The Financial Management Act...
It was deep sixed by the Commissioners. Will the voters give it a chance in the August election? And then (hah hah) will federal judges actually allow the voter's decision to be final, or will they veto the results, as usual?
posted by J. Kendrick McPeters | 8:04 PM
173 Comments:
If the referendum passes in August, and based upon the number of registered voters who signed the petition in support Flo Winkles and myself are optomistic, there is a TCA that says this must go through. We researched this thoroughly before going to the trouble of all the work involved in gathering signatures. So please, Giles County Citizens, VOTE "YES" ON THE REFERENDUM.
One of the many benefits of the Financial Management Act of 1981 is that the school system will be brought under it. Finally there will be accountability for the monies given to them. Accounting standards and principles will be followed for all departments. There should be no more double paying of invoices, purchase orders written after invoices paid, etc. A Finance Director will be accountable to a Finance Committee made up of County Executive, Highway Superintendent, School Superintendent and four others appointed by County Commission. These 7 people will be accountable to the citizens of Giles Co. This Act centralizes accounting for all depts and school, handling budget, purchase, payroll. Lincoln Co. commissioners are saying they are so glad they have had it in place for several years now. Better control of spending should keep property taxes from skyrocketing. Thanks to all who signed the Petition to get this on this August 3 ballot. Rememer to check the "For" box on the ballot.
To ms. proud or ms. winkles,
do either of you know how Janet Vanzant stands on the financial act? I thought you, ms. proud would know, since you serve on one of her committees.
I serve in a volunteer position on the Workhouse Commission which is a subcommittee of the County Commission. Ms Vanzant is an ex-officio member and Chair by virtue of her office.
I do not know Ms Vanzant's position regarding the Financial Management Act. All I can tell you is that Ms Vanzant declined to sign the petition for the referendum which will be on the August ballot, stating "it would be a conflict of interest".
Thanks for your question, and please vote "FOR" on the referendum. Its our only chance to get accountability in our local government. The stories of enormous costs are purely scare tactics to get a negative vote. Basically the position plus salary for a Financial Director are already in our current budget. Law requires the bookkeepers who are already in the various departments be brought into the central accounting pool. Start-up would require some outlay but nothing outlandish. If it did neither Flo Winkles or myself would have entered into this endeavour. Thanks for your support. Should you have further questions please feel free to contact either Flo or myself.
Shirley Proud
To Ms. Proud
I attended the workshop held in the Court House, for the Financial Act. By attending, I learn the commissioners that voted against it, but simply didn't know how Ms. Vanzant stood on the issue.
I will be voting for the referendum.
Thank you for your support. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to vote FOR the referendum .It represents one of the few chances for Taxpayers to start reining in the crazy spending in Giles County
If anyone has any questions regarding details of the 1981 Plan they can feel free to call me ..My number is in the Pulaski phone book .
Shirley Proud
To Shirley Proud,
Your welcome! What is your personal opinion, why some commissioners voted no on the Financial Act?
OK this is my personal opinion:
Commissioners voting against the Financial Management Act of 1981 at the May 17th meeting, were:
Garland Moore
Barry McMasters
Edwin Lovell
Ronald Shirey
Bill Holt
Larry Worsham
Paul Walker
Billy Beets, Tim Risner and Tommy Campbell were absent therefore this recorded as a 'no' vote.
Following the meeting Commissioners Lovell, Shirey, Holt and Walker expressed they would support a Private Act for Centralized Accounting. However, as of this date nothing has been presented regarding action on a private act.
Tommy Campbell commented in the June 6th Budget Meeting the Referendum would be non-binding. This comment is incorrect. A Referendum of the people IS binding; a private act is non-binding and any department can opt out if they choose. We have documentation from two seperate governmental offices in Nashville to support this. Your positive vote for the referendum will not be in vain.
My personal opinion of the seven commissioners listed above is that Mr. Walker really would like to see accountability in our government spending in one form or another. Of the other six I think some have not studied in depth and they have a fear of the unknown; others are up for re-election and are concerned they might lose a few votes but considering the wonderful response to the petition, it would seem the opposite would be true. There are some who would have you believe this change in accounting will be very costly but this is definetly not so. To elaborate on where savings will occur plus the many other benefits of centralizing is too much to list here. Should anyone be interested in researching, please state so on this blog and I will submit the TN Code. I don't deny we will probably have some expense to begin with but the overall savings for the county will reap great benefits in the long run. State Auditors have been continually telling our commissioners centralized accounting will be mandatory within a couple of years. If the commissioners won't make the move toward improvement for whatever political reasons, let's do it as a community by voting FOR on the referendum.
I would like to state that I, as an individual, am not "out to get any department" of the county. It just makes good business sense to adopt this financial management plan. Thanks for reading.
Ms. Proud,
Thanks so much for the information. What is the difference between the Private Act and 1981 Act?
A Private Act can be written by the County Commissioners and passes locally by a two-thirds vote. This Act then goes to the state legislature and this, of course can wait several months to process. Private Acts must not be in conflict with general law otherwise the courts will hold the Act unconstitutional. Our local government can include or not include any department under their Act and since it is non-binding, departments may opt out if they so choose.
The Financial Act of 1981 includes all departments within the county, excluding the Fee Offices of the courthouse. A resolution was presented in May by several commissioners who had served on a sub-committee which was formed to educate our local representatives.
I believe the results of that vote are listed in an earlier Comment above.
Anticipating a negative vote by the commissioners in their May meeting, minutes before I filed the necessary Petition for Referendum. The petition required at least 809 signatures of registered voters in order to be valid. More than 1500 signatures were secured in ten days. Response from the public was fantastic. Hopefully this Referendum will pass as most citizens of Giles County are anxious for better accountability and improvement in our local governmennt, a sentiment which has been expressed by the majority of our current and soon to be elected commissioners.
The Financial Management Act of 1981 passed by Voters is binding. In addition, a Referendum by the people supercedes any private act by the commissioners.
Thanks again for your support of this Referendum.
To All Giles Countians,
Would you please read the post regarding,
The Financial Act of 1981, by Ms. Proud and call her if you need additional information. Encourage everyone to copy and paste this information and send it by email to all your contacts.
