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Marion commission declines, so far, to reduce general fund millage rate
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Ocala Ranch legal action will be heard in Marion County, judge rules
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A few points did seem clear. Commissioners seem inclined to spend $500,000 to conduct a countywide broadband feasibility study. That way, when state or federal money for infrastructure improvement becomes available, the county will know exactly how and where to direct it.
There also is general agreement that a good portion of the money should be directed to water and sewer system expansion a longstanding budget and environmental priority that now can move closer to reality.
Less clear is how much money will be directed to dozens of county funds, many of them modest, which lost money during the pandemic when sales tax or other revenue sources dipped. The specifics there will be worked out this summer, during the annual budget review process.
Ocala Ranch still is battling to build a 5,400-home community in southwest Marion near the Withlacoochee River. Now it says that if the dispute heads to trial, then it wants a non-local jury.
The County Commission voted down Ocala Ranch s plan almost four years ago, despite approval recommendations from county professional staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission. The developer filed suit in circuit court, seeking more than $20 million in damages.
There hasn t been much movement, at least publicly, in the legal action. But earlier this month, the developer filed a motion seeking a change in venue.
Simply put, the plaintiff argues that since Marion County residents are taxpayers – and since their tax money would be used to pay any damages – then Marion residents have an unavoidable and insurmountable conflict of interest.