THE VILLAGES - The Village Center Community Development District Board of Supervisors approved a proposed 2003/2004 fiscal budget Friday and will receive public input at a hearing on Aug. 29, at the District Office.

The $26.9 million budget includes an increase in fire service expenditures. For fire service, the District Office anticipates spending $474,796 in Sumter County, $243,087 in Lake County and $224,664 in Marion County.

District Office Manager Pete Wahl could not be reached for comment.

Villages resident Russell Day said he is concerned that the floating of tax-free bonds could cause an increase in his amenities fees. The current budget shows a $13.6 million debt service, which includes more than $8 million in interest.

A member of the Property Owners Association, Day said he would like to see the fees lowered, however, the District Office raised his monthly amenities fees by $6, two years ago.

"I can see another raise coming," Day said. "Here's the kicker. He can do this over and over. Once that debt is paid off, he can sell it again. Pretty good deal, ain't it, huh?"