the night away. It was usually a case of Friday or Saturday night fever that made you feel like you were hot stuff and you knew you were born to be alive!
As they would dim all the lights, glitter from a disco ball would get you in the mood to put on your boogie shoes to boogie oogie oogie in boogie wonderland – all night long.
A few too many drinks and you’d be dancing on the ceiling.
For the guys, visions of being a John Travolta would lead to some jive talkin’ and the hustle had to be played out because of a bad case of boogie fever. They were looking for more, more, more because they were ready to get down tonight, stayin’ alive to keep it coming, love. One or more studs might not want to rock the boat, but they might very well turn the beat around and rock your baby.
On ladies night, the girls aimed to shake your booty or shake your groove thing – anything to show that she is more than a woman – she’s a dancin’ machine! She felt like dancin’ in heaven – not ready for a rockin’ chair. For the love of money, she’d swear to god she wanted more, more, more as she proclaimed, I love the nightlife! She may not have needed nights on Broadway but she still wanted to be able to say, Oh what a night!
I was a little shy back then but when the music played, I admitted that I got to give it up and, if necessary, find me dancin’ with myself. Besides, it was a night of celebration at the best disco in town.
When ABBA was played, everybody was a dancin’ queen, feeling that ‘we are family’ and ‘that’s the way I like it’ – you got to make it real. There was no shame to take your time - do it right, because you wre meant to shake your groove thing ‘til the very last dance.
Disco days and disco balls were happier times for many of us. When friends come over, the collection of CDs overwhelms them with songs and singers they rarely think of any more. But it’s the party songs of the 70s that conjure up the most unique period in our lives. Younger or older, people still can’t keep from singing along or, at the least, do a bit of tap-dancing, bopping their heads and swaying with the music.
For the most part, they were good times. People reminisce with me and, although our ages may be somewhat distant, yearn for another day, another night of dancing as they have done in the past. Conversations invariably turn to disappointment and a little resentment that there is nothing to do in Spring Hill. There’s always a hint toward a desire to move because, among other things, the distance, cost and a perception of traveling to Tampa is risky pleasure. It kind of dulls the anticipation of having a really good time.
People want access to entertainment, exercise, and social mingling. Dancing provides all three without spending an hour to get there... another hour to get back home. And people would have a reason to get out of their mole home and stay out awhile after dark. A keen businessman might give consideration of such an investment opportunity. Some people would be content to sit and sip and watch the crowd and still have a good time while others would like to spike their hair, loosen up their buttons and get the party started!
As they would dim all the lights, glitter from a disco ball would get you in the mood to put on your boogie shoes to boogie oogie oogie in boogie wonderland – all night long.
A few too many drinks and you’d be dancing on the ceiling.
For the guys, visions of being a John Travolta would lead to some jive talkin’ and the hustle had to be played out because of a bad case of boogie fever. They were looking for more, more, more because they were ready to get down tonight, stayin’ alive to keep it coming, love. One or more studs might not want to rock the boat, but they might very well turn the beat around and rock your baby.
On ladies night, the girls aimed to shake your booty or shake your groove thing – anything to show that she is more than a woman – she’s a dancin’ machine! She felt like dancin’ in heaven – not ready for a rockin’ chair. For the love of money, she’d swear to god she wanted more, more, more as she proclaimed, I love the nightlife! She may not have needed nights on Broadway but she still wanted to be able to say, Oh what a night!
I was a little shy back then but when the music played, I admitted that I got to give it up and, if necessary, find me dancin’ with myself. Besides, it was a night of celebration at the best disco in town.
When ABBA was played, everybody was a dancin’ queen, feeling that ‘we are family’ and ‘that’s the way I like it’ – you got to make it real. There was no shame to take your time - do it right, because you wre meant to shake your groove thing ‘til the very last dance.
Disco days and disco balls were happier times for many of us. When friends come over, the collection of CDs overwhelms them with songs and singers they rarely think of any more. But it’s the party songs of the 70s that conjure up the most unique period in our lives. Younger or older, people still can’t keep from singing along or, at the least, do a bit of tap-dancing, bopping their heads and swaying with the music.
For the most part, they were good times. People reminisce with me and, although our ages may be somewhat distant, yearn for another day, another night of dancing as they have done in the past. Conversations invariably turn to disappointment and a little resentment that there is nothing to do in Spring Hill. There’s always a hint toward a desire to move because, among other things, the distance, cost and a perception of traveling to Tampa is risky pleasure. It kind of dulls the anticipation of having a really good time.
People want access to entertainment, exercise, and social mingling. Dancing provides all three without spending an hour to get there... another hour to get back home. And people would have a reason to get out of their mole home and stay out awhile after dark. A keen businessman might give consideration of such an investment opportunity. Some people would be content to sit and sip and watch the crowd and still have a good time while others would like to spike their hair, loosen up their buttons and get the party started!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Rambling About Gambling
I began gambling at age 23, greener than a dollar bill at planning my financial security. I knew chances of winning were against me but I succumbed to the temptation strictly because newly found friends had invited me to participate in what they viewed as entertainment at the Sanford-Hernando Kennel Club.