Does anyone wonder why the elite of our education system are not working to insure financial integrity and legitimacy in our county? Mr. Gonzales has a PHD. Mr. Jackson is eloquent and convincing. Why the silence when the state and common sense says financial things in the school system are a mess.
The answers "lie" in the financial data disclosed earlier on this blog. The mystery is, why the soothsayers can't read the handwriting on the wall.
Voting for financial management will move us out of the dark ages. It will take support by commissioners and others to get the full benefits. If your commissioner doesn't support it, vote for one that does.
Live better for less - know where you are going! dm
Why would anyone not want better management of the money spent in the county? I hope some people are not trying to hide something from us. I will vote for this change.
Allen brings up some key points: The "I don't knowers" & "The I dont know it'll workers" have one thing in common - They simply Don't know!
It's a lot like going to a fancy restaurant, paying for a $100 steak meal, & having the waiter bring in a possum on a stick. You ask, "What is it?" The answer is, "Idunno, but it's all we could find that had a stake stuffed through it!"
It's a situation where the possum man & the "I-dunnowers" are constantly making things better - (for themselves). If you like possum, vote 'em back in - your $100 steak is waiting for next the hand signal to cross the road. dm
Mr Barrett I like what you said. I will vote for the financial management and it would be nice to hear what each candidates has to say about it because we need to manage our money better in the county like I have to do at home on my small income. Sometimes I have to do without things I cant afford. But thats alright as I am blessed in many ways. I wont be able to go to the meeting at the school so would you please ask as many people as you can how they will vote on the management plan then you could send it in to this blog.
I was told that Lincoln County's audit looked just like ours. The auditors have said there is nothing of any serious matter in the audit here. The Financial Act won't control the departments like you think. The department will still do their own budget the way they want. The only difference is who writes the purchase orders and looks at the book to see if there is money budgeted in that area. No big difference except where those bookkeepers work and who they are.
To Anonymous July 28, 5:33 p.m.
From your writing it appears you have been misinformed about the Financial Management Plan of 1981. If you would please call me on 424-6501 I will be glad to share with you everything I have learned in the past 18 months about the Act while working on the petition/referendum. I can also provide you with copy for you to read if you would like to have it. I don't know who you were responding to in your comment "the act won't control the departments like you think" but I can assure you my intentions during these months of work have never been to control anything or anyone. Its simply a rare opportunity for the citizens of Giles Co to vote on an issue that moves the county forward in many ways. Please read my Letter to Editor July 27th newspaper as it lists the many bebefits to be derived from this Financial Management Plan. Thanks.
The voice of disinformation speaks. If you are part of the problem, you obviously don't want to solve it and don't want anyone else to know what's going on.
Go up to the May 30 school budget comments, read the paper, read the audit report, read the school budgets, etc. The Jackson machine is out of control. The other departments are working with their hands tied behind their back.
As for "doing their budget the way they want", clip a few articles from ENRON and others who thought fraud is good. It's gone way too far. It will stop, hopefully before someone ruins their life.
To anonymous Fri @5-33 PM
Lets pick one item on the audits where Giles Co has been written up yearly.
A dept head decides their dept needs another vehicle -wanders down to local dealership (NOTE 'Local') and decides "I want THAT one" and makes notes on its color , model mileage etc then goes back to office and cuts a purchase order that specifically defines THAT car from THAT dealership no matter what its price is .
WHY didnt that manager define what size etc car they wanted on a Purchase Request (4-door sedan , used, automatic trans under $15,000 with 5 yrs maintenance ) and allow a Central Purchasing group to ask for bids from LOTS of dealers? That way taxpayers KNOW there was some competition involved (It's the American Way isnt it ?) and maybe a better vehicle for the County would be the end result.
NOT doing that is still OK with you ? Ever wonder where the dept manager has their personal car maintained ? Could it possibly be where the County perhaps (check the Kelly Blue Book prices ) overpaid for the predefined auto? Could there possibly be a conflict of interest there ? (It's the Giles County Way isnt it ?). Maybe not , but on the other hand -just maybe ?? Can you see that leetle cloud over there ?
A well managed Financial Management dept with clearly defined and enforced rules WONT allow the little dark cloud to even appear .Plus it WONT cost any more to do things properly once the initial shock has died down about Dept heads needing to follow those rules. Plus taxpayers will have a more secure knowledge of how their taxes are being controlled and spent for their benefit instead of disappearing into a black hole .
Vote "FOR" financial management and watch your tax money be better spent in future .
Carr Dealah
Thank you to all the citizens who voted "For" Financial Management Act of 1981. When fully implemented this should vastly improve the financial operation of this county.
Congratulations Mrs. Proud and others, your hard work finally paid off by the passing of the referendum!!
Thank you Writer above. I enjoyed working on the Referendum and if something else as interesting and rewarding for the people of the county came along I'd want to work on that too. Grateful thanks to everyone who voted FOR this referendum.
I think it will be interesting to watch how our county executive chooses to implement this plan and whom she will choose to be the director because I think this will be the key. I just hope she has the foresight not appoint Mr. Jimmy Mooney.
Anonymous,
How in the world will Mrs. Vanzant be able to implement the Financial Plan, when she incapable of reading and understanding a budget?
To Anonymous 3:05:23 & 4:57:07---
The Co. Exec. alone cannot appoint a Finance Director. There are 7 people on the Finance Committee who do that and they need to advertise and take applications for the position. The 7 are Co. Exec., School Superintendent, Highway Supt. and 4 elected by the Commission.
Mr. Barrett, are you going to apply. That would really be a kick in the butt. At least we would know that it was done correctly.
You had my vote, sorry it did'nt work out. Keep up the good work.
Anonymous of Friday, August 04, 2006 8:13:44 PM,
The commissioners Mrs. Vanzant will choose are, Mrs. Flacy, Mr Jackson, Mr. Harris, Mr. Beets, Mr. Pollard or Mr. Risner, or Mrs. Howell just wait and see!
Not 7 commissioners you dummy? The 7 are Co. Exec., School Superintendent, Highway Supt. and 4 people from the general public and/or commission. They do not have to be commissioners!!! See the ignorance in this screwed up county!!
Concerned GC taxpayer.....why dont you leave then?
