To recap the previous article about The Villages District Government, the numbered Residential Community Development District Boards (CDDs) are comprised of 5 elected supervisors who together form the governing body for their District and are entrusted with creating policies and approving budgets for their individual Districts. Residential Boards have purview over essential community infrastructure, deed compliance and aesthetics, water retention areas, storm and gutter facilities, road rights of way, landscaping, common areas, multi-modal transportation paths, sign walls and fences and in some cases Villa Roads.
Residential District Board Supervisors have significant financial responsibilities. As a governing body, they have the authority to issue and refinance certain types of bonds and assess all taxable property in the District through annual maintenance assessments. Board Supervisors approve their District’s annual budget and set maintenance assessments for District upkeep, ensuring fiscal responsibility while maintaining community standards. It should be noted that District Maintenance fees are billed annually by the county tax collector. The numbered CDDs are not responsible for amenity fees which are a contractual obligation between the Developer and the homeowner and are billed monthly as part of The Villages Utilities bill.
District Board Supervisors may approve contracts for District services and enter into Interlocal Agreements with other Districts. They also have the authority to levy fines for violations of rules regarding External Deed restrictions, maintaining community standards and property values.
Individually, Board Supervisors often serve as advocates for residents, assisting them through District services while the Board as a whole establishes the direction of the District. District Boards encourage resident engagement and participation in public meetings, helping to ensure that community voices are heard in the decision-making process. Transparency is fundamental to District Board operations.
Board meetings are open to the public. Meeting times, dates and locations can be found on the District website www.districtgov.org. To provide ample opportunity for residents to prepare for the meeting, agendas are posted on the District website 7 days in advance. In addition every agenda contains dedicated time for public comment.
District Supervisors are held to the same rigid standards as officials in cities and counties throughout Florida. They must comply with the Florida Sunshine Law, Public Records Law and financial reporting requirements. Ethical standards for District Supervisors are high as well. They must adhere to Florida Statute Chapter 112, Part III- Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees.
The willingness of residents to step forward and serve on District Boards ensures that community interests remain well represented. While this article focused on numbered Community Development Districts, serving on any Board or District Committee offers a meaningful opportunity to maintain the lifestyle of The Villages while giving back to our community.
Why not take the first step? Go to the District website, find when your District or a Board or Committee you are interested in meets and check it out.
The VHA Editorial Board includes Rich Cole and Roger Kass.