It was then that I was faced with placing my hard earned dollars across a betting window at the Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club. It was also then that I came to appreciate the exquisite, intelligent design of greyhounds. They’re not as stately as horses but their physique is envious. If only I could have a waistline like that proportionate to my stature!
I had no idea what I was doing. The racing form was filled with an array of numbers - a history of past wins, places and shows – plus body weights and daily odds. It was all gobbledygook to me. So I resorted to placing my first bet solely on a hunch by the name of the greyhound. There was no rationale whatsoever. Regardless, my chances of winning were about as good as they could get.
I was standing in line, anticipating my initial experience at a betting window. Yes, I was a bit nervous. When I got to the betting window, I made my choice. With the noisy distractions of the crowd, I thought he couldn’t hear me so I repeated the numbers.
When he said, “four dollars”, I was speechless. I hadn’t intended to double the risk factor but here I was with two tickets with the same numbers. This was a very costly mistake. I gambled twice as much as I had wanted, now 20% of my overall acceptable risk.
I couldn’t share my faux pas with my friends. I was alarmed, ready to call it a day at the races and leave, but I put on a show of anticipated joy. I soon heard the words, “Watch the bunny” with an inflection similar to “Here’s Johnny”.
It wasn’t one of those moments when nervous tension makes it seem like time has come to a standstill. Before I knew it, the race was over and my dog was the winner! Momentarily speechless, my jubilation was soon apparent when I announced to my friends that beginner’s “luck of the Scottish” had made me a winner. The tickets rewarded me with $45 each! By the end of the day, I was still pleased to go home with a good amount of winnings in my pocket.
Since then I’ve been taken to a floating gambling casino in Illinois, the Santa Anita Race Track and a few visits to Las Vegas. My biggest win came in 1989 shortly after moving back to Florida after a ten-year period of personal mobility. The moves were risky in themselves but I always came out ahead. This time, I had beaten the odds of choosing five out of six numbers in the Florida Lottery. I cashed in on $1200 in winnings! Today’s dollar values would make it twice as much.
Since then, lady luck has avoided me, most recently putting my financial security at undeserving risk. With no exception, every homeowner in Florida is unjustly in the same situation.
The cause? First it was Jeb. Charlie has followed suit. Citizens Property Insurance is the culprit, drummed up by the Florida Legislature in 2002 for homeowners unable to otherwise obtain coverage in high-risk (coastal) areas.
When I recently reviewed my insurance renewal charges I decided to check out other options for coverage. Come to find out, since few companies are writing new policies, my sole option would be Citizens. My insurance agent forewarned me that Citizens’ rates are currently frozen. In 2010 the fees will most likely double. I nixed the idea, just as I did with thoughts of increasing the hurricane deductible from $2K to $10K. I could save about $500 in yearly premiums. I heard a voice telling me “Don’t do it!” It wasn’t my subconscious telling me - I was talking out loud to myself.
Like a jilted lover, private insurers are most likely to refuse to take back homeowners who choose to switch to the government-owned competitor.
The problem is that politicians and lobbyists in Tallahassee are clueless on risk management. Casino gambling is an individual’s choice but when it comes to protecting the value of a home it’s more than just poor judgment blatant disregard for the financial well being of the homeowner.
Forgoing flood insurance coverage when you’re not in a flood zone is one thing but eliminating sinkhole coverage could be a living nightmare to a homeowner. When you live in a state that assumes the risk of a heavy hurricane season without having sufficient funds to pay for claims, the additional liability is eventually billed to its citizens.
It was then that I was faced with placing my hard earned dollars across a betting window at the Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club. It was also then that I came to appreciate the exquisite, intelligent design of greyhounds. They’re not as stately as horses but their physique is envious. If only I could have a waistline like that proportionate to my stature!
I had no idea what I was doing. The racing form was filled with an array of numbers - a history of past wins, places and shows – plus body weights and daily odds. It was all gobbledygook to me. So I resorted to placing my first bet solely on a hunch by the name of the greyhound. There was no rationale whatsoever. Regardless, my chances of winning were about as good as they could get.
I was standing in line, anticipating my initial experience at a betting window. Yes, I was a bit nervous. When I got to the betting window, I made my choice. With the noisy distractions of the crowd, I thought he couldn’t hear me so I repeated the numbers.
When he said, “four dollars”, I was speechless. I hadn’t intended to double the risk factor but here I was with two tickets with the same numbers. This was a very costly mistake. I gambled twice as much as I had wanted, now 20% of my overall acceptable risk.
I couldn’t share my faux pas with my friends. I was alarmed, ready to call it a day at the races and leave, but I put on a show of anticipated joy. I soon heard the words, “Watch the bunny” with an inflection similar to “Here’s Johnny”.
It wasn’t one of those moments when nervous tension makes it seem like time has come to a standstill. Before I knew it, the race was over and my dog was the winner! Momentarily speechless, my jubilation was soon apparent when I announced to my friends that beginner’s “luck of the Scottish” had made me a winner. The tickets rewarded me with $45 each! By the end of the day, I was still pleased to go home with a good amount of winnings in my pocket.
