At the August Voting Members meeting, Document Review Committee Chair Eric Holt reported that individual versions of each INSG are now on record, and the committee plans to provide each VM with their neighborhood’s INSGs for review. Holt explained that they are also trying to ensure the accuracy of the neighborhood lists, as there is a contradiction between CDD and WCA records. He added that there is an opening on the committee that needs to be filled and encouraged interested candidates to reach out.
Oostebrink shared that Swim & Tennis Committee Chair Dan Haigy passed away unexpectedly. He said that he was very proud of Haigy’s work ethic and his many accomplishments on behalf of the association and the board hoped to put a plaque honoring Haigy near the tennis or pickleball courts with his family’s blessing. He suggested trying to time the dedication of the plaque with Haigy’s celebration of life. Stamford VM Jamie Kolev said that one of Haigy’s fellow pickleball players wanted to host a tournament that would coincide with the celebration. WOW will offer updates as they become available.
Oostenbrink then provided an update on Inframark staffing. Rollamay Turkoane is the new Senior Community Association Manager (CAM) and Alice Rivera has been promoted to CAM 2. The administrative position needs to be filled.
Oostenbrink introduced guest speaker Karen Gonzalez Pittman, who represents District 65 in the Florida House of Representatives. Pittman said she is focused on education and health care, which includes taking on insurance companies. She explained that it’s vital to meet with constituents, as these meetings inspire the bills that she sponsors.
Pittman highlighted some of her accomplishments while serving on the insurance and banking committee, then invited the VMs to ask questions. Woodbridge VM Rick Goldstein asked Pittman to shed some light on the proposed property tax amendment and explain how the government planned to make up any resultant deficits. From 2020 to 2025, ad valorem taxes increased by 80 percent, Pittman replied. She said there was “gross negligence” in the use of government funds and that politicians have been trying to cut back on the budget.
“When I got into the house, we were at 125 billion dollars in our budget. Now we’re at 117 billion dollars,” Pittman reported. “We were paying down the debt. We’re in pretty good shape. Could it be better? Yes.”
She said the House added an amendment to the proposal requiring fire and rescue services to be funded at the same level as they are now. Kingsford VM Andrew Amenta said he would love to have his property taxes dropped, but didn’t want his services to be cut. He asked whether that was possible.
If the measure is passed in November, representatives would be back in Tallahassee to create implementing language, which doesn’t yet exist, Pittman replied. She noted that her South Tampa home flooded during Hurricanes Helene and Milton because the drains hadn’t been properly cleaned and that occurred even with the 80 percent increase in ad valorem taxes. She assured the VMs that there was plenty of room to make cuts.
“This is news to me that we’ve had this huge increase in revenue,” said Holt. “If revenue has increased 80 percent, who is going to evaluate where they’re dumping all this money?”
Pittman acknowledged that she didn’t have an answer. Holt then asked how her constituents felt about the possible reduction of property taxes, and she said she was unsure. He continued by questioning the possibility of lowering Florida’s sales tax. Lawmakers discussed the idea, but “we didn’t want tourists to get a free ride,” Pittman replied.
Stonebridge VM Christine Lindsay told Pittman that when she moved here in 1989, everything was affordable; now Lindsay’s niece can’t afford to purchase a home.
“We are sensitive to that and will be trying to address that with programs to get young people to buy homes and the elderly to keep their homes,” Pittman responded. “We’ll be working on ACA (the Affordable Care Act). Managed care plans are not covering what they should be covering. These are all big issues.”
Holt asked Pittman whether she had been satisfied with the new law that prohibits homeowners from suing their insurance companies. She said the measure had resulted in an increased number of insurance companies coming to Florida.
“Where did the 80 percent go?” questioned Ken Cellupica, alternate VM for the Classic Townhomes of WPV. “We’re putting something on the ballot without our politicians being able to tell us what’s going on. We have this additional money, but you don’t know where it’s going.”
Holt asked whether the 80 percent figure was a statewide number, or specific to Hillsborough County. Pittman said it was a county number.
Turning back to WCA business, Oostenbrink reported that the board condensed the reserve lists into a document that includes rankings and comments from the last time the board looked at them. He added that the board still hopes to tackle improvements to the tennis and pickleball courts; some exterior painting; the HVAC system at the Countryway facilities; refurbishment of the monument signs leading into the community; and more.
Board elections will be held in September, and four people have expressed interest in running to the Nominating Committee, he continued.
During VM comments, Cellupica asked whether any guidelines exist regarding having guest speakers attend meetings heading into an election. Oostenbrink said the VMs must approve any speaker beforehand and it can’t be a candidate who is not already in office.
Goldstein noted that he was hosting a meet and greet with Pittman at the Activity Room on Oct. 8 at 5 p.m.