Though her name is NOT Elaine, she is 82 years young and does live in Presbyterian Homes. She is a mother of three, grandmother of five, and great grandmother of three and has been living in Presbyterian Homes since her husband died many years ago.
She going to have make a decision in a couple months, just like all friends and neighbors, she will have to go without a meal or two or go without lifesaving drugs to pay for the Fire Fee Assessment monthly.
She told the Lehigh Acres Gazette that after all her bills are paid rent, phone, electric, water and sewer she only has $92.13 a month to pay for food and drugs monthly. And now Presbyterian Homes is going to pass thru a $26.00 charge to us from the Fire Department.
She said, “It’s the first time ever I felt used.” We asked her why? She tell us yes she did vote for new tax because the good looking firefighters at the poll place told her that they would lose their jobs.
She told the Lehigh Acres Gazette, she was told also it would not effect Presbyterian Homes because they are a not for profit entity.
So was “Elaine” lied to by the Fire Department? So did the Chief and the Fire Board discriminated against low income seniors in Lehigh Acres?
Some fire board commissioners at the March 2016 meeting made these comments:
Commissioner Carter said, “It’s going to be like Pandora’s Box if we allow this – They (Presbyterian Homes) is not religious center”
But the Fire Board did exempt Lehigh Community Services and they are not religious center.
Commissioner Kruse said, “They only pay 10 or 20 dollars’ month for rent – Tax Assessment will not increase their rents.”
But of these statements are not true – No one according to records provided by Presbyterian Homes to the Lehigh Acres Gazette pay’s only 10 or 20 dollars’ month for rent. And for the Fire Fee Assessment an increase is about to happen.
Commissioner Becker said, “They are not providing the correct health to the residents”
Presbyterian Homes does NOT provide health care. According to Attorney Divito, “Presbyterian Homes is independent living facility NOT an assisted living facility we do not prove health care.”
and the 82 yr old woman voted for the assessment because “The good looking firefighters at the poll place said they will lose their jobs!” and there is your answer…
are they or are they not a true non-profit organization as to the qualifications to be “tax exempt” and if so what statue do they claim their status – you seem to know a lot about this organization so I’m sure you will find out the correct information – thank you
Presbyterian Homes is listed with the IRS as a not for profit 501c3 — Look it up JB we did!!
is it the fire dept or the tax collector who determines who is exempt??
Fire Board determines who is exempt on the Fire Fee Assesment