Since then I’ve been taken to a floating gambling casino in Illinois, the Santa Anita Race Track and a few visits to Las Vegas. My biggest win came in 1989 shortly after moving back to Florida after a ten-year period of personal mobility. The moves were risky in themselves but I always came out ahead. This time, I had beaten the odds of choosing five out of six numbers in the Florida Lottery. I cashed in on $1200 in winnings! Today’s dollar values would make it twice as much.
Since then, lady luck has avoided me, most recently putting my financial security at undeserving risk. With no exception, every homeowner in Florida is unjustly in the same situation.
The cause? First it was Jeb. Charlie has followed suit. Citizens Property Insurance is the culprit, drummed up by the Florida Legislature in 2002 for homeowners unable to otherwise obtain coverage in high-risk (coastal) areas.
When I recently reviewed my insurance renewal charges I decided to check out other options for coverage. Come to find out, since few companies are writing new policies, my sole option would be Citizens. My insurance agent forewarned me that Citizens’ rates are currently frozen. In 2010 the fees will most likely double. I nixed the idea, just as I did with thoughts of increasing the hurricane deductible from $2K to $10K. I could save about $500 in yearly premiums. I heard a voice telling me “Don’t do it!” It wasn’t my subconscious telling me - I was talking out loud to myself.
Like a jilted lover, private insurers are most likely to refuse to take back homeowners who choose to switch to the government-owned competitor.
The problem is that politicians and lobbyists in Tallahassee are clueless on risk management. Casino gambling is an individual’s choice but when it comes to protecting the value of a home it’s more than just poor judgment blatant disregard for the financial well being of the homeowner.
Forgoing flood insurance coverage when you’re not in a flood zone is one thing but eliminating sinkhole coverage could be a living nightmare to a homeowner. When you live in a state that assumes the risk of a heavy hurricane season without having sufficient funds to pay for claims, the additional liability is eventually billed to its citizens.
Running On Fumes
This past week the price that investors pay for crude-oil futures slid upward to more than $140 per barrel. The significance of the increase will accentuate the hardships of parents who transports kids to school events, charitable organizations whose volunteers deliver essentials to the needy, school districts whose bus expenses have already put thoughts of putting the lives of children at risk by making them walk to their schools, pizza delivery employees whose tips may be insufficient to warrant the limited monetary compensation they already receive… and residents of Hernando County who work outside the area.
The pay may be an attractive draw to seek and maintain employment in Pasco and Hillsboro Counties, but these commuters are going to be hit hard in their pocketbooks. With the cost of most everything else going up and the challenges of paying property taxes and homeowner insurance premiums there’ll little left to spend on what the Federal Governments expects from citizens to spur the economy.
The only means of people to purchase anything other than the essentials for their families will be by credit card. The Fed can lower the prime rate to zero and you can bet your life savings that interest rates on those plastics devils won’t go much below 15%. Heck, even with an excellent credit score, the worst culprit of my credit purchase woes is Bank of America. Others are currently charging less but those introductory rates have an ending date that I may not remember and, worse, the loan holders doesn’t supply on the monthly statements.
There are many Americans whose credit ratings put their interest rates above 20% or default rates that even higher.
Let me go back a few paragraphs where I mentioned there are a good number of Hernando County residents working outside the area. Their numbers equal about 34% of the County’s residents. Let’s say the average commuter put 40 miles on their vehicle to get to work, double that for a round trip then multiply by the 5-day workweek. That’s 400 miles per week.
The cost of gas is currently $4.00 or more per gallon. The vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon so the expense in gas would be $100 every month. The cost of car maintenance and repairs will surely go up but can’t be avoided to keep the machine at its best performance.
If there are thoughts of a new vehicle, forget it. The cost of my auto insurance just went up 10% from a year ago – no tickets, no accidents, no claims. A ’95 truck and an ’03 car. The telephone rep explained the increase was due to the cost of repairs and/or claims in the County. I didn’t feel safe in lowering the coverage so I fudged a bit about my estimated annual mileage.
If you think the cost of gasoline couldn’t get much worse, take into consideration that investors in oil futures expect the price of crude to reach two hundred dollars - $200 by the end of 2008, easily making the cost of gasoline go up another dollar. As the cost of petroleum goes up, so do the prices of nearly everything we Americans take for granted. And, as prices go up, the Dow will go down.
Whenever anyone suggests the slump in the economy will correct itself in a couple of years, I just don’t see it happening. After a dismal December for retail stores, January figures showed a pitiful gain of .4% - just a little more than nothing. Then I read that retail sales include gasoline. Without the increase of the price of gasoline, retail sales would have been less than zero over the prior month!
In a county that relies on retail, construction and property tax revenues, Hernando County has three strikes against its economic well-being. With a new administrator or not, there are some hefty challenges in the foreseeable future. It’ll be quite some time before new homes are built, thus construction laborers will have plenty of idle time in their lives to do whatever else is available to give them entertainment.
Workers are often displaced for lack of need in their chosen fields of employment and must seek other endeavors to achieve a measure of success in their lives. It’s a rude awakening but when survival is at stake. Only the brave and venturous shall inherit the paycheck.
