Ideas Needed To Cut The County Budget
A special meeting of the Budget Committee has been set for Wednesday 29 July at 9:30AM.
This will be held in the basement of the Courthouse Annex and the purpose is to explore ideas for cutting the budget and presenting a balanced budget to the next County Commission for approval.
Some Commissioners, recognizing that there is a world of knowledge in our community, have asked that the public submit any specific ideas they may have for cutting out waste, reducing the deficit or spending reductions.
I hope as many people as possible will be at this meeting and offer their ideas but realizing that 9:30AM is not the most convenient time for many, the opportunity is offered here to express your ideas on trimming the county budget. Your ideas will be compiled and presented at the budget meeting on 29 July. Allen Barrett
This will be held in the basement of the Courthouse Annex and the purpose is to explore ideas for cutting the budget and presenting a balanced budget to the next County Commission for approval.
Some Commissioners, recognizing that there is a world of knowledge in our community, have asked that the public submit any specific ideas they may have for cutting out waste, reducing the deficit or spending reductions.
I hope as many people as possible will be at this meeting and offer their ideas but realizing that 9:30AM is not the most convenient time for many, the opportunity is offered here to express your ideas on trimming the county budget. Your ideas will be compiled and presented at the budget meeting on 29 July. Allen Barrett
posted by Allen Barrett | 8:48 AM
117 Comments:
Start with departments that are not producing results. Number one would be Economic Development.
I am not sure where the funding comes from for Dan Speer's Economic Development position but that is one item that can be quickly trimmed. Also, there needs to be much more accountability for those county officials with vehicles and/or gas paid for by the county. We need to make sure people are not driving to the mall on our dime.
My suggestion would be to bring in (I know that will cost more money) an outside person or group to go line by line and department by department and see where the waste occurs and trim the fat.
We do NOT need to cut any more funding for the library, rescue squad, and ambulance service except in instances of fat trimming as stated above.
Someone on another thread had a good idea. The line item "Other" in most budgets is large and should be looked into.
We have the "other" line item in both the school budget and the county budget. It is per the state okay to have an "other" line item having been questioned in the past. But we the citizens and especially the commissioners need to know what that line item funds. Specifically each detail of what that line item pays for. Also, someone mentioned the bidding of insurance. How much in comparison to other companies are we paying for the various insurance policies the county has? Has anyone looked into this. Isn't that what we elect the commissioners for? They need to get on top of it. If we don't bid out this insurance from time to time how do we know if we are getting a good deal? We can't afford to just assume we've got the least expensive polic. It never hurts to look into it and find out. Bid it out and if it turns out that we are in good shape right where we are then we stay where we are. If we find out we are paying more for the same coverage with another company then there is a savings right there. What about all the employees working in the various offices? Do we really need those people? Was it job creation to help a friend in need of a job? Especially the County Exec. office. Can some jobs be reduced to a part-time status if not presently working at a full-time capacity? There are probably many, many more possibilities to look at but those are a few that just cross my mind. We have got to do something to help our county and keep the services we need such as ambulance & rescue squad fully functional. The very idea that our finance director would entertain the idea to cut funding to our ambulance service and our rescue squad is astonishing in my opinion. Isn't that what you would call "cutting off your nose to spite your face"? If that is the only conclusion our well-paid finance director can come to, then I suggest throw her salary in their as a cost savings and send her to the house because she is not doing her job. I am very please that we as citizens are being asked our opinion as what can be done to cut our budget. But on the other hand isn't that what we pay the finance director $70,000+ to do. She is supposed to continuously be looking for cost savings for this county. I suggest she get to it!!!
Economic development 100,000+ with 50K from the city. Ironically they should probably cut the funding not because as previous post said because we have lack of business but that's an awful lot for a 1 person agency with very little accountability.
Other is HEAVY in the school budget, other salaries and wages, other, other, other. Thats why they come back with amendments to move things from one line to another--:"No new money, just a tranfer from line items" If your budget is right you shouldn't have all this extra money to transfer....
12:02 You are right on and anyone knows this who has been involved in accounting on any level your budget is not correct to begin with.
Economic Development portion paid by the county should be 40%, matched by the city at 40%. The difference is currently being researched.
It IS the job of the commissioners to keep the budget in check.
