By Joseph Wiedeman, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
In Summary:
Representatives from Apopka, Winter Garden, Oakland, Ocoee, and Windermere discussed Amendment 3’s potential effects during a West Orange Chamber of Commerce forum. Panelists warned that reduced revenue could strain public safety, public works, and other services, with Nesta projecting multimillion-dollar losses for Apopka. While the other representatives characterized the proposal as a potential tax shift, Nesta said the outcome could depend on how cities prepare.
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The West Orange Chamber of Commerce hosted representatives from five municipalities at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center to discuss how passage of Amendment 3 could affect local budgets and services.
Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta joined Winter Garden City Manager John Williams, Oakland Town Manager Elise Hui, Ocoee City Manager Craig Shadrix and Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith on the panel.
Related: Seminole County Chamber opposes Amendment 3 over economic concerns.
“Second biggest city in Central Florida,” Nesta joked to Shadrix. “The reason I'm up here is that the city of Apopka is unique and essentially elected me as somewhat a CEO of the city.”
The town hall opened with a basic explanation of Amendment 3, followed by each representative describing its potential impact on their municipality. Nesta discussed what the proposal could mean for homeowners.
“In Apopka, our average home price is around $390,000,” Nesta said. “Should this pass in November, it would bring that down around $400 (per average home) in the first year and $800 in the second.”
Panelists warned that the amendment could force cities to rework their budgets, potentially affecting police, fire and public works services. They also argued the proposal would reduce local control over revenue decisions and shift more authority to state government.
“Tallahassee keeps taking these decisions from local elected officials,” Smith said. “If this amendment were to pass, I hate to say it, you [residents] would have to lower your expectations on quality of life.”
Representatives outlined projected revenue losses for their municipalities. Nesta said Apopka could lose $7 million in the first year and $11.5 million in the second year if the amendment passes.
“Most municipalities already had a gap in place between the budget and city services,” Nesta said. “One thing that is concerning about Amendment 3 for Apopka is that it would change what the expectations of the government from residents are.”
Nesta recalled an exchange at Monday’s town hall with a woman who was brought to tears while discussing road conditions in Apopka. He said reduced revenue could limit the city’s ability to address the issues she raised.
That resident, Theresa Daniels Pena of Cluckin Crazy Farms, said Monday’s meeting was her first town hall. She said the drive took more than 25 minutes despite living about five minutes away, in an area where her family has lived for three generations.
“Moving Apopka into the 21st century shouldn’t mean leaving its residents, history, identity, or quality of life behind,” Pena said when asked if she hoped her story would stay with the mayor. “Progress should be about building a better future for the entire community, not simply changing the landscape.”
“The voices and concerns of existing Apopka residents deserve to be heard, considered, and reflected in Apopka’s future,” Pena added.
After the representatives outlined the potential effects on their municipalities, the discussion moved to questions submitted in writing. Nesta said he was trying to remain optimistic but viewed the amendment as a significant decision for voters.
One question asked whether Amendment 3 would effectively shift the tax burden rather than reduce it, requiring cities to seek other ways to replace lost revenue. The other four panelists agreed with that assessment, while Nesta offered a more qualified response.
“That’s what happens when you bring a politician up here,” Nesta said in jest. “But seriously, I think it depends on how you position yourself ahead of time.”
Key Points:
- Five municipalities represented: The forum brought together leaders from Apopka, Winter Garden, Oakland, Ocoee, and Windermere.
- Apopka revenue projections: Nesta estimated losses of $7 million in the first year and $11.5 million in the second if Amendment 3 passes.
- Service concerns: Panelists warned that reduced revenue could affect police, fire, public works, and other municipal services.
- Local control questioned: Representatives argued that the proposal would shift more authority over local revenue decisions to Tallahassee.
- Different views on a tax shift: Four panelists said cities could need alternative revenue sources, while Nesta emphasized preparation.