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners and their “constituents of interest” need to get off their doo-dads and plan for a future that replace ho-hum doldrums jobs with ones with real-time wages. Without the guidance and consideration of any and all the people of influence in Hernando County, a solid economic future cannot be resurrected from the past decade of housing growth.
At one point the County had a tank full of gas - now it’s running on fumes, about to stall out.
The pay may be an attractive draw to seek and maintain employment in Pasco and Hillsboro Counties, but these commuters are going to be hit hard in their pocketbooks. With the cost of most everything else going up and the challenges of paying property taxes and homeowner insurance premiums there’ll little left to spend on what the Federal Governments expects from citizens to spur the economy.
The only means of people to purchase anything other than the essentials for their families will be by credit card. The Fed can lower the prime rate to zero and you can bet your life savings that interest rates on those plastics devils won’t go much below 15%. Heck, even with an excellent credit score, the worst culprit of my credit purchase woes is Bank of America. Others are currently charging less but those introductory rates have an ending date that I may not remember and, worse, the loan holders doesn’t supply on the monthly statements.
There are many Americans whose credit ratings put their interest rates above 20% or default rates that even higher.
Let me go back a few paragraphs where I mentioned there are a good number of Hernando County residents working outside the area. Their numbers equal about 34% of the County’s residents. Let’s say the average commuter put 40 miles on their vehicle to get to work, double that for a round trip then multiply by the 5-day workweek. That’s 400 miles per week.
The cost of gas is currently $4.00 or more per gallon. The vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon so the expense in gas would be $100 every month. The cost of car maintenance and repairs will surely go up but can’t be avoided to keep the machine at its best performance.
If there are thoughts of a new vehicle, forget it. The cost of my auto insurance just went up 10% from a year ago – no tickets, no accidents, no claims. A ’95 truck and an ’03 car. The telephone rep explained the increase was due to the cost of repairs and/or claims in the County. I didn’t feel safe in lowering the coverage so I fudged a bit about my estimated annual mileage.
If you think the cost of gasoline couldn’t get much worse, take into consideration that investors in oil futures expect the price of crude to reach two hundred dollars - $200 by the end of 2008, easily making the cost of gasoline go up another dollar. As the cost of petroleum goes up, so do the prices of nearly everything we Americans take for granted. And, as prices go up, the Dow will go down.
Whenever anyone suggests the slump in the economy will correct itself in a couple of years, I just don’t see it happening. After a dismal December for retail stores, January figures showed a pitiful gain of .4% - just a little more than nothing. Then I read that retail sales include gasoline. Without the increase of the price of gasoline, retail sales would have been less than zero over the prior month!
In a county that relies on retail, construction and property tax revenues, Hernando County has three strikes against its economic well-being. With a new administrator or not, there are some hefty challenges in the foreseeable future. It’ll be quite some time before new homes are built, thus construction laborers will have plenty of idle time in their lives to do whatever else is available to give them entertainment.
Workers are often displaced for lack of need in their chosen fields of employment and must seek other endeavors to achieve a measure of success in their lives. It’s a rude awakening but when survival is at stake. Only the brave and venturous shall inherit the paycheck.
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners and their “constituents of interest” need to get off their doo-dads and plan for a future that replace ho-hum doldrums jobs with ones with real-time wages. Without the guidance and consideration of any and all the people of influence in Hernando County, a solid economic future cannot be resurrected from the past decade of housing growth.
At one point the County had a tank full of gas - now it’s running on fumes, about to stall out.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Shopping Cart Is Half Full
As I reflect on the proceedings of the county budget workshop at the Ridge Manor Community Center on May 15, it brings to mind the similarity to a shopper’s quest to carefully choose items from an array of products and services. The selections for consideration were thoughtfully presented among the group of citizens who by far outnumbered the county employees on hand.
The atmosphere was of one of calm resolve, whereby the participants not only viewed the display of facts and figures of county expenditures of today but were also given comparable numbers of years gone by. The six and seven digit dollar amounts of the different baskets of funding were daunting to say the least, but the percentages of increases and decreases of the number put into perspective how appropriations of taxpayer contributions are varied.
I prefer bar graphs to show the change in allocations of moneys, but the pie charts were very effective to bring an understanding of what services take a bigger chunk out of the accumulation of tax dollars. Each piece of the pie is being placed on a plate, ready to be sliced into different portions, some of which will have to be thrown away in a wastebasket because the overall size of the pastry has to be reduced. Sections of the crust a now burnt offerings that won’t fit well when the excess fruit filling is discarded, much of which has turned sour to the taste buds of taxpayers.
In the end, our chefs, the Board of County Commissioners, have the task of concocting a more just dessert of mincemeats. Amendment 1 and fewer tax dollars demand a recipe with less sugar content be replaced with a healthier serving of local government spending.
County Administrator Dave Hamilton has done an excellent job of speaking person-to-person, looking eye-to-eye with concerned residents and listening ear-to-ear to resolve the painful process of bringing expenditures in line with available funds.
As he stood at the podium, he often relinquished the microphone to other county employees to further explain what and how county funds are currently distributed.
Dave admits his two months on the job haven’t given him time to know the ins and outs of the needs of Hernando County as compared to his experience in the same position in Crow Wing, Minnesota.
