So what is it 50% plus one or
91.08% tax increase?????
Chief Wayne said, “Yes, I did state that 50% plus 1 of the properties assessed would see an increase over what they currently pay now in ad valorem taxes. However, that was a simple acknowledgement that we are well aware that the majority of properties (50% plus 1) will indeed see an increase if the Fire Fee Assessment passes in November…nothing more.”
Honorable Kenneth Wilkinson at Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office did the computation of the numbers. Craig Herrera of the data service division of Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office emailed us the following information.
29,248 of the 31,143 single family residential properties will see a tax increase (based on the 2013 tax roll) if the fire assessment is passed, that’s a 91.08% increase and not the 50% plus 1 as Chief Wayne said.
1165 of the 1168 of the condominiums properties will see a tax increase (based on the 2013 tax roll) if the fire assessment is passed, that’s 99.7%
And 2109 of the 2123 of the Multi-Family Less than 10 properties will see a tax increase (based on the 2013 tax roll) if the fire assessment is passed, that’s 99.3%
Mr. Anderson, as stated in the previous article…the “50% plus 1” statement was referencing the definition of a “majority.” The word “majority” is defined as (according to Webster’s Dictionary) “the greater part of a number; a number larger than half the total.” In addition, I also acknowledged the fact that the number you stated in the Commission Meeting (70 something percent I believe) would receive an increase was probably low and that I believed it would probably be higher than that. I never stated that 51% of the residents would see an increase, this statement is FALSE. This is another attempt to “twist” the words of an individual to try and coerce others to believe something to the contrary. Therefore, I am not quite sure why you feel compelled to continue to print these types of negative articles and state that this District (I) is/am “lying” to the public. The only thing “untruthful” and “unethical” is your failed attempts at discrediting the Fire District, the Fire Chief, and the Board of Fire Commissioners. I hope that the readers of this blog continue to see the pattern here…you obviously are using this publication as a platform to spread your “individual” negativity of the Fire District. Everyone is entitled to an opinion I guess, however, I feel that your continued attacks represent the minority in Lehigh Acres.
The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District will continue to serve the public with Pride, Commitment, and Integrity. This is something that you will NEVER be able to take away from this organization.
Partner up with your local public safety organizations and provide support through the media, we are still offering this invitation to you. Otherwise, continue your current plight and questionable “ethics” when it comes to your reporting methodology.
The public is encouraged to call the Fire District at 239-303-5300 to make an appointment to speak with the Fire Chief if you have any questions and/or concerns about any information provided in these blogs. In addition, our public meetings are posted on the District’s website (www.lehighfd.com) and the public is also encouraged to attend to have their voice heard. Thank you.
Please note the Chief was verbally recorded at a fire board meeting to say “50% plus 1″ of the residents would be tax higher when he personally know the number was much higher.
Facts are the facts so you are saying now that the recording are not true?
The comment was…”we believe that AT LEAST 50% plus 1 or a majority of the residents would see an increase.” The District did not run the numbers. I agreed with your number and also stated that “it would probably be higher than that.” Apparently, I was correct if the PA states 91.08%, I am not really sure why you continue to try and twist words into something they are not.
The public is encouraged to call the Fire District at 239-303-5300 to make an appointment to speak with the Fire Chief if you have any questions and/or concerns about any information provided in these blogs. In addition, our public meetings are posted on the District’s website (www.lehighfd.com) and the public is also encouraged to attend to have their voice heard. Thank you.