Mosquito Control District Races

"I agree, it is not. I would like to point out that when Marge Crawford was on the board, and later Jim Crawford was elected to the board, SWMD was and is publicly applauded by the Walton County Tax Payers Association as the most fiscally responsible district in the county."

I would not post on this topic except for the fact that this individual involked the name of the Walton County Taxpayers Association in their response concerning the SMCD.

I need to remind all that the WCTA does not endorse candidates, and this response should not be construed as an endorsement for any candidate.

Seagrovegirl - you statements concerning the efficency of the SMCD was made for the past two years only. No rating has been given for this year because the "budget hearings" have not been held.

Prior to two budget cycles ago the WCTA expressed many concerns to the SMCD board about the growing fund balance of the organization as well as the salary scale for its director and the accumulation of funds to "buy a helicopter" to more efficently spray for mosquitos.

The applause that you are mentioning only came when those issues were addressed by the then three member board (vote was 2-1) and Mr. J Crawford voted against the budget reductions last year that addressed those concerns from past years.

"I agree, it is not. I would like to point out that when Marge Crawford was on the board, and later Jim Crawford was elected to the board, SWMD was and is publicly applauded by the Walton County Tax Payers Association as the most fiscally responsible district in the county."

I would not post on this topic except for the fact that this individual involked the name of the Walton County Taxpayers Association in their response concerning the SMCD.

I need to remind all that the WCTA does not endorse candidates, and this response should not be construed as an endorsement for any candidate.

Seagrovegirl - you statements concerning the efficency of the SMCD was made for the past two years only. No rating has been given for this year because the "budget hearings" have not been held.

Prior to two budget cycles ago the WCTA expressed many concerns to the SMCD board about the growing fund balance of the organization as well as the salary scale for its director and the accumulation of funds to "buy a helicopter" to more efficently spray for mosquitos.

The applause that you are mentioning only came when those issues were addressed by the then three member board (vote was 2-1) and Mr. J Crawford voted against the budget reductions last year that addressed those concerns from past years.

Nor did I mention any particular candidate being endorsed, just stating the fact that the SWMD budget has been kept below -2 mils for years. And the applause you mentioned also mentioned prior years of fiscal responsibility...wish I could find that article...if you have it, please post it.

seagrovegirl

As the webmaster for the WCTA for the past 4 years I have access to all of their posting, newsletters and studies. I have reviewed all of those documents and the only postings that I can find where the SMCD was given accolades was the following:

It appears that the South Walton Mosquito Control District (SWMCD) is on track to receive an A rating for the second year in a row. A true out of the park performance is on the design board as they have filed their Department of Revenue report indicating a reduction in the operating budget above the state mandated 3% ad valorem collections applicable to special taxing district. Last year the Board rolled back their millage rate to to .0947 mills . This year they have reduced their budget drastically resulting in a proposed millage rate of .0744 mills. This results in a 21.5% millage rate reduction. They accomplished their budget reductions through cuts in recurring expenses as well as capital purchases and freezing the salaries for their employee's at last years levels. The salaries of the SWMCD Director and his staff have been under intense scrutiny by two of the Mosquito Commissioners, Mr. John Magee and Mr. Charlie Burke. The salary study with the SWMCD conducted by WMBB News13 received local and state wide news coverage. Mr. D'Angelo's salary is within the top five salaries of Mosquito Control District in the State of Florida. This board has consistently rolled back their millage rate and we recognize their excellent record of due diligence.

I was the author of that "Report Crad" and when I referred to "this board" I was referring to the board as constituted at that time and it included:

Jim Crawford - John MaGee and Charlie Burke.

seagrovegirl

As the webmaster for the WCTA for the past 4 years I have access to all of their posting, newsletters and studies. I have reviewed all of those documents and the only postings that I can find where the SMCD was given accolades was the following:

It appears that the South Walton Mosquito Control District (SWMCD) is on track to receive an A rating for the second year in a row. A true out of the park performance is on the design board as they have filed their Department of Revenue report indicating a reduction in the operating budget above the state mandated 3% ad valorem collections applicable to special taxing district. Last year the Board rolled back their millage rate to to .0947 mills . This year they have reduced their budget drastically resulting in a proposed millage rate of .0744 mills. This results in a 21.5% millage rate reduction. They accomplished their budget reductions through cuts in recurring expenses as well as capital purchases and freezing the salaries for their employee's at last years levels. The salaries of the SWMCD Director and his staff have been under intense scrutiny by two of the Mosquito Commissioners, Mr. John Magee and Mr. Charlie Burke. The salary study with the SWMCD conducted by WMBB News13 received local and state wide news coverage. Mr. D'Angelo's salary is within the top five salaries of Mosquito Control District in the State of Florida. This board has consistently rolled back their millage rate and we recognize their excellent record of due diligence.