I am impressed. As he has successfully put his trust in the assistance of county employees to explain the complexity of the county budget, so should we put our faith in his leadership abilities to lead us to a more sound economic future.
I learned that there is a considerable amount of state and federal grants that provide funding for a variety of services. The meeting couldn’t allow time for specifics but the awareness should lead to more information and understanding during the 2008-2009 Budget Hearings held in June.
The workshop discussions at the Ridge Manor site are as unique as those held at the Brooksville site two weeks ago. I hadn’t expected such diversity, which gives me a woeful feeling for having been able to attend the meeting in Istachatta.
Another observation at Ridge Manor has to do with a small group of ladies who didn’t participate in the discussions but were nonetheless attentive to what was being said. The attendance of the four teenagers hinted that youthful residents have a vested interest in their futures as Hernando County adults. They might no realize their importance but I hope they will consider discussions with their schoolmates about the experience. Perhaps some would attend the Budget Hearings next month. Their involvement in local government would be an honorable contribution. Their parents wouldn’t be the only ones to take pride in their words of thought.
If a change is in fact gonna come, it will the choice of the young and restless to challenge us over-the-hill gang with fresh ideas for it is they who will take over where those who proceeded them left off and decide what is and what will be.
There are three shopping days left. Each of the remaining Thursdays in May have scheduled budget workshops. The shopping cart is only half full. It’s large enough to accommodate as many ideas and comments that shoppers can place in the cart. Not long from now Dave Hamilton will take the shopping list and “proceed to checkout”.
The atmosphere was of one of calm resolve, whereby the participants not only viewed the display of facts and figures of county expenditures of today but were also given comparable numbers of years gone by. The six and seven digit dollar amounts of the different baskets of funding were daunting to say the least, but the percentages of increases and decreases of the number put into perspective how appropriations of taxpayer contributions are varied.
I prefer bar graphs to show the change in allocations of moneys, but the pie charts were very effective to bring an understanding of what services take a bigger chunk out of the accumulation of tax dollars. Each piece of the pie is being placed on a plate, ready to be sliced into different portions, some of which will have to be thrown away in a wastebasket because the overall size of the pastry has to be reduced. Sections of the crust a now burnt offerings that won’t fit well when the excess fruit filling is discarded, much of which has turned sour to the taste buds of taxpayers.
In the end, our chefs, the Board of County Commissioners, have the task of concocting a more just dessert of mincemeats. Amendment 1 and fewer tax dollars demand a recipe with less sugar content be replaced with a healthier serving of local government spending.
County Administrator Dave Hamilton has done an excellent job of speaking person-to-person, looking eye-to-eye with concerned residents and listening ear-to-ear to resolve the painful process of bringing expenditures in line with available funds.
As he stood at the podium, he often relinquished the microphone to other county employees to further explain what and how county funds are currently distributed.
Dave admits his two months on the job haven’t given him time to know the ins and outs of the needs of Hernando County as compared to his experience in the same position in Crow Wing, Minnesota.
I am impressed. As he has successfully put his trust in the assistance of county employees to explain the complexity of the county budget, so should we put our faith in his leadership abilities to lead us to a more sound economic future.
I learned that there is a considerable amount of state and federal grants that provide funding for a variety of services. The meeting couldn’t allow time for specifics but the awareness should lead to more information and understanding during the 2008-2009 Budget Hearings held in June.
The workshop discussions at the Ridge Manor site are as unique as those held at the Brooksville site two weeks ago. I hadn’t expected such diversity, which gives me a woeful feeling for having been able to attend the meeting in Istachatta.
Another observation at Ridge Manor has to do with a small group of ladies who didn’t participate in the discussions but were nonetheless attentive to what was being said. The attendance of the four teenagers hinted that youthful residents have a vested interest in their futures as Hernando County adults. They might no realize their importance but I hope they will consider discussions with their schoolmates about the experience. Perhaps some would attend the Budget Hearings next month. Their involvement in local government would be an honorable contribution. Their parents wouldn’t be the only ones to take pride in their words of thought.
If a change is in fact gonna come, it will the choice of the young and restless to challenge us over-the-hill gang with fresh ideas for it is they who will take over where those who proceeded them left off and decide what is and what will be.
There are three shopping days left. Each of the remaining Thursdays in May have scheduled budget workshops. The shopping cart is only half full. It’s large enough to accommodate as many ideas and comments that shoppers can place in the cart. Not long from now Dave Hamilton will take the shopping list and “proceed to checkout”.
Budget Squawk Talk
The first of a series of 2008-2009 budget workshops was disappointing in the number of citizens who attended, which was close to the number of county employees. Those who maintain indifference toward the town hall meetings to address the issue of spending cuts for the coming year's Hernando County budget either don’t care or don’t know about the meetings. I hope the latter is the case but then many would still be among the former.
Of the people who spoke, their points were all valid. No one can be wrong when budgets are discussed. A good number of speakers had the same theme: the South Brooksville contamination site. Apparently the County had set an open-ended deadline for the cleanup. Two decades hasn’t been quite enough time.
Three speakers bamboozled me with their insights.