If you want your suggestions included, post before Monday night. Even if our suggestions
are ignored at least they will get the message of some very unhappy voters.
I think the people should demand a very similar meeting on the county side with our commissioners, finance director, co. exec., dir. of schools and all other elected officials for a question and answer session. We the people deserve it! Put them on the spot to answer the questions they should know how to answer. Why not get a petition together or whatever to do this?? Does anyone else agree? This would give the citizens a chance to see how active and knowledgeable these officials are in working for the citizens of this county. It is our county after all. Our tax dollars pay their salaries and they are accountable to us! I would love to know what others think of this idea.
12:42
I think that is a wonderful idea.
that would be great! realisticaly this town hall meeting will have to come after the budget is passed this year because by law they have to have one passed very soon. Our fault (the people) is that we have not asked the questions all along and it's gotten out of hand and it wouldn't be quite fair to ask the commission to "fix"it all in a week ie:Rome was not built in a day and you can't rebuild it ether. So going forward, lets ask out in the open these questions get the answers and be satisfied with the budget. Like explain "other"...that's gonna take some time isn't it.
Another thing, is it jsut me or have there been a lot of "special called meetings" of the commission over the last 6 months. I am sure that these special meetings cost the taxpayers a lot of money. Why can't the commission take care of business during regular scheduled meetings?
Its a good idea and has come up before. However a petition to the commissioners has been ignored in the past so why do you think it would be any different?
I didn't know. I am not as concerned about asking questions of county commissioners as much as I am the other elected officials. We as citizens may really be amazed at how much these officials really know about their job and our budget. I for one want them put on the spot to answer some hard questions. If they are doing their job properly then they should breeze through it with ease.
2:00
The only problem with their breezing right through tough questions is they are just your ordinary run-of-the-mill Giles Countians who are not as smart as those who want to "put them on the spot".
I have a question. I realize that some public groups meet at Giles Co. High and other schools. Fine groups like various sportsmen & sportswomen clubs, the Gospel singing crowd and others - I'm glad they do - I have attended both of the named organizations in the past and find them to be a great benefit to the City and County- Cheers to them! BUT - Two days ago I received a flyer in the mail about an upcoming event at the High School that I find shocking, irresponsible, out of place and a what sounds like a sleezebag operation: Amazing Facts APOCALYPSE -NOW-. After reading the pamphlet, it appears to be nothing but a secular goofball game to make money for the Speaker - a Jason Sliger - although it states that it is free admission, I'll bet someone is paying him or they are gonna pass the hat for "tithing and expenses". I suppose that there is a chance that Mr. Sliger is independently wealthy and just does this for free. All of this is going on at the Giles County High School? That is just WRONG! Some of the subject matter , in my eyes, is PURE indoctrination of the worst kind. Brochure also states that there will be: Free Admission, Free Study Material, Free Giveaways and FREE KIDS PROGRAM AGES 4-10. Guarantee there will be plenty of kids up all night with nightmares - (nothing like a little apocalypse talk before bedtime to a group of 4-10 year olds to make them drift off into slumberland). This is WRONG. Who okayed this type of meeting? That's all I got to say.
The State of Tennessee bids out the health insurance policy that the county and school employees have. Since it is bid for such a large group statewide I would think that they are getting the best possible price.
What company in their right mind would want to move here? It's not that Dan Speer is the problem. The real problem is our sorry school system, caveman attitudes of our county commission and our backwoods approach to "progress". I think that Donald Trump himself couldn't recruit a business to relocate here.
Progress? I think not.
Demanding answers from the school personnel MUST happen - before it gets any worse. But think about it - to do it through the 'proper' channels, you'd have to petition to speak at least 5 days BEFORE the meeting, and get only 2 minutes to talk. Those same limitations brought the venom out when the PES/Alderman meeting was scheduled - people were in an uproar about it, suggesting you couldn't just go to the meeting and ask questions. Well here's my question: how come you need those restrictions for the school board meetings, but PES doesn't have restrictions on who speaks? Of course we all know WAB is the reason - he ruined it for the rest of us - LOL - but the deal is this: to resolve things, you need accurate information and you need an audience with the right people. Some times that might be best handled one on one - maybe with a: "We happen to know "XX" about this program. Fix it or we're going public with it." You never know what kind of adjustment that might make. Of course, that means you getting involved so you know what really IS being done. Getting your info from the blog is a start, but it's heresay at best. It's a good thing to have, but unless you're there a lot, or dig deep for the info, there's no way to know what all is going on.
reduce the county commission to 14 members with no pay. if they are interested in the county they would serve for free. have 7 commissioners elected every 2 years. this would assure a true representation of the majority.
