The Project Wide Advisory Committee reviewed a 2017-18 budget that includes $799,860 for the production and distribution of the weekly Recreation News.
However, District Manager Janet Tutt told PWAC members Monday morning that a “retrofit” is coming to Recreation News that should reduce costs.
The Amenity Authority Committee’s share of the cost for Recreation News had been projected to swell to $364,640 in 2017-18 from $210,960 in 2016-17. Last week, AAC members agreed to cut the Recreation News budget by $143,000, back down to a more acceptable $221,640.
Prior to the purchase of amenities earlier this year by the Sumter Landing Community Development District, the Developer had been picking up the cost of Recreation News south of County Road 466.
Years ago, the cost of Recreation News was $500,000 and was split between residents north of County Road 466 and the Developer.
Today, the breakdown of rooftops in The Villages is 37 percent in Village Center Community Development District (north of County Road 466) and 63 percent in the Sumter Landing Community Development District (south of County Road 466).
Tutt said Recreation Director John Rohan has been tasked with the retrofit of Recreation News. He has been meeting with the Villages Daily Sun about the retrofit.
She indicated the retrofit should be in place by the beginning of the year.
SLCDD acquired the amenities south of County Road 466 and PWAC has an advisory role in overseeing those amenities. This is the first time PWAC has reviewed the amenities budget.
You can see the entire budget at this link PWAC_Final_SLAD_Budget_packet_v3 (Recreation News is under “Printing & Binding).
Tutt also defended the need for Recreation News.
“It’s part of the quality of life,” Tutt said.
Likewise, the chairman of PWAC said Villagers are frequently seen in recreation centers reading copies of Recreation Center.
“There is data that suggests it’s a useful device and it is part of The Villages,” said PWAC Chairman Peter Moeller.
AAC Chairman Carl Bell has called for a high-tech alternative to the pulp version of Recreation News. He has suggested placing touch screens at recreation centers and promoting an online version of Recreation News.