Joe Lemieux’s handiwork came in the form of placards with outdated numbers showing the compensation given to county managers. Each of their salaries has increased this past year. Other words he spoke made it clear the disgust he feels toward ill-spent taxpayer moneys. Foolish me, I misinterpreted his presentation as a podium for a bid as County Commissioner. As it turned out, he was just trying to help every taxpayer with responsible cuts in county expenses. You can call him Citizen Joe.
Then there was the lady, Anna Trinque, who was adamant that the county should reduce, or at least limit, the acreage of public lands. Her vision sees a flourish of new housing construction that would bolster the economy. Those days are over for the time being.
Perhaps a few thousand homeowners with For Sale signs could point out there are plenty of vacancies with unfulfilled opportunities of being sold. Property taxes won’t help the local economy as it has in the past. Those lost tax dollars will have to be replaced with higher impact fees to fully cover the costs of providing county services and road upgrades.
I was convinced she was running for County Commissioner. Not so. She turned out to be a self-interested real estate agent.
There was a gentleman, Mike Gladfelter, with an idea to bring alternative revenues to the county budget. He suggested cloning a Port Richie cost recovery program, which would collect automobile accident investigation fees from insurance companies of at-fault drivers. How much this could save the county wasn’t presented. Investigations would still be handled by the sheriff’s department; the billing would be outsourced. If the idea is worthy of consideration there are some concerns.
Sure, police investigation costs would be removed from the budget. It sounds like a good deal but you can bet insurance companies would pass along the increase in claims to every driver by raising premiums. It would be a poor trade-off. Property taxes have gone down some but the savings of recovery fees for the county would shift financial liabilities back to the pockets of residents.
The other concern is the possibility that there could be an increase in the number of investigations. Investigations deemed too expensive in the past might be given consideration. Perhaps the assets of at-fault driver could influence the degree to which investigations are pursued. There would be no need to contain costs.
Again, I had the impression he was another contender for County Commissioner. Wrong. I learned he is a police officer.
At one point Mike, Anna and Joe had a few tense words amongst themselves. One attendee at the meeting felt it was an inappropriate time for a heated debate. Annoyed, the person suggested their discussion be taken to the parking lot. His recommendation was misinterpreted as a joke when a few chuckled at the idea. I decided to grin and bear it, for he was I.
The attention of Administrator Dave Hamilton all but assures residents he has the stamina and determination to set in motion changes that will serve the best interests of Hernando County. His past experiences were easily displayed but he also acknowledged situations that he would not have been aware if it weren’t for the grace of the citizens who gave him earfuls of awareness.
I wasn’t able to attend the second workshop in Istachatta due to prior commitments. I lost an opportunity to visit an area of the county not yet explored.
Round three of the workshops is forthcoming on Thursday, May 15, at Ridge Manor Community Center. Those who care will be there.
Of the people who spoke, their points were all valid. No one can be wrong when budgets are discussed. A good number of speakers had the same theme: the South Brooksville contamination site. Apparently the County had set an open-ended deadline for the cleanup. Two decades hasn’t been quite enough time.
Three speakers bamboozled me with their insights.
Joe Lemieux’s handiwork came in the form of placards with outdated numbers showing the compensation given to county managers. Each of their salaries has increased this past year. Other words he spoke made it clear the disgust he feels toward ill-spent taxpayer moneys. Foolish me, I misinterpreted his presentation as a podium for a bid as County Commissioner. As it turned out, he was just trying to help every taxpayer with responsible cuts in county expenses. You can call him Citizen Joe.
Then there was the lady, Anna Trinque, who was adamant that the county should reduce, or at least limit, the acreage of public lands. Her vision sees a flourish of new housing construction that would bolster the economy. Those days are over for the time being.
Perhaps a few thousand homeowners with For Sale signs could point out there are plenty of vacancies with unfulfilled opportunities of being sold. Property taxes won’t help the local economy as it has in the past. Those lost tax dollars will have to be replaced with higher impact fees to fully cover the costs of providing county services and road upgrades.
I was convinced she was running for County Commissioner. Not so. She turned out to be a self-interested real estate agent.
There was a gentleman, Mike Gladfelter, with an idea to bring alternative revenues to the county budget. He suggested cloning a Port Richie cost recovery program, which would collect automobile accident investigation fees from insurance companies of at-fault drivers. How much this could save the county wasn’t presented. Investigations would still be handled by the sheriff’s department; the billing would be outsourced. If the idea is worthy of consideration there are some concerns.
Sure, police investigation costs would be removed from the budget. It sounds like a good deal but you can bet insurance companies would pass along the increase in claims to every driver by raising premiums. It would be a poor trade-off. Property taxes have gone down some but the savings of recovery fees for the county would shift financial liabilities back to the pockets of residents.
The other concern is the possibility that there could be an increase in the number of investigations. Investigations deemed too expensive in the past might be given consideration. Perhaps the assets of at-fault driver could influence the degree to which investigations are pursued. There would be no need to contain costs.
Again, I had the impression he was another contender for County Commissioner. Wrong. I learned he is a police officer.