I was the author of that "Report Crad" and when I referred to "this board" I was referring to the board as constituted at that time and it included:

Jim Crawford - John MaGee and Charlie Burke.

Thank you!

And all of us are aware, most, if not all departments in the county lowered the milage rate due to the increase in the property tax due to the amazing increase in property value. The budget bottom line has increased dramatically since 2004, 2005. Prior to these dramatic years, the budget has been kept in check.

BTW..is this the article that was posted on your web site? I don't recall it being part of your published material.

Bob, I appreciate you and what you do for the county....thank you.

Seagrovegirl

The exceptions to your statement concerning "millage rate" reductions is true with two glaring examples:

The Walton County School Board has never lowered their "discreationary" millage rate ( the state sets the required rate) and the South Walton Fire District only lowered their millage rate 1 year since 1999. Last year they lowered their rate by .03 mills - that was a result of the state required rollback set by the passage of Amendment 1.

The clip that I included was from the cache on the WCTA webserver. That piece was never published in their newsletter. I did find the graphic that was also on the site.

View attachment 10059

Please note the gradges given to each taxing authority just prior to their final "public hearing"

Thank you for the graph, however, that is not the article I seem to remember...it was a written article on the web site. Anyhow...thank you for your research, it is interesting as well.

May I ask why the WCTA expects a cut and dry tax cut (millage reduction) for every office in the county? IMO...school board and fire district grow with the county. The mosquito district doesn't. Ie; they don't need stations every so many miles apart for the safety and welfare of the community and schools are mandated to have only so many children per classroom, and South Walton needs a Middle School.....therefore...we need funds to build a school.

I don't think it is unreasonable for certain county entities to hold their millage rate to keep up with the growth in our communities.

IMO....the WCTA should give more considerable weight to education, safety and welfare of Walton Co than to "across the board tax cuts". If you do this already, please educate me.

Why would anyone want this job? Is it a springboard to higher political office? It seems to be at the same level as say a community organizer.

Why would anyone want this job? Is it a springboard to higher political office? It seems to be at the same level as say a community organizer.

No responsibilities.

No responsibilities.

Care to explain how you would know this???

Thank you for the graph, however, that is not the article I seem to remember...it was a written article on the web site. Anyhow...thank you for your research, it is interesting as well.

May I ask why the WCTA expects a cut and dry tax cut (millage reduction) for every office in the county? IMO...school board and fire district grow with the county. The mosquito district doesn't. Ie; they don't need stations every so many miles apart for the safety and welfare of the community and schools are mandated to have only so many children per classroom, and South Walton needs a Middle School.....therefore...we need funds to build a school.

I don't think it is unreasonable for certain county entities to hold their millage rate to keep up with the growth in our communities.

IMO....the WCTA should give more considerable weight to education, safety and welfare of Walton Co than to "across the board tax cuts". If you do this already, please educate me.

Its simple, the WCTA believe they represent me the Taxpayer. I personally think they represent themselves and I have never seen suggestions as to what services to cut, whether road paving should be a priorty or maybe books for the schools. Maybe we could cut a few UNNECCESSARY POSITIONS, sometimes even private industry need to grow their ranks to operate more effieciently.

Care to explain how you would know this???

No, because I know nothing about mosquito control that involves anything more than me swatting it. It was a joke based upon the future VP's speech - damn omissions of smiley face icons.

Its simple, the WCTA believe they represent me the Taxpayer. I personally think they represent themselves and I have never seen suggestions as to what services to cut, whether road paving should be a priorty or maybe books for the schools. Maybe we could cut a few UNNECCESSARY POSITIONS, sometimes even private industry need to grow their ranks to operate more effieciently.