11:26
I have to disagree with you about what you said. Granted, our school system may not be as great as others, but I sincerely believe the powers that be are aware of it and, as humans, are doing the best they can with what they have to work with. Oh by the way, our high schools are turning out some pretty sharp grads who ARE achievers in society. I get a bit tired of those who have all the answers criticizing our school system. And the arrogant referral to caveman attitudes pretty much says it all. Remember, Pulaski is a small town, and we both know that it doesn't have a lot to offer those industries who might locate here. But it's getting better in that respect and certainly not worse. Why do you people always have to look on the negative?
I would suggest to you that the adult book stores and strip joints have a lot to do with the situation. But what do you recommend the county to do about them? We didn't have any laws on the books to stop them in the first place. Would you like a beer joint beside your property? I realize that's another topic for another day, but it's something to consider in light of the comments you made.
I'm sure you have much more "progressive" ideas on how to improve things around here. We backwoodsmen are dumber than a box of rocks, and you know it.
TO:Friday, July 24, 2009 7:04:00 AM- SALUTE!
To: Thursday, July 23, 2009 11:26:00 PM -
You state: "Progress? I think not." I believe the last part of your comment is correct - "I think not."
Unfortunately many people (i.e. the mayor and alderman of Elkton) believe that the only way to get revenue is from beer sales and so they allowed beer joints to be open on Sunday. The problem is that I know of several families who have recently moved in who were bringing money and promise into the system who are now moving OUT. Another reason they are moving out is the deplorable atmosphere of GCHS. But hey, they got a nice place to play football and that is what really matters.
To anonymous of the 24 July 12:28AM post.
While you hit the mark on a couple of your remarks you missed a couple by the proverbial country mile.
“Demanding answers from the school personnel MUST happen - before it gets any worse”. Is true and needed.
“But think about it - to do it through the 'proper' channels, you'd have to petition to speak at least 5 days BEFORE the meeting, and get only 2 minutes to talk.” Is not completely accurate. If you want on the agenda you must submit a request and if accepted you are given an opportunity to address the School Board. The two minutes at the end of a School Board meeting is different and available to anyone who simply happens to show up and respond when asked if there is anyone who wants to speak.
“Those same limitations brought the venom out when the PES/Alderman meeting was scheduled - people were in an uproar about it, suggesting you couldn't just go to the meeting and ask questions.” True, and the uproar was so great the procedure was changed.
Well here's my question: how come you need those restrictions for the school board meetings, but PES doesn't have restrictions on who speaks? Of course we all know WAB is the reason - he ruined it for the rest of us. Absolutely not true. Had you been paying attention for the past number of years you would know that before Mr. Winkles and I challenged the school board about speaking NO ONE was allowed to address the board. As a direct result of the trial and later more reasonable people being elected to the board we now have an opportunity to speak at Board meetings. The opportunity is even greater during work sessions. Ninety percent of the positive changes made in the School Board and their meetings are a result of me and others having become involved.
“the deal is this: to resolve things, you need accurate information and you need an audience with the right people.” Very true. Sometimes getting that information is not easy but some members of the School Board have become much more open and receptive lately.
Some times that might be best handled one on one - maybe with a: "We happen to know "XX" about this program. Fix it or we're going public with it." Once again very true and is the tactic most often used by me.