At one point Mike, Anna and Joe had a few tense words amongst themselves. One attendee at the meeting felt it was an inappropriate time for a heated debate. Annoyed, the person suggested their discussion be taken to the parking lot. His recommendation was misinterpreted as a joke when a few chuckled at the idea. I decided to grin and bear it, for he was I.
The attention of Administrator Dave Hamilton all but assures residents he has the stamina and determination to set in motion changes that will serve the best interests of Hernando County. His past experiences were easily displayed but he also acknowledged situations that he would not have been aware if it weren’t for the grace of the citizens who gave him earfuls of awareness.
I wasn’t able to attend the second workshop in Istachatta due to prior commitments. I lost an opportunity to visit an area of the county not yet explored.
Round three of the workshops is forthcoming on Thursday, May 15, at Ridge Manor Community Center. Those who care will be there.
Fussing Over the Budget
Let the Budget Hearings begin! It’s that time of year again when Hernando County residents find out how the local government intends to spend those hard-earned dollars that go toward property taxes. This will become known as “The Year Of The Fussbudget”. Succeeding years will have a roman numeral.
On that cold day in January, when Florida voters gave Amendment 1 the right of passage, local and state economies are just now about to take interested residents through the economic abyss of fire and brimstone. Property tax reductions mean cutting government jobs and services. Perhaps there will also be some discussion on how to bring in an alternative revenue source that can take a bit of the bite out of the affects of a restricted budget.
Freshman County Administrator Dave Hamilton is seeking approval to hold public meetings to give residents the opportunity to be an integral part of the budget process by letting them air out their wants and have-nots. It’s like nitpicking or removing lint off a wool sweater. Residents would be given the opportunity to pick away at parasitic expenditures and the fluff of government spending.
Hamilton has prior Administrator experience in Crow Wing, Minnesota. His comrade is Budget Director George Zoettlein. I can envision them having spent hours in running over some preliminary numbers, making preparations for the public meetings, coming up with a game plan and standing up, giving each other a high-five while shouting out the battle cry “Let’s DO IT!”
That’s not likely but that level of adrenalin might be needed to get through the budget hearings. Right now, they’re the most important of all public servants. The public of Hernando County will be doggin’ him around through a process to decide who will get their wants and what services will become have-nots.
Hamilton must already realize some residents will place at the top of the “black list” the annual raises given to government employees. The suggestion was submitted during last year’s budget hearings but, as the Commission clearly explained, it’s mandated by the state.
Apparently, the no-raise option is written in stone, making it a mute subject. Complain at the dinner table but not at the hearings. Force reduction will be the primary
THE Bus will be a major object of contention. To discontinue the operation of public transportation would put a hardship on the elder, the infirm and other unfortunate citizens, creating situations where health problems are likely to be remain untreated. Making trips for food and other life necessities, such as providing food for the table, would become other objects of concern. Denying those in need of low cost public transportation denies people a means of having mobility. They would feel left behind, outcasts to society.
Low ridership on THE Bus has, in part, been attributed to the limited routes and existing schedules. Since THE Bus has proven to have been poorly planned and much too costly, alternatives should be in order. Perhaps the use of vans would afford additional routes. They would be less expensive and reduce pollution. The could be called “Da VAN”. Less expense. Less pollution. Funding may be a problem but the idea may warrant consideration.
In this election year, it should be rather intriguing with Commissioners Kingsley, Rowden and Stabins up for reelection. Each of them has been a participant of willy-nilly spending of tax dollars over the past few years. Commissioners Rocco and Russell are serving terms that began January 2007 so they’re in an enviable position that by Election Day 2010 the economy will be on the mend and their challenges may be less taxing, so to speak.
There’s an aforethought that the hearings will have a good degree of dramatics. An array of candidates will play the role of spoilers to the incumbent commissioners. These are the ones to watch as they try to position themselves to gain supporters. Hopefully they will follow protocol, adhering to the allotted three minutes of prime time speaking. Dribble talk isn’t needed. Criticizing, pointing fingers and making token suggestions that others have already made won’t make the grade. Without offering solutions, their words may give pause to their political aspirations.
Of course, reducing or eliminating services, thus employees, will be the main topic at the public workshops where everything can be put on the chopping block. It will be a tedious process, perhaps better presented to citizens with current line-by-line expenditures with residents given the option of using the veto process. A show of hands would prove less obstructive than people yelling Yeas and Nays.
Although the prospect may not be presented at the workshops, but somewhere along the budget process, Hamilton will propose the option of importing State and Federal prisoners from elsewhere as a last stop before being transferred to a penitentiary. Select local low-risk public offenders would be released with ankle bracelets, making space available for prisons that will bring in funds from State and Federals governments.
An estimated $1-million in payments are anticipated. This won’t solve the budget crisis but it would lessen the agony of slashing the $2.6-million shortfall of available funds.
Hamilton started discussion of worked with law enforcements in his job as Administrator in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, where the population is but a third as much in Hernando. St. Cloud is an hour south with a population another third of who live in Hernando. Brainerd, the county seat in Crow Wing, is one and two hours from St. Cloud and two hours from Minnesota/St. Paul. Although the population in these cities rival that of Tampa/St. Pete , Tampa is 40 miles from The Hernando County Jail. Closer proximity to a metropolitan area means more prison traffic.
