Local Property Manager and Former Municipal Finance Director Advocates for Smarter Budget Use and Community-Led Solutions to Preserve Growth and Quality of Life
Florida, US, 13th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Roberto Mejill Tellado, a longtime municipal finance consultant and president of RWM Real Property Inc, is urging local residents and leaders in Weeki Wachee and surrounding Hernando County communities to take a more active role in overseeing public spending and advocating for infrastructure upgrades amid rising population and service demands.
“As Weeki Wachee grows, so do the needs of our residents—clean water, road maintenance, waste systems, emergency services,” said Mejill Tellado. “We can’t afford to ignore the budgeting side of that equation. Dollars need to be tracked, and spending has to match actual needs—not just projections.”
According to U.S. Census data, Hernando County’s population has grown by over 12% in the last decade. At the same time, median home values have increased by nearly 55% since 2018, putting pressure on roads, utilities, and zoning regulations.
Roberto, who previously served as Director of Finance for the Municipality of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, and led the Puerto Rico Senate Commission for Municipal Affairs, brings over 30 years of experience in municipal budgeting and infrastructure planning. In Florida, he now manages residential properties and sees firsthand how delays in basic services—from garbage pickup to stormwater drainage—affect everyday residents.
“Every time a service is delayed, it’s because someone didn’t plan for it—or didn’t push back when money went elsewhere,” he said. “We need our citizens to become watchdogs. Go to meetings. Ask for budget reports. If it’s your money, you deserve to know how it’s being used.”
Roberto is especially concerned about the lack of forward-looking infrastructure investment. With Weeki Wachee situated near sensitive natural springs and wildlife zones, he warns that unchecked development could lead to environmental and public health risks.
“We’re sitting on one of Florida’s most delicate ecosystems,” he said. “Every new subdivision needs to be backed by proper water management, sewer systems, and long-term maintenance plans. If we skip that step, it’s the residents who pay later—with higher fees, damaged roads, or worse.”
In addition to local government oversight, Roberto also believes residents can take simple but powerful actions on their own:
- Attend public budget meetings. “Even showing up once or twice a year can make a difference.”
- Ask questions about where your tax dollars go. “Look for patterns. If roads are crumbling but administrative budgets keep going up, speak out.”
- Support infrastructure audits. “Push for third-party reviews of spending on roads, utilities, and housing developments.”
- Get to know your local property managers and service providers. “They often see problems before anyone else.”
He also recommends that small business owners, landlords, and HOA leaders start tracking municipal performance indicators—such as response times, permitting delays, and utility coverage gaps—and sharing that data with local commissions.
“We don’t need to wait for someone else to fix things,” Roberto added. “Every property owner, every resident has a role to play. When the community stays informed, local government improves.”
Roberto Mejill Tellado plans to continue speaking at town forums and offering his professional insights on how small towns can grow sustainably without sacrificing quality of life or fiscal responsibility.
Weeki Wachee residents are encouraged to attend the next Hernando County budget review session, review local infrastructure plans, and share feedback with elected officials. For resources on how to monitor municipal spending or organize neighborhood advocacy, visit the Hernando County official website or contact your local commission office.