“You never know what kind of adjustment that might make. Of course, that means you getting involved so you know what really IS being done. Getting your info from the blog is a start, but it's heresay at best. It's a good thing to have, but unless you're there a lot, or dig deep for the info, there's no way to know what all is going on.” Very true. This blog was never intended to be the total authority for anything only a place where a beginning could be made. Research, research, research that includes being at the meetings is where you find the answers most often. Allen Barrett
Wow, I am impressed! We managed to get through several posts, with various ideas before someone had to become a sarcastic jerk. This blog, in my opinion is the place to offer different opinions about our community and if people disagree, that's fine. Just offer alternate solutions or ideas and have a discussion. Democracy and free speech at its best. Some couldn't handle the mature discussion and had to chime in with the infantile remark about the intelligence level, then someone had to jump on the "bash wab" bandwagon...and the ideas cease. At least several good ideas were brought to light before the "naysayers" tried to end the grownups discussion. Folks, what are you so afraid of that compels you to end any and all talk of solving problems with your petty childish remarks. Here's a little quote you might find useful: "You don't have to blow out someone's candle to make your own shine brighter." And for pete's sake, if you don't like someone's remarks or "attitude", try taking the high road. Don't attack the person, explain why the ideas won't work or offer a better way. We all should have the same objective, a better community. Nobody is impressed when you shoot down another's opinion,especially when you refuse to back up your own reasoning. It's the tactics a child would use, OR a dictator.
Deanna
It is my opinion and my opinion only.But it appears the citizens made more progress with city government than we have ever made with county government. What I mean by that is when the public forum to question the PES situation was brought about, our mayor said questions needed to be submitted beforehand to speak. Well, thankfully our city councilmen and women stood up and spoke out on behalf of the citizens saying they never agreed to conduct the public meeting that way. Thank you to them for being a voice for all citizens regarding that issue. Now, for the county we have no one standing in their for the citizens like the city council has. We need to have a meeting conducted similarly to allow without bullying by our director of schools and county executive, an open forum to do the same. The reason it has not happened in the past is because those in question do not want to answer the hard questions and be accountable. At least the mayor and holcombe answered their own questions. Can you see Vanzant or Jackson do that? First of all, the first question leveled at Vanzant that she didn't like would send her into a frenzy and she would probably refuse to answer and show her behind. Like, "Do you live in Giles County"? Jackson from my past experience at commission meetings and school board meetings, he is never able to answer any questions himself and has to have someone else to answer for him. At school board meetings you can ask all the questions you would like to ask if you are on the school board agenda and comply with the 3 minute speaking rule. But, don't hold your breath for an answer because it is rare that we get one. I am tired of watching these school board members, Jackson and Vanzant manhandle the citizens of this county. They are accountable to us. Their pay is generated by our tax dollars. Now, I would like to see the citizens band together and set forth a campaign to make these individuals accountable. If anyone has a suggestion on how to do that, I would like to know. It is imperative we do this and let those individuals know they do not control us. Government is not supposed to be bigger than the people. The citizens over time have become complacent and are accepting of the way we are treated. It has got to stop!
953 excellent
deanna,
I knew it was about time you "chimed in" with your very unsarcastic remarks. You tend to think someone is being sarcastic simply because he or she points out the attitudes of some on here who find that not everyone shares their views. It's not a matter of discussing solutions, and I know you will jump all over that. But, from my position, it's simply a matter of pointing out how some people on this blog behave toward those who truly disagree with them on issues. I'm not here to argue isses and opinions with you. I've said that a number of times and hope you will understand it. By the way, the only opinions I share are those concerning arrogance and condescension. Tacky indeed!
I'm wondering if the kettle is again calling the pot black because it (the kettle) is smarter and quite intolerant of the pot.
A small opportunity was the Public Hearing on the proposed budget, but the Budget Comm. does not answer your questions and of course the only questions are financial.
WAB can you arrange a public meeting in the courthouse rotunda or the board room of the annex, ask folks to come with their concerns, maybe get the newspaper to video, along with yourself and even Channel 3 as all did at the PES Hearings? You could be the moderator. For sure none of the commissioners would be there but they would be made aware of problems folks are dealing with. If being at a meeting around the courthouse intimidates people surely there are other places around town where a meeting could be held. What about GCHS?
No one appears to be sharing your views 5:20. I guess it must get pretty lonely at the top. That is atop that toadstool you placed yourself on. Of course you are not here to argue issues and opinions. That is because you have no point of argument and no clue. You make no sense in any of your posts and going back posts and posts ago you began contradicting yourself. I try and try to find some way to share even a portion of your point of view but it is impossible. Do you argue for the sake of hearing yourself argue? I am going to make a character analysis here. Were you bullied or picked on as a child? I think you want to be a bully yourself but, don't want anyone to know it's you for fear of who you might make mad or disappoint. Did you go to the meeting last night at city hall? If so, did you find all those people to be troublemakers and arrogant? Just curious.
