Wildwood commissioners Monday night approved a $38-million budget and annexed 2,041 acres as part of the Villages of Southern Oaks development.
The budget, effective Oct. 1, will tax property owners at the rolled-back rate of $4.02 per $1,000 assessed valuation, down from this year’s rate of $4.10. The rolled-back rate is the amount needed to collect the same revenue as the prior year.
About $3 million of the budget’s general fund will come from property owners.
With estimated growth of 150 or more new homes a month, the budget includes $12.5 million in capital costs for water and sewer improvements and a new police station.
Eight employees will be added next year, including two police officers and a parks and recreation manager.
The annexation of 41 parcels could be a fourth phase of the massive Southern Oaks development. It includes land between the Florida Turnpike and State Road 44, roughly between U.S. 301 and Lake Okahumpka. Land near the intersection of SR 44 and County Road 468 also is included.
An estimated 11,000 to 16,000 homes on 4,518 acres are planned for the Southern Oaks development, which also includes land south of the turnpike on both sides of CR 468.
Plats for three Village of Fenney neighborhoods also were approved. They include a 76-home neighborhood, a 123-home neighborhood and the 69-unit Spartina Villas.
In a related matter, commissioners passed an ordinance removing a three-year waiting period to develop agricultural land that has been cleared of trees. The change could make it easier to build homes in Southern Oaks.
In other business, commissioners:
• Took a final vote to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in Wildwood. Two dispensaries will be located in Sumter County.
- Authorized the police department to trade its 40-caliber Glock service weapons for 9-millimeter semi-automatic guns. Police Chief Paul Valentino said the new guns, which also are used by Sumter County deputies, offer several advantages.