Concerned Giles County Taxpayer
Don't call me dummy again!! I was simply giving a list of commissioners whe will choose from. Thats all dummy caller!!
The County Executive (Mrs. Vanzant)does NOT appoint or choose the remaining 4 people on the Finance Committee----they are ELECTED by the Commission.
Neither does she have the power "alone" to implement this plan. That is up to the Commission and Finance Committee.
Allen Barrett is a preacher man not a numbers man. He ain't qualified.
I know a man that would be great for the job, but I don’t know if he would be interested or not, Glenn Gordon. He did all the buying for Interment.
I thought he was a great philosopher?
To anonymous of August 6, 9:36:31
"Allen Barrett is a preacher man, not a numbers man. He ain't qualified."
Who qualified you to say what Allen Barrett is qualified to do or be? You have no idea what he can do. I think all of you who keep putting him down are mentally challenged and you're just showing your ignorance every time you throw another stone at him. Lay off -- this county would be a lot better off if it had more MEN like Allen Barrett.
I believe, if memory serves me correctly, that the people of Giles County have spoken. They did not want Mr. Barrett. Is that because the voters are so ignorant and stupid? I seriously doubt that to be the case.
Mr. Barrett, do you have a degree in accounting?
Personally, I think the people of Giles County would be better off if men like Mr. Barrett...uh..would relocate.
Ok, let me rephrase what I said. The people in the 7th district have spoken. They did not want you, Mr. Barrett. Just an observation.
To anonymous of August 11, 4:24:32
There you go again. If you can't be just like us, why don't you pack up and leave. That just proves how simple-minded people like anonymous of 4:24:32 are.
Is that any way to treat someone?
Sheeesh!
To anonymous of August 12, 8:45:26, August 11, 10:23:58:
You really sound like a great piece of work -- you come across as having the problem -- not Mr. Barrett.
No, I seriously doubt I could say anything that would diminish an inflated view of self. People sometimes open themselves up to constructive criticism by their arrogant and condescending ways of talking to those who would disagree with them. Right? Right.
And I'm neither a jerk nor a great piece of work. I am simply a Giles Countian who opposes with vigor those who, for whatever reason, are intent on keeping things stirred up.
Anonymous of August 12, 11:43:45 AM
Sounds to me like you're just happy to sit back and let others do your thinking for you. From your comment, I think you're probably a very weak person who would rather let others run over you than to stand up for your rights as an American citizen. It's people like you who will help to get those rights taken from us. This country is becoming more socialistic every day because of people like you -- sit back and keep quiet and -- "don't rock the boat, baby."
If you are talking to me anonymous, let me enlighten you. I wouldn't be here if I allowed others to think for me. What a ridiculous assumption on your part! Those who disagree with you guys are ignorant and unable to do their own thinking? Not so. I believe what the antis are doing is wrong and I do not mind standing opposed to them. And on this particular blog, that hardly makes me a weak person. By the way, do you really know what socialism is?
Give the poor dude a break - Socialism is the objective of liberalism & liberalism is a mental disorder - Liberals can't help themselves
So, what you are really saying is that anyone who disagrees with your way of thinking is a liberal? Disagreeing makes one neither liberal nor conservative in this context. But I would agree that socialism very well can be the objective or result of extreme liberalism. What is your definition of socialism anyhow?
Liberalism has nothing to do with disagreement - it's a mental disorder.
Mr. Barrett,
It is a low-down shame you were not elected as a commissioner!! When I think about some that was elected, it is embarrassing! I don’t have any hope of it ever getting better until the meetings are broadcast or televised so the public can watch them in action. That also goes for the county executive. What industry is going to come here with that bunch in charge?
Mr. Barrett,
It is a low-down shame you were not elected as a commissioner!! When I think about some that was elected, it is embarrassing! I don’t have any hope of it ever getting better until the meetings are broadcast or televised so the public can watch them in action. That also goes for the county executive. What industry is going to come here with that bunch in charge?
No, Mr. Barrett. Do not try to entrap me by comparing statesmen to a group of whiners. There is a vast difference, and you know that. I liken the whiners more to a modern-day Sinclair Lewis without a cause. And, John the Baptizer and others were those who set the world on fire for the Lord. You are not the ONLY believer here, so don't even go there.
As for slavery, that was a terrible shame and how dare you to presume that I would not think it worth stirring something up! Had I lived back then, I would have joined the ranks of Sojourner Truth and Harriett Tubbman. Would you have done that?
As for people like Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King, they were great Americans. But I wouldn't say that about people like the Black Panthers or the skin heads. Would you? Or would you call them champions of their respective causes? I call them troublemakers!
And get this....I am a WASP! Unbelievable, but true.
I too am a combat vet, so please don't bother talking to me about the price of freedom. I've seen that first hand. And consider what would have been this country's fate had we not taken on the enemy in WWII!
Your comments about sugar settling to the bottom unless it is stirred reminds me of the concept of boiling frogs. I'm sure you are familiar with that, aren't you? America has been boiling frogs (figuratively) for much too long. And I think we might extrapolate that to Giles County!
Wrong once again, Mr. Barrett....I was referring to your little group of people here in GILES COUNTY who are intent on keeping things stirred up, and you knew that. So don't try to imply that I would not rally to the cause of freedom or that I think our great Americans of the past are not just that. How dare you! Can you not understand my previous post? I am an American and a patriot.
Mr. Barrett
Would you consider the Black Panthers or the skinheads champions of their own respective causes? That was a legitimate question. Seems you could argue that they are, because they keep things stirred up. If not, why not?
Another viper rattles his tail. Bet he grew up in a place zoned half way habitat - in a hippie den between a panther and baldie, hating everything but himself. He thinks freedom is where everything is free. Some find God, he found himself.
How totally absurd....yet laughable!
To Writer of Wednesday, August 16,4:57:
Would you please elaborate on who is considered to be in Mr. Barrett's Little Group?
I see you as someone I would like to be! Let me catch my breath from laughing here. No, Mr. Barrett, you are by far and away someone I would not want to be.
I do not like arrogance in anyone. As for your little group, Mr. McPeters himself named you as being "on board" with him.
As for opposing with vigor those who stir up trouble, I was referring to Giles County and made that VERY CLEAR in a recent post.