Why would you say this? When I worked with the WCTA we never represented anyone other than the 700+ members we had. I never heard anyone act or say that they were representing anyone other than the interest of the members as work was done to try to get a handle on out of control local government spending.

FF2

The WCTA has never inferred, suggested or claimed to represent all taxpayers in Walton County.

We have always taken the position that we were representing our membership as we interfaced with taxing authorities.

Our organization is lead by a board of directors that come from all walks of life, all political parties ( we are a non-partisan 501(c)4 corporation) and from all geographic areas in Walton County (north/south/east/west). The organization has existed for over 28 years. People join our organization seeking representation at county taxing authority meetings where they may not be able to attend and support our operations through their monetary membership ($10.00 annually).

Our Board is elected at our Annual Business Meeting.

Our membership share common interests and goals just like your Union as you collectively seek a resolution to your grievances, health & safety concerns, and collectively bargain for wages and benefits. Unlike your organization we do not endorse political candidates. Our non-partisan nature is what guides our non involvement in the political process of choosing elected representatives.

We do speak on issues that directly affect our membership and gladly share with all taxpayers the fruits of our involvement in the process of interfacing with governing boards that have the power to reach into your and my pockets and extract cash.

We believe that the process of public involvement in the services funded through "taxes" is a sacred right that is born out through the law of the State of Florida. The process is and should be transparent to all. The public is afforded the "right" to be involved in the budgeting process and then has the opportunity to speak on two more occassions at the "Public Hearings" that are required by law.

Our Board and its executive committee directs those that invoked the name of WCTA in their involvement in public meetings and forums and no individual is empowered to unilaterly make decisions in the name of the WCTA without approval from its Board.

This process was begun once again today as our Executive Committe met to consider our involvement in each of Walton Counties taxing authority "Budget Hearings"
that begin on Monday afternoon of next week. Those that will speak are following the will and vote of the WCTA Board.

FF2

Your statements that the WCTA positions concerning how tax dollars should be allocated is drive by only afew is simply not true.

Your obviously are not aware of the organizations level of committment to see tax dollars allocated on the basis of community input.

The organization conducted a study with 1300 plus residents and taxpayers in Walton County to determine their view point on the allocation of tax dollars during a declining tax revenue period.

I invite you to review the link below and see what those people said about funding priorities.

http://www.waltontaxpayers.org/PDF%20Files/Newsletters/Octnewsletter4color.pdf

what are your qualifications to make someone want to vote for you as a mosquito control commissioner?

As my father was an active member of the original board, he spoke often of issues that were of concern, and would take me with him to the meetings, checking ditches, etc. I have been concerned and interested in the mosquito control activities for many years, and vocal concerning the issues as many of you are aware. I have been increasingly irritated at the recent road pavings that messed up the ditches, and nothing seems to be done about it. I have managed my own business for the last 20 years, (including selling Avon), managed 3 probates as sole beneficiary and executor of their estates, in fact, when my mother died I had to sue the Southeast district of the United Methodist Church because of some illegal activity in the will. They settled out of court. My mother and I also discovered the activity of the lawyer who had represented her, and I had him removed.
I was a tree farmer for numerous years until that became rather pointless to try to accomplish in South Walton.
I received unanimous approval for a mobile home park in 1996, tended to all activities necessary for its establishment, have current licenses for it and a state licensed well. I bought used mobile homes, mostly gutted them, remodeled them, and rented them out. I prepare them as I would live in them myself. I have lived in 5 different mobile home parks. I strenuously try to maintain a safe, clean environment for my tenants. I believe that just because someone may not be able to afford higher rents, doesn?t mean that they are bad, or deserve less dignity than anyone else.

Oh I should be sarcastic, but how does selling Avon have anything to do with being a mosquito control commissioner?

I don't get it!

I met many people that I care about.

Although I did not always agree (but often did) with the WCTA, I found the WCTA to be very up front about their positions, their arguments and their concerns. As a member of the school board, I often argued with their positions, but, the arguments were never personal and were about whatever tax policy we were considering. Also, I found the information that they gave to the public and to the school board was accurate and useful.