620 You don't understand the problem. She lost her hammer fell off her toadstool & like Humpty Dumbty, can't get her crap together again! Once upon a time she was important but eventually learned she was the only one who agreed with her self assessment. That lead to banging her head on the wall, sending out SOS's for all to gather round her for intelligent discourse. No one came & worse got worser.
Poor thing has been through a lot, finding herself & her hero all alone & insignificant. Have faith, she'll eventually disappear & no one will remember she was ever here.
To 5:20- Yes sir or ma'am, you have definitely cleared it up for me and there is no misunderstanding now nor will there be in the future: You made it crystal clear, right there in black and white and I expect that anyone that reads this blog understands where you're coming from now. You have no interest in the issues, only in arrogance and condescension. You couldn't make it any clearer and you certainly can't accuse anyone of putting words in your mouth, because I used your words and no-one else's.
To the other citizens, thank-you. It is exciting to see the "snowballing" of ideas coming from "John Q. Public." Even when we have different ideas, there is so much value in simply the open discussion, and I do believe we are making a POSITIVE difference in our beautiful community. Baby steps, at first, but progress, none-the-less. As I said before, democracy at it's finest!
Deanna
Need those suggestions for trimming and cutting the fat and padding from the county budget. Please post. Any department, any positions. The suggestions will be compiled and turned in to the Budget Comm. as they meet to cut almost $2M from the proposed budget for fiscal year 2009-10. It will be submitted on a general list without any names.
6:20
As I said, the kettle is calling the pot black. And of course I make no sense to people like you, because I continue to point out the nasty way people who actually have opposing views on ISSUES are treated. Do you understand that? This is what I do. And I am fully aware that there are very few here like me who continue to point out this sort of behavior from the very vocal minority. Oh well; it's a dirty job but somebody's got to do it.
Thanks for your attempt to psychoanalyze me, but you are again wrong. No, I wasn't bullied as a child, and I grew up in a happy home with two parents! Can you imagine that?
I have often wondered about some of the people who post mean and nasty things on this blog. I'm particularly troubled by those who are always and forever crying foul and referring to elected officials (the ones they don't like) as crooked, corrupt, liars, and etc. They are supicious of anything and everybody they either dislike or do not understand. Someone is constantly "out to get them" or slight them in some way. I'm thinking at least paranoid delusuinal and perhaps full-blown paranoid schizophrenia since these people seem to live in their own little world of "intellectualism" where only the elect are allowed to enter. In addition, I have many times wondered if some of these people were done dirty at some point in their lives and therefore have major distrust issues. But the saddest analysis is that some of them are just low-down mean and do not care who they hurt.
No, I didn't attend the meeting. I have already heard how things went with the first one. And I wouldn't refer to the masses who attended as troublemakers and arrogant. Here's my analysis of that, since you and I are into analyzing people. I truly believe there were a lot of well-meaning people there who wanted and deserve answers. But they were stirred to a fever pitch by a very vocal minority whom I DO see as arrogant troublemakers.
to deanna..
I am pleased to know that you finally understand where I'm coming from. And I knew you would jump all over what I said with another of your scathing rebuttals. That's cool; I can handle it. But I really don't appreciate your talking down to me as if I don't care about issues. That's a lie! Sorry, but I have to call it the way I see it. I love Giles County and I am all in favor of seeing peace and harmony return. Oh, but you would accuse me of being one who is happy with the corruption of the status quo, right? Wrong!
I truly hope this has finally cleared up your confusion about me.
8:43- Didn't realize my "rebuttal" was scathing. I told you I understood your position. You said it, I just repeated it. You are not here to talk about the issues,
(Here is a cut and paste from your comment)
"By the way, the only opinions I share are those concerning arrogance and condescension."
I am not talking down to you, simply agreeing,I thought that was what you wanted.
I too would love to see peace and harmony in Giles CO, but not at any cost. Issues and problems must be resolved, not buried, and if someone's "tone" of voice is slightly offensive, I generally chalk it up to my oversensitivity or the person's voice type. People may be perceived as arrogant but in print, how can one really tell and so what if they are? The well being and betterment of the community is more important to me than somebody's attitude regarding public issues and the resolution of important problems.