You never did answer my question about the Black Panthers and the skinheads. They keep things stirred up. Again, would you say they are champions of their respective causes, simply because they keep things stirred up? And, again, if not, then why not?
I would rather "wallow in the misery of my obscurity" than to be seen as a whining troublemaker who thinks he has all the answers. Notoriety is not always a good thing.
I think you all need to get off Allen Barrett's back. He is outspoken about his beliefs but there is one thing you can say about him, he says it to your face
and doesn't hide behind anyone telling lies.
HAHAHAA..I have never seen such arrogance in my life. Mr. Barrett...you should get the Nobel Peace Prize...being facetious here again.
Claiborne Charlie.........what kind of stupid thing is that? At least you didn't call me an anla buffoon or a pinhead. And as for being a weak Claiborne Charlie, let me just say that I was shot at many more times than I care to remember. So please don't go off on tangents like that. You know nothing about my military experiences.
As for the Black Panthers and skinheads, I asked you if you think they are champions of their causes, even though they stir up trouble. I'm waiting for your answer.
Excuse me, Mr. Barrett, you said Chairborne Charlie; I misread it as Claiborne Charlie. You should have been behind that smoking M-60 (machine gun) with me a few times and you might see things differently. Have you ever seen guys so scared they wet their pants and cried for their mothers? I have! So please, don't even go there with me. That dog don't hunt, as we backwoods southerners say!
I'm anxiously awaiting your response about the Black Panthers and the skinheads. After that, I plan to leave this blog and not return. I'm sure you are going to miss me.
Are the Black Panthers and the skinheads justified in stirring up trouble just because of things they feel passionate about? It seems to me that the argument can be made, based upon what I have read here. Could we include the KKK in that?
Ok, Mr. Barrett, you answered my question (I think?) about the Black Panthers and the skinheads. And I will agree that the leftist ACLU is another group of similar disdain. But, the fact remains that these people feel passionately about their "causes" and therefore would be justified in stirring up trouble as you defined it. You see, these people think they have it right (in their minds) just as those do who oppose them. But they should never be compared with great men like Martin Luther King, Jackie Robinson, Thomas Paine, and so many others.
As for what I saw as a soldier, I don't talk about those experiences either. But you called me a "chairborne charlie", and I just couldn't allow you to get away with that.
Now, as tears subside (being facetious again), I find it necessary to make good on my promise. I am leaving this blog since you have addressed my question about the Black Panthers and the skinheads. I think you helped me to prove the point that not everyone who stirs up trouble is justified in doing so. With that, your nemesis bids you farewell. Perhaps we call this a truce?
Wonder how to scuttle financial management? 1) Get a big building and fill it up with people. 2)Load the committees with commissioners who hate financial accountability & put Mr. Amendment over it.
Yep, it's time to shut this blog down. I think it is dead now.
if the financial management plan is not properly implemented according to the election, the interested citizens should file a lawsuit to remove the members of the committee and county ewxecutive from office!
And we know well who those "interested" citizens are who will gladly file a lawsuit. After all, they should be in charge of goings on in Giles County.
Who are the interested citizens? I really don't know.
They are the same ones who do all the whining on here about everything from school board dishonesty to land use management. You didn't know that? These are the brilliant people who know everything and who should run the county. Legends in their own minds? I think so.
Thank you, but, that doesn’t tell me who these people are, since most all the post are anonymous.
To Mrs. Proud,
What is your opinion of the Financial Act committee being made-up of all commissioners and no one from the private sector? Is it possible for the new commission and Mrs. Vanzant to drag their feet on implementing the act and some how overturn the citizen’s vote?
Who is going to pay for all this?
If you are asking what the cost of implementing the Financial Act, Mrs. Proud has addressed this question, I think, on this thread. Just search above and you will probably find it.
I have read the post. The question remains...who pays for it?
The "interested citizens" would be all the people in the county who voted for the Financial Act so that would probably mean a class action lawsuit. Don't think this new committee will break the state laws but we'll have to make sure they advertise the position. Heard the assistant bookkeeper at the courthouse was getting the job as she is such a good friend of Vanzant. She is NOT an accountant but only a trained on the job clerical bookkeeper.
Has anyone noticed Anon of August 5 was correct on 3 of the 4 members picked by Vanzant for the committee - Flacy, Jackson & Howell. She also recommended Campbell and he got on too. Can't tell me that wasn't a secret/private meeting.
To Anonymous, Friday, September 22, 2006 6:42:46 PM Could you explain just what you are asking?
To Anonymous, Friday, September 22, 2006 10:19:08 PM
Are you referring to Glenda?
To Anonymous, Friday, September 22, 2006 10:30:55 PM
Just as I predicted on August 5th and all of the meetings were held in secret and violating the law!!
The question was "who pays for this". That should be the easiest question ever asked. Who pays for everything the government does... the people.
The thing to remember is that there is no way it should cost anywhere near the $300,000 price tag some objectors to the reform have stated. There will be an initial cost to the tax payer in the first year but that should more than be recovered by the money saved through increased efficiency by the second year.
That "initial cost" to the taxpayer troubles me. Please explain. Thanks.
If consolidation and currently used space is utilized appropriately the total initial cost should be no more than 10 to 12,000 dollars. The key will be how long the committee takes and the amount of their expenses.
This is the first time I have heard the figure $300,000. The cost will in no way be that much. I agree the initial cost will be recovered by the savings and knowing where all the money is going and for what.
Who knows the name of the bookkeeper mentioned, is it Glenda?
The job of Director of the Financial Act is supposed to be an accountant and I don’t see the citizens settling for a bookkeeper friend of Mrs. Vansant’s for such an important job.
it may cost $300,000, but the reduction in cost in other departments should offset most of this cost. the biggest mistake that can be made is not paying enough to hire a very strong, capable thick skinned accountant for this job.
Anonymous of, Tuesday, September 26, 2006 1:05:18 AM
Your statement of not hiring a “strong capable CPA” is the most intelligent way of looking at this situation. I attended the workshop held regarding the Financial Act and after it is implemented and set up we should see a huge difference in the budgets from all departments.
We citizens live within a budget and business have to operate within a budget and it just makes sense for our county government to be operating within a budget. I realize there will be unexpected costs sometimes, but we still will be able to adjust for that.