It’s no secret that jail mates do their primary networking while incarcerated. These prisoners would be a risky breed to mix with those with lesser charges. This would be a valid concern for residents living within close proximity to the jail. Notification letters would be in order.
Identifying and gaining support for reducing government spending will be a slow, painful process. County Administrator Dave Hamilton appears to be ready for the challenge, the first of many. I hope he’s good at dodge ball; flexibility and resilience will be needed as citizens are ready to play kickball.
On that cold day in January, when Florida voters gave Amendment 1 the right of passage, local and state economies are just now about to take interested residents through the economic abyss of fire and brimstone. Property tax reductions mean cutting government jobs and services. Perhaps there will also be some discussion on how to bring in an alternative revenue source that can take a bit of the bite out of the affects of a restricted budget.
Freshman County Administrator Dave Hamilton is seeking approval to hold public meetings to give residents the opportunity to be an integral part of the budget process by letting them air out their wants and have-nots. It’s like nitpicking or removing lint off a wool sweater. Residents would be given the opportunity to pick away at parasitic expenditures and the fluff of government spending.
Hamilton has prior Administrator experience in Crow Wing, Minnesota. His comrade is Budget Director George Zoettlein. I can envision them having spent hours in running over some preliminary numbers, making preparations for the public meetings, coming up with a game plan and standing up, giving each other a high-five while shouting out the battle cry “Let’s DO IT!”
That’s not likely but that level of adrenalin might be needed to get through the budget hearings. Right now, they’re the most important of all public servants. The public of Hernando County will be doggin’ him around through a process to decide who will get their wants and what services will become have-nots.
Hamilton must already realize some residents will place at the top of the “black list” the annual raises given to government employees. The suggestion was submitted during last year’s budget hearings but, as the Commission clearly explained, it’s mandated by the state.
Apparently, the no-raise option is written in stone, making it a mute subject. Complain at the dinner table but not at the hearings. Force reduction will be the primary
THE Bus will be a major object of contention. To discontinue the operation of public transportation would put a hardship on the elder, the infirm and other unfortunate citizens, creating situations where health problems are likely to be remain untreated. Making trips for food and other life necessities, such as providing food for the table, would become other objects of concern. Denying those in need of low cost public transportation denies people a means of having mobility. They would feel left behind, outcasts to society.
Low ridership on THE Bus has, in part, been attributed to the limited routes and existing schedules. Since THE Bus has proven to have been poorly planned and much too costly, alternatives should be in order. Perhaps the use of vans would afford additional routes. They would be less expensive and reduce pollution. The could be called “Da VAN”. Less expense. Less pollution. Funding may be a problem but the idea may warrant consideration.
In this election year, it should be rather intriguing with Commissioners Kingsley, Rowden and Stabins up for reelection. Each of them has been a participant of willy-nilly spending of tax dollars over the past few years. Commissioners Rocco and Russell are serving terms that began January 2007 so they’re in an enviable position that by Election Day 2010 the economy will be on the mend and their challenges may be less taxing, so to speak.
There’s an aforethought that the hearings will have a good degree of dramatics. An array of candidates will play the role of spoilers to the incumbent commissioners. These are the ones to watch as they try to position themselves to gain supporters. Hopefully they will follow protocol, adhering to the allotted three minutes of prime time speaking. Dribble talk isn’t needed. Criticizing, pointing fingers and making token suggestions that others have already made won’t make the grade. Without offering solutions, their words may give pause to their political aspirations.
Of course, reducing or eliminating services, thus employees, will be the main topic at the public workshops where everything can be put on the chopping block. It will be a tedious process, perhaps better presented to citizens with current line-by-line expenditures with residents given the option of using the veto process. A show of hands would prove less obstructive than people yelling Yeas and Nays.
Although the prospect may not be presented at the workshops, but somewhere along the budget process, Hamilton will propose the option of importing State and Federal prisoners from elsewhere as a last stop before being transferred to a penitentiary. Select local low-risk public offenders would be released with ankle bracelets, making space available for prisons that will bring in funds from State and Federals governments.
An estimated $1-million in payments are anticipated. This won’t solve the budget crisis but it would lessen the agony of slashing the $2.6-million shortfall of available funds.
Hamilton started discussion of worked with law enforcements in his job as Administrator in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, where the population is but a third as much in Hernando. St. Cloud is an hour south with a population another third of who live in Hernando. Brainerd, the county seat in Crow Wing, is one and two hours from St. Cloud and two hours from Minnesota/St. Paul. Although the population in these cities rival that of Tampa/St. Pete , Tampa is 40 miles from The Hernando County Jail. Closer proximity to a metropolitan area means more prison traffic.
It’s no secret that jail mates do their primary networking while incarcerated. These prisoners would be a risky breed to mix with those with lesser charges. This would be a valid concern for residents living within close proximity to the jail. Notification letters would be in order.
Identifying and gaining support for reducing government spending will be a slow, painful process. County Administrator Dave Hamilton appears to be ready for the challenge, the first of many. I hope he’s good at dodge ball; flexibility and resilience will be needed as citizens are ready to play kickball.
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