But hey, we are all entitled to our personal priorities and thank you again for re-iterating yours. As I copied and pasted your exact quote, I am sure there is no more misunderstanding between you and your perceived opponents.
Deanna
I agree the county commissioners should take NO pay for service. Also, the city council should take NO pay. The city & county cars should be parked in the city & county parking lots each evening & personnal cars be taken to and from work.
"Other" on a line item is another way of HIDING money. Require "other" to be itemized BEFORE passing a budget.
July 24 8:43am Who are you trying to fool! While it is true if one gets on the school agenda, he/she may be granted more than 2-5 minutes to speak - IT IS SELDOM A REALITY. I am an employee of the board and I tried to get on the agenda to speak for 5 minutes...turned in the "proper" paper work ON TIME & WAS NOT allowed to speak! Too many "IFs" in your statement and board policies. IF a person is a taxpayer AND IF taxes pay for the schools, teacher's salaries, director's salary & and the general business of the board THEN a tax payer SHOULD be allowed to speak before the board: PERIOD!! However, the board follows the 2Cs Rule: Control & Crap!
deanna,
They generally are scathing, at least from this end of the barrel. Your sarcasm in the way you "agreed" with me is noted.
Did I even remotely suggest that I favor peace at any cost? Of course not! You see, you guys are not the only ones who want what's best for Giles County.
I'm glad arrogance doesn't bother you, but I must confess it troubles me. There's an old saying that mentions one catches more flies with sugar than with salt. Being abrasive and offensive toward people who take a different view from what the very vocal minority shares is no way to achieve progress. The last time I checked, we do have rules and laws. I'm sorry you people don't like some of them. Oh well. Tough.
My perceived opponents? What on earth are you talking about? The only thing I oppose is a bunch of know-it-alls who think they can just sweep in here and tell all the rest of us what's best, what we ought to think, and how we should live our lives! And to beat all, they call us ignorant, complacent, and enablers of wrong if we don't see things EXACTLY as they do. And you say arrogance doesn't bother you?
Still don't know who "you guys" and "you people" are...
Other people's arrogance doesn't bother me, especially when they are "anonymous". I am confident enough in my beliefs and opinions to sign my name and to ignore insulting posts and discuss those with different view points if the poster will offer such. Personality types which can only be guessed at by anonymous posters, don't "keep me up at night." I have a different set of priorities. Didn't say better, just different. You focus on voice tones or whatever you choose, and I will concentrate on issues. I figure "you guys" and "you people" will also do as they see best.
Deanna
So here we are again trying to maintain dignity in a thread, and we have those who are trying to alter the thread. Let me shoot my mouth off and then I will try to divert us back on to the right track.
Deanna, you are absolutely right, but the problem is, when you let the petty opinions of someone who is only interested in condescension and arrogance to bait you into their little trap, and then you debate them, it is ultimately you who loses. Therefore, let them play their tiresome and boorish game, and ignore it. Just enjoy the spirit of the blog.
5:34 You stated that you were tired of the "very vocal minority" trying to change things. Unfortunately you are not very familiar with history, a "very vocal minority" signed a particular document and "changed the course of human events" as we know it. 56 someones, that is a "very vocal minority" of the thousands that they represented. That is the basis of freedom in this country. I too am one of the arrogant ones, and I do understand about flies and honey. However, I'd rather use a flyswatter to swat the flies and save the honey for those who need it. Bottom line, participate in the blog or not, your choice, but please let those of us who choose to discuss the issues do so and leave your pernicious meandering musings for those of your ilk who are so inclined to do so.
Now, Mr. Barrett when is the meeting, and as far as the budget cuts, how about Mr. Jackson's salary, is he not one of the top 10 highest paid Superintendents in the state? I could be wrong, but I'm close, and if we are not the 10th best school system in the state, then we need to change things.
deanna,
That's why I changed the description to "those people". I thought you would have found that more pleasing. Please go back and read the last paragraph of my 5:34 post on July 25. That pretty much sums up why I even bother with this blog.
deadman.
Yep, you are definitely one of the arrogant ones. I'm just agreeing with