All the counties I have spoken with that have the plan in place now are delighted with it, but they all warned, “HIRE THE BEST ACCOUNTANT” you can find. The thought of Mrs. Vanzant appointing an assistance bookkeeper for the job, really will undermine the entire program and shows utter disregard for the betterment for our county succeeding with this program. Just blows my mind!!
To Writer of Sept. 19, 4.08 a.m.
I apologise for delay in responding. I have not been reading this blog since the Sunday following the election, however, a friend contacted us urging we read the entry under Sept. 18th from Mr. Butch White and at that time I saw your question which I shall attempt to answer:
Very disappointed the Financial Management Committee is made up of only commissioners. Even though other commissioners had previously stated they thought it should have been split 2/2 no one spoke up in the full commission meeting. Of those elected I don't know of one who has a true business background.
This group will be hiring the Director and writing policies and procedures but I believe the full commission will have to approve everything so we can only hope they will be doing much questioning. Myself and two other people met in Ms Vanzant's office Sept. 5th, discussing implementation of the Financial Act, the Hunter-Smith bldg and the Workhouse Commission. She stated 3 times she had made an error in vocalizing the year 2008 and "they" were aiming for July 1,2007. Do I think the committee will drag their feet? Yes. However, ultimately they cannot stop the public's vote on this referendum. One of the people involved in the Sept. 5 meeting was Mr. Don MacDermid, a retired comptroller, who graciously offered his services to assist in any way he can, free of charge. This gentleman has set up six accounting departments in his career and declares Giles County will be very easy to implement. Do I think this comittee will utilize Mr. MacDermid's services? No.
Maybe my answers will generate more questions from you and I will be glad to answer to the best of my ability. Thanks.
Shirley Proud, Referendum Sponsor
Ms Vanzant has called a meeting of the Financial Management Committee, Monday Oct. 2, 10 a.m., 2nd floor of courtroom. All interested citizens should try to attend.
For those of you who apparently were not at the meeting about the Financial Act that had reps from other counties, no one said that a dime had been saved!! They did not say hire the best accountant you could find. In fact the State of Tennessee auditor said the person did not have to be an accountant at all but very knowledgable. A person the a doctorate does not have the knowledge of a person who had worked with large budgets for years. Experience can out weigh a piece of paper. The new department will have to have a place to go. I don't know any of the existing offices who have room for more. There will be new equipment required. Phones, computers furniture etc. It would not be fair to put the people into one of the existing offices because that would make the other feel like outsiders. This was strongly suggested by the visitors from the other counties. They said a neutral location. They also said that you could not do this in a hurry. I doubt that July 1, 2007 is feasible. Probably more like 2008. Since all offices are busy closing out fiscal years in June it would be hard to get this done that quickly. New budgets will have to be figured for these new positions. I believe the commission requires budgets in the spring so someone better be getting to work figuring out where the money is coming from. I know that each department will have to contribute but who pays what???
Naturally the visiting speakers didn't suggest hiring the best accountant you can find since they had only promoted within. Personally,I found those visitors lacking in their presentations. Your statement regarding a degreed person having less knowledge than someone who has worked with large budgets for years is ludicrous. Obviously you have no idea what a true accountant does. ("It would not be fair....") are we currently employing a bunch of kindergarteners? ("They said, They said, They said....") Vanzant has declared she would be ready within the 13 months for implementation as the law provides. County budget will be prepared in spring 2007 as usual. There will be no need to "figure new budgets for these positions" as these salaries are already within the budget. You come over as one of the county bookkeepers scared of change. Suggest you read the TN code on the Financial management act and understand the laws, and discontinue writing about what you do and do not want. Time for you to accept the people of this county have made their wishes known and the finance committee will have to comply with the laws.
To Ms Proud
You mention a meeting Sept 5 with Ms Vanzant. Part of the discussion was about the Workhouse Committee and the H/S building. Could you tell us what was discussed on those topics? Did Ms Vanzant tell you she planned to disolve the group?
To Anonymous of, Wednesday, September 27, 2006 8:20:31 PM
I did “NOT” state the visitors advised to hire the best accountant, here is my exact post:
“ALL THE COUNTIES I HAVE SPOKEN WITH THAT HAVE THE PLAN IN PLACE NOW ARE DELIGHTED WITH IT, BUT THEY ALL WARNED, “HIRE THE BEST ACCOUNTANT” YOU CAN FIND.”
As you can see I did “NOT” say the visitors at the workshop made this statement! Have you spoken with any counties that have the plan in place, such as Fayetteville, TN.??
You stated:
“Personally, I found those visitors lacking in their presentations. Your statement regarding a degreed person having less knowledge than someone who has worked with large budgets for years is ludicrous.”
“I SAID, “HIRING AN “ASSISTANCE BOOKEEPER FOR THE JOB,” REALLY WILL UNDERMINE THE ENTIRE PROGRAM”
As you can see I did “NOT” state hiring an experience bookkeeper that has years of experience would be wrong.” So, your statement is ludicrous!
Personally I think the Financial Director should be able to stand up to the county executive and any departments that ask for outrageous spending and be totally independent and represent what is in the best interest of the taxpayers.
I might also add the new director and the appointed committee will be responsible for writing the policies and procedures for this Act and that thought frightens me.
Mrs. Proud,
Thank you for the reply.
Do you think some of the commissioners were unaware of all the decisions that had been made in their absence, in other words secret meetings, and were caught off guard on the committees already being in place before the first meeting? I find this very troubling!
No business backgrounds of the committee members make so sense at all.
I can’t understand the county executive turning down Mr. MacDermid’s offer and I am beginning to believe the statement made under another thread, “Intelligence intimidates the county executive.” Turning down his offer is just stupid!
What did Mrs. Vanzant have to say about the Hunter-Smith Bldg? She is constantly stating, “I made an error about something.”
What was her explanation of doing away with the workhouse committee? We all know now why she did it!
Perhaps presumed superior intelligence angered the county executive. It disgusts me to the core! Nobody likes to be around people like that......other than people like that. Just something to consider.
So, she made the decision for personal reasons and not what is best for the county? Why would she not want to surround herself with superior intelligence, when it would only make her look good?
