Why I Voted to Limit the TLBD Assessment and What Comes Next
Earlier this month, I wrote a post asking an important question:
Is now the right time for a 99% increase in the TLBD assessment?
I voted in favor of a reduced TLBD assessment fee that was recommended by the City of Winter Springs staff on Tuesday, September 9, after hours of public input and detailed review. I voted to raise the cap on the Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District (TLBD) from $128 to $220 per household—but limited this year’s actual increase to $160, or just 25%; as opposed to the $255.20 per household recommendation.
Not a penny more.
This wasn’t about landscaping or aesthetics. It was about trust, transparency, and taxpayer protection.
What Was Originally Proposed: A $1.1 Million Annual Budget
The original proposal—supported by the Mayor, the TLBD advisory board, and the Tuscawilla HOA (THOA)—called for the largest assessment increase in memory, totaling over $1.1 million per year. Here’s how that broke down:
- Landscape maintenance: $512,378.33
- Fountain repairs: $71,793.60
- New streetlight fixtures: $250,771.14
- Signage upgrades: $125,500
- Admin, legal, and insurance costs: $71,407.11
Total Budget Requested: $1,116,716.38
What I Did Instead
I made sure we took a more responsible path forward:
- Raised the cap to $220 to avoid a costly $18,000 rate study in the future
- Limited this year’s rate increase to just 25% ($160 per household)
- Blocked the full $255.20 increase from going into effect
- Required performance accountability before any future increase
- Called for transparency on spending for privately owned assets
- Voted with residents—not with insider groups
Questions That Needed to Be Asked
Commissioner Mark Caruso, a former landscaper, questioned the massive $512,000 landscape line item. He raised a key point:
“Are we spending for aesthetics—or actual deliverables?”
While he doesn’t live within the TLBD boundaries, his experience and perspective underscored the importance of detailed oversight. Too often, budgets pass without scrutiny. That’s not how I operate.
Why This Matters
- A half-million dollars for landscaping.
- City funds directed to fountains on private HOA property.
- Nearly 100 percent rate hikes proposed in one year.
And all of this while residents face higher utility bills, inflation, and housing costs.
We can—and must—do better.
We Can Invest Responsibly Without Breaking Trust
I believe in maintaining the character and beauty of Winter Springs. But I will not rubber-stamp a million-dollar wish list without oversight.
This is a community, not a blank check.
We need measurable results, clear deliverables, and a commitment to fairness before asking residents to pay more.
What Happens Next
- TLBD residents will pay $160 this year—not $255
- The City must now deliver visible improvements and value
- I will oppose any future increase without clear accountability
- I will continue standing with residents to protect your interests
Let’s stay engaged, informed, and committed to protecting Winter Springs. Together, we can ensure every dollar is spent with purpose—and with the community in mind.
With respect and resolve,
Victoria Bruce
City Commissioner, District 2
Winter Springs, Florida
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