[1]Lakewood Ranch Incorporation Study Group Newsletter.
What Incorporation Means for Lakewood Ranch
Prepared by the Lakewood Ranch Incorporation Study Group
Newsletter #2: WHY INCORPORATE NOW?
Some citizens in Lakewood Ranch have questioned if this is the right time to incorporate as a city. They cite the tough economic times, foreclosures, short sales, and declining home values as reasons not to incorporate now. However, there are several compelling reasons as to why incorporation now is a good idea:
· There is no benefit in waiting to incorporate. Incorporation is economically feasible today, and will continue to be feasible going forward, even if there is no growth in Lakewood Ranch over the next 10 years. (Note: The reality is that Lakewood Ranch actually is growing. In fact, year to-date through September 30, there have been 149 new home sales in Lakewood Ranch. This number is expected to grow to almost 200 by year end, and increase significantly again next year. As a point of reference, the Incorporation Feasibility Study assumes only 174 new home sales next year.) The sooner we become a city, the sooner we will begin to receive Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) revenue ($1.5 million in 2011) and state shared revenue ($2.2 million in 2011). Every year that we delay means that we have permanently lost these funds, along with the corresponding opportunity to start to build needed reserves for LWR and improve services without raising taxes.
· The sooner we become a city, the sooner we will begin to receive Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) revenue ($1.5 million in 2011) and state shared revenue ($2.2 million in 2011). Every year that we delay means that we have permanently lost these funds, along with the corresponding opportunity to start to build needed reserves for LWR and improve services without raising taxes.
· The Incorporation Study shows a budget surplus resulting from collection of these taxes which are currently being collected by the county. This surplus would actually allow us to weather economic storms like the one today—as well as real storms.
· Waiting longer also means that residents will be foregoing the opportunity to have much more control over important decisions that impact Lakewood Ranch. These include decisions involving planning, zoning, architectural standards, permitting, code enforcement, local laws and ordinances, economic development, assessment and use of impact fees, gate access, road repair, etc.
· Assuming that residents ultimately support incorporation, we will continue to proceed in a deliberate manner making sure that the correct actions are taken at each step. It probably will take another 2-3 years to actually become a city. During this time, we can make adjustments to the overall plan and approach as necessary.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO GET INVOLVED
· Forward this email to your friends and neighbors within LWR to ensure they are informed.
· If your neighborhood or group has not yet attended a charter draft presentation meeting, please contact us via email at IncorpStudy@lwrdv.com [2]. We will be happy to arrange a presentation.
· If you are interested in joining the Lakewood Ranch Incorporation Study Group, please contact us via email at IncorpStudy@lwrdv.com [2].
· If you want more detailed information on the pros and cons of incorporation, the incorporation process, FAQs, the charter, etc. visit our website at www.lwrdv.com/incorp [3].
IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE THIS EMAIL DIRECTLY FROM US AND WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE ON OUR EMAIL LIST, PLEASE RESPOND WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO IncorpStudy@lwrdv.com [2].
Posted as a public service announcement by REAL Magazine. REAL Magazine takes no position on the incorporation of Lakewood Ranch.
[4]