When a person is hired by a company, not their own, they should make decisions on what is best for the company as a whole. A leader is only as good as the people working under them, just something for you to consider.
Anonymous Sunday, October 01, 2006 1:02:41 PM mrs. vanzant got angry when someone offered free help?
The assistant bookkeeper that has her nose so far up Janet’s behind can only be Glenda and she can’t be objective in that job.
So, Glenda’s campaigning for Vanzant put her in competition with Jimmy Mooney to which believed Vanzant was going to hire him as the Financial Director.
Can someone that knows the facts address the issue of Vanzant taking an employee from Carol Wade’s office during working hours along with another employee Jane out campaigning with her during the election? The employee from Carol’s office is Yvette. Did Carol have the authority to say no to the county executive? I know there are some employees in the courthouse well aware she did this.
Does the law give Vanzant free reign of power to do what ever pleases her for personal help and personal reasons?
Please tell me using county employee's for campaigning ain't so. This goes way beyond the law. Of course Carol Wade could stop this, Vanzant does not run Wade's dept. Would someone please write in to confirm the above statement.
Beleive it because it really happened and was witnessed by sooooooooo many people out in the public. It was no secret!
would vanzant be carol wade's boss?
If it wasn't a secret, then why are you suggesting wrongdoing?
Oh, they thought they were being secretive!
Are you suggesting it is NOT wrong for an employee being paid by the taxpayers out campaigning for the county executive during working hours?
Anonymous Monday, October 02, 2006 5:04:19 PM
Sorry I am just now answering your question. Just ask Carol and others that work at the courthouse, if they are not afraid to talk to you about it. Vanzant can be nasty if she doesn’t get her way about everything.
Don’t bother asking commissioners, Stoney Jackson, Ramona Flacy, Billy Beets, Connie Howell or Chan Harris and these employees, Glenda, Kay Gibbons, Joan Townsend or Jane.
I suggest you ask some of the commissioners that didn’t run this past election and you will get the truth.
Anonymous, Tuesday, October 03, 2006 7:31:25 AM
I am not suggesting wrongdoing, I am saying it was wrong! If you don’t think it was wrong, then you are some way connected to her or the two employees.
I want everyone to remember this recent discussion!!!!!!
Because, I predict there will be a job given to Yevette sometime in the future by Mrs. Vanzant for the campaigning she did and just like Jane, who is not qualified for the job, was given a job when Mrs. Vanzant was elected first term, and the $6000.00 raise Mrs. Vanzant requested from the budget committee this year for Jane and she got it.
Ping…Ping….goes the taxpayer’s money plus all the hours they were on the clock out with Mrs. Vanzant in her car campaigning during this summer. Campaigning should have been done after they had finished their work hours.
Mrs. Vanzant what happened to the promise you made before the last commission right after you took office, that you would only need Jane for a year to help you get settled into office? Are you not settled yet?
You forgot to mention that personal assistant Jane also sells her Herbalife products while on taxpayer time.
I was not suggesting anything. It's just that neither you nor I know the circumstances surrounding that alleged event. Have you ever considered that the employee may have been using comp time or something like that? You don't know, and neither do I!
Let's get over it, ok?
Please speak for yourself. I do know the circumstances because I work in the vicinity and if you will go back and read other posts from employees of the courthouse, you will see we all see it and it is not right.
Excuse me! Yvette also campaigned for Kay Gibbons, too.
No, you really DON'T know for sure. What a disgusting thing this is. Why can't you just accept the election results and move on?
Yvette has a right to campaign for whoever she wants to. Are you angry that she didn't campaign for you...or what?
For God's sakes, Jane is NOT selling Herbalife on taxpayer time. She has the company name on her car....so what? I would imagine if someone wanted any of these products they could go by and see her at work. Is there anything more wrong with that that employees using their cell phones or sending emails at work?
To Thursday, October 05, 2006 4:15:45 PM You are right, Yvette has a right to campaign for whomever she chooses but on her own time. I know she reads this blog, so, let her speak for herself. I have never sought any political office in my life and never will. I retired from my business years ago!
anonymous Thursday, October 05, 2006 4:25:49 PM you contradicted yourself in your post!
Sure did!
Is it possible to OD on herbs? Maybe that explains why one of the women in Vanzant's office always seems to be spaced out and "doesn't know".
Commissioners need to take away the funding for this "personal assistant" and put the money to good use elsewhere. So Vanzant has two people doing her office chores, creating a job for one, while we have such a high unemployment rate and lots of folks can't even put food on their tables. Something badly wrong here. JV's special commissioner friends don't want to rock the boat even though they know this is wrong.
To Mrs. Flacy,
What has happened to you? You used to stand-up for the right of the people & now what ever Mrs. Vanzant wants you vote yes & why haven't you requested an explanation for her lying to you?
Don't forget to vote for the right person for the job Finanical Director!
Anonymous of Friday, October 06, 2006 12:06:47 PM
More people like you that have to deal with this injustice every day should speak-up more and just maybe something will be done about it. See if you can encourage the other employees to voice their opinions too.
To Friday, October 06, 2006 12:06:47 PM, you made one mistake when you stated, “So Vanzant has two people doing her office chores.”
You should have stated she has her personal assistant, Jane, doing her PERSONAL CHORES for her and yes, it is wrong. Like the words of one courthouse employee, “She gets away with things that anyone else would be fired over.”
The election is over. So why can't some of you accept that and move on?
Heck yes, I know the election is over but that still doesn’t change the things she is doing wrong. If you can’t accept that just don’t read the blog. You do have control of that, don’t you?
I accept the results of the election and have moved on. Can you?
Do you enjoy high taxes? Do you enjoy having our tax dollars spent on payroll not needed etc? Can you accept those things?
Janet was quoted in the Free Press this week saying, "The new financial management system is expected to be in place by July of 2007. So, maybe it will be in place sooner than the first date of 2008 as she stated earlier.
"In place" in Vanzant's book probably doesn't mean up and running. Didn't I read something in the paper about that being 2008? Do you also know that Judy Roberts, the lead bookkeeper, is planning to retire in two years time (Her words), so you can bet things will be stretched as long as possible so fit Robert's personal plans. Why do you think Vanzant got herself elected chair of the finance committee.
"In place" in Vanzant's book probably doesn't mean up and running. Didn't I read something in the paper about that being 2008? Do you also know that Judy Roberts, the lead bookkeeper, is planning to retire in two years time (Her words), so you can bet things will be stretched as long as possible so fit Robert's personal plans. Why do you think Vanzant got herself elected chair of the finance committee.
o Sunday, October 08, 5:00:56 PM
Yes, I did know Judy was retiring in two years. Mrs. Proud has a post above about Janet’s comments about the 2008 timeline. I can figure out why she got herself elected chair of the finance committee and I have made predictions as to what she will do.
I have never been involved in politics in my entire life but if she doesn’t implement the Financial Reform in a manner that is best for the county, hire the “right person” for the director and not her buddies, I will work my rear off in four years to get her our of office. I am a Bodenham resident and I will not be fooled again.
I believe the new financial director can be a perso with years of experience in accounting without being an accountant. Learning from books does not give you the same knowledge as experience. I know that I forgot half of what I learned before I got through with a year in college. We learn a lot more by practice than we do by reading a book. The main thing is that the financial director needs to be a VERY strong person to stand of to the members of this committee. They cannot be a yes person. I got the impression that the suggestion was to get someone from out of town who has no loyalties to anyone. I know that out of town is not going to be a popular thing with the public but at least that way there are not connections to anyone unless of course the person is from Athens. And why is that anytime anyone disagrees with the Financial Act that people ASSUME that they are a bookkeeper or someone working with the present offices. Can the public at large not disagree with the Financial Act? There are as many counties that have ceased this act than have continued. That must say something. I know that when I went to the courthouse I was asked to sign and all that was said to me was do you want to save the county money not how. We will see how much we save. We should save a lot since we will have to hire more people such and the Director.
Anonymous, October 09, 2006 9:46:13 AM Monday, The director needs to be an expert in the required laws of setting the plan up & that is not an area of expertise of a bookkeeper. The person hired should have “NO” connections, obligations or repayment of favors to Mrs. Vanzant! Her turning down the man that offered to set the plan up without compensation, was just stupid.
WAB you were at the meeting about the Financial Act. The head auditor Jerry ? said there were several counties that had started and dropped out. I think one of them was either Davidson or Williamson Co.
Has anyone found out anything about the so-called recent audit that has been requested?
I attended meetings about the financial act and what I heard from Jerry Durham was that one county's director had not performed correctly which resulted in the education dept of that particular county (Cheatam?) opting out. Since this referendum was passed by the voters I don't believe the law allows the act to be "dropped".
"Amen" to Oct 9, 12:47.
To Anonymous of Oct 9, 9:46 - How can you have years in accounting and not be an accountant? Don't you mean years in bookkeeping? However, I do agree with many of your comments regarding the selection of the financial director. Too, its not all about dollars, its about total accountability which is sadly lacking right now.
TO “MRS. VANZANT”
SHOW YOU HAVE A BRAIN……AND ACCEPT MR. MACDERMID’S “FREE ASSISTANCE” IN SETTING UP THE NEW FINANCIAL ACT…..I DON’T KNOW THE MAN BUT….FOR CRYING OUT LOUD…..HE IS A RETIRED COMPTROLLER!!!!!!!!!!!!
DO YOU KNOW WHAT A COMPTROLLER DOES?
Don't fall for that, Janet.
To Horse’s Ass of, Saturday, October 14, 2006 9:51:18 PM
Now you have really given away your purpose and the reasoning behind all the bashing of Mr. Barrett!!! Can you guess how you did it?
Wrong, my name-calling nemesis. I am merely suggesting that Mrs. Vanzant be wary of such a "free" service. I have no alliance with the County Mayor. I just get sick and tired of people like you doing everything within your power to belittle and hurt her. Get over it!!! She won the election. Calm down. Can we move on?
Wrong, my name-calling friend (being facetious here). I have no allegiance to Mrs. Vanzant, other than the fact that she is our county mayor. I just get very tired of people like you constantly trying to belittle and destroy her. She won the election, and your candidate apparently lost. Oh well, isn't that the democratic process? Let's move on and get over it, OK?
Oooooops....I just posted twice in defense of Mrs. Vanzant. The reason for that is because the first one didn't seem as if it would go through. When the second was submitted, they both appeared. Just thought that needed explaining before someone makes it an issue. Thanks.
To Sunday, October 15, 2006 7:43:28 AM,
I was not speaking to you! My post was in regard to another one on a different topic and if you read it, you might understand.
Why would you be wary of the offer, without compensation, from the man that is undoubtedly qualified? Oh, I bet it is due to him being “an outsider” or she is intimidated by his expertise and knowledge of setting up such an important plan. What are you afraid this man will find and what damage he would do to her and the county?
Belittle and hurt Janet, my goodness, I voted for her and want her to make some wise decisions for the good of the county and in doing so, will make herself look good too!
Right! And wasn't Don one of those who gave Janet a hard time during the election?
Note - Janet has always been very nice to me & does listen. We are dealing with a culture war far larger than her, myself, or probably anyone else.
We can't even get an honest audit with mandates & heads rolling for serious breaches of control and reporting. Then there is CTAS - a major player in the equation of mystery money and secrecy - a union dedicated to increasing the power of political entities at the expense of tax paying citizens!
Very few of those locally involved have any experience in the task at hand. It isn't their fault or a problem by definition. They don't have to be accountants! The problem is "cover your rear end", secrecy, and the "help" they will get from those who like things as is.
If the focus is on expanded facilities & more employment, it may already be beyond help & destined for failure. A separate facility for data input & output will simply create more cost, division, and bureaucracy at the expense of flexibility, cooperation, understanding, and results. It's not a good trip for anyone with a big ego, but great for all on the other side.
donm
Hardtimer- NO I'm not! Haven't given Janet or her opponent a hard time, no reason for anger or hate.
donm
To Mr. Don M,
Thank you for the above information. As I have stated, I don’t know you and I have never met you, but, I am the person begging Mrs. Vanzant to allow your help and expertise. The only example of your knowledge of the subject at hand, is reading your post with the financial reporting regarding the school budget. That is it, people!
