A very important referendum vote is coming on Monday, June 25. This is to be a vote by an owner’s acreage to convert the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District (LGWCD) to a dependent district of the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.
There are a great many reasons to have the LGWCD be part of, rather than separate from, the town. Perhaps the single most compelling reason is to have a single government wherein confusion, miscommunication and jurisdictional bickering is laid aside in favor of being able to fast-track the requisite functions and projects within our town. For example, maintaining roads also includes having proper drainage (culverts and swales). This will be much easier when we are one government with no jurisdictional disputes slowing progress to a snail’s pace.
Roads have received a great deal of attention in the Town-Crier. If one would notice, it is not only Loxahatchee Groves, but The Acreage and all other areas with dirt roads that have suffered under the 30 or so inches of rain we’ve had. One of the main, if not the main reason for the poor condition of the roads in Loxahatchee Groves is the total abandonment of road care by the LGWCD, including the sale of the graders and water truck that you and I paid for.
Let’s now think about our taxes. Just looking at taxes I pay to the town ($292.25), the LGWCD ($724.75) and trash pickup ($428.27) for my five acres with a homestead exemption and no agricultural classification. Thus, I and most of you as well, pay twice as much to the LGWCD than to the town. I pay more to have my trash picked up than I contribute to the operation of the town — makes no sense. You get what you pay for! Merging the water control district with the town will allow your money to be put to use where and when it is most needed. You also must note that when the LGWCD removed road maintenance from their duties and budget, your assessment ($145/acre) did not go down.
As to roads, I favor well-maintained dirt roads. Many of you have heard my reason for this. I love to see outsiders drive into Loxahatchee Groves, notice that they are on a dirt road, turn around and leave. Think about that as the so-called “upscale” development to our north gets occupied and Westlakers want to drive through here with a pristine Beamer or Benz.
It is time to merge the LGWCD with the town, streamline government and move on with getting roads maintained, canal banks mowed, trails identified and conditioned, and all the other functions of our rural town.
I thank you for your time, consideration and YES vote for the merger referendum.
Dr. J. William (Bill) Louda, Loxahatchee Groves
