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Bad Choice

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Charles “Warren” Wolfe

Published: September 2, 2008

Many of our paths have crossed over the pasty several years since I moved to Highlands County from Broward County.

Although my primary career was in law enforcement, I have been involved with real estate since the mid '70s. I love Highlands County but am concerned that our county commissioners may not be practicing due prudence on expensive capital projects, particularly the new sheriff's building, which is the purpose of this letter.

The newly proposed sheriff's office building is one of the costliest capital expenditures in the county budget for the coming fiscal year.

This new, nearly 50,000-square-foot office building will cost over $12,000,000. When combined with plans for an expanded jail, the costs in future years will exceed $85,000,000. These costs neither include sewer and water hook-ups, interest on loans, nor impact fees.

Furthermore, the plans are based on one consultant's recommendation. Despite pleas to the county commissions from concerned citizens for a review of options and alternatives, the commissioners have not called for a formal review/vetting process. Compounding the absence of a vetting process, the monies to pay for capital expenditures have not been fully identified. This lack of oversight will likely lead to increased property taxes in the future, further impacting an already sluggish housing market.

No one disputes the sheriff's department needs more space. What is being disputed is the absence of a "best options review process."

We as Realtors know there are buildings in and around the Sebring area that could be retrofitted for a multi-purpose county and sheriff's office building, thereby avoiding new city sewer fees and annexation costs.

Many of these locations also have ample parking, another cost savings element.

If you are concerned about property taxes and their impact on your current and future clients, please take an opportunity to hear the facts and be part of a process for judicious fiscal oversight.

Join us on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Agri-Civic Center on George Boulevard and U.S. 27.

This is being faxed to each of the board offices registered with the Board of Realtors as a cover letter and an invitation for all real estate brokers, agents and associates to attend a "Town Hall Meeting" to hear facts, ask questions, make suggestions and comments, and discuss your concerns.

Charles "Warren" Wolfe
ERA Advantage Realty
Sebring

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