I don’t understand why some people think I am belitting and giving Mrs. Vanzant a hard time, when they may very well be the people that will bring her down with their closed minds. “I voted for her, people!”
This financial plan needs to be implemented and set up by an experience person and as a supporter of Mrs. Vansant’s, I feel the advice I am suggesting will be better for her and for we taxpayers.
I, like the anonymous above, think Janet should listen to more experienced people than some of those commissioners that have such a hold over her. If things go wrong she will be the one left holding the bag and you can bet they won’t come to her defense either.
Anonymous Sunday, October 15, 2006 7:43:28 AM, What is your problem with Mrs. Vanzant taking advice from such a qualified person? You say you have no alliance with the County Mayor, then why are you posting all over this blog against what you “think” are attacks on her. I am “wary” of people like you feeding her information that is not necessarily in her best interest and the mere fact that you refer to her as County Mayor is more telling than what you are claiming in your post! Go Janet!
The only time I have talked to the mayor is back when she was campaigning for re-election. I voted for her and that's it. And I am equally wary of people like you who want to fuss and complain rather than get behind our officials and TRY to be supportive. Oh yes, I am wary!
I told you, I voted for her and I support her. If this new FP is not implemented right, she will most likely suffer the consequences. If you really support her you would not be trying to give her advice that is not favorable to her. Do you know Mr. Don M and can you suggest a more capable person that he to get the job done right and not charge the county a penny for his services? Now, you are claiming no alliance but you feel a need to warn her, “don’t fall for it Janet?” After reading his post, how can you honestly say, she shouldn’t even consider what he is saying about where the focus is right now or are you in favor of the plan being doomed from the start?
I just wonder who is going to pay for it. Don't you? I voted for Janet and that is ALL....as I told you.
Anonymous, Tuesday, October 17, 2006 8:27:40 PM
No, I don’t wonder who is going to pay for it, I already know, the taxpayers. Can’t you see what a gift it would be for Don M to do all the work and the taxpayers won’t have to pay him?? I didn’t accuse you of not supporting Janet, but you took it upon yourself to accuse me of not supporting her and I don’t appreciate it one bit.
And I didn't appreciate it one bit your accusing me of collaborating with and reporting information to Mrs. Vanzant!
Please refer me to the post that accuses you of collaborating and reporting information to Mrs. Vanzant.
For Pete's sakes, you KNOW very well what I am referring to with respect to your saying that "people like me" feed Mrs. Vanzant information that is not necessarily in her best interests. What a laugh. The last time I even saw her or spoke a word to her was right before the election. She was handing out cards and I wished her well. Again, that is ALL there was to it, even though I owe "people like you" no explanation! As for allegiance, I suppose you could say I support my elected officials. I am not one who goes around trying to cause trouble and demean them. Not EVERYONE who holds an elected office in Giles County is a crook! Would you agree to that?
Please refer me to the post that states all elected offcials are crooks.
Oh pleeeeeeeease........you take the literal to be figurative and vice-versa. References to county officials being crooked, secretive, power-hungry, ignorant, deceitful, etc.have been made all over this blog. I'll not labor the point by going back and citing specific posts. You can read them for yourself.
i know you are not talking to me but i am putting my two cents in anyway.
did you ask her if she was legally eligible to run for the office she now holds?
did you ask her why she chose to lie to citizens about being married to her husband joe?
was her secretary jane with her when she came by your house campaigning?
did you ask her why when questioned by some one she gives an answer and later she will give a different answer to the same question from someone else?
did you ever ask her about her job at the senior citizens center?
i do agree with you about supporting one’s elected official she is yours and not mine so she won’t get my support.
To Oh Pleeeeeeeeeeeee…
The majority of post on this blog are anonymous, so, you think I am responsible for the ones that call politicians crooks etc? I am ending our conversation before I become guilty of scurrility and you can take that literally.
Oh I always take you literally. You don't have to like her but isn't it the right thing to do to stand behind our elected officials rather than constantly criticize and belittle them. Stop whining ok?
why didn't you take the time to answer my questions?
Why do you continually misunderstand what I say here? Is it deliberate? To answer your questions would be another exercise in futility, so why bother? Would you agree?
no it wouldn’t be pointless for you to answer my questions if you or your candidate have nothing to hide just a simple yes or no is all i am asking of you?
I went back and read your post, and my answer to all of your questions would have to be NO. o And she was only MY candidate because I voted for her. Had Mr. Gordon been elected, I would support him just as well. What do you not understand about that? And by the way, you didn't answer my question. Is this all deliberate on your part? A simple yes or no answer would suffice.
deliberative hummmmm…no debate here, just personal opinions.
Ok, I'll say "uncle" for you. Would that make you feel better? I'll debate you anytime friend, but I will NOT play these games. I'm still entitled to have my own opinions and vote as I choose. Is that not correct?
Have a wonderful day today and an even better one tomorrow!
please do not say anything for me! what would make me feel better? a county mayor that is truthful in her daily life and the work place. it is not pleasant putting up with her on a daily basis. may your troubles be less, your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door!
Has anyone heard anything about the progress of the implementation of the Financial Act?
Question for the week:: If you put a rat in a bucket of cheeze, put a lid on it, & came back a week later, what would you find?
Pleeze post the cheeze squeeze game entry asap - prizes will be announced later.
Today the Budget Committee approved the salary & benefits for the Finance Director. It now goes to the full commission for voting on. So sometime after that they'll get a meeting together to decide upon an Ad..... and you think Vanzant will keep to the schedule of July 1, 2007? She plans to drag this thing out as long as possible and its to fit the personal schedule of Judy Roberts.
J.R. is old enough and has plenty of years in the retirement system to go home.
Has anyone heard if a director has been hired or they taking applications?
Officially they haven't hired anyone yet but don't be surprised if Vanzant hasn't already promised the job to one of her friends, thats why she made sure she was appointed Chair of the Financial Management Committee.
Oh my goodness...there will be trouble ahead if she is Chair!
Not only is she Chair of the committee. she made herself Recording Secretary! Hows that for control.
Christmas is a time when we SHOULD be counting our many blessings and even...now get this....praying for one another...even those we feel do us wrong. Why can't the whining and complaining stop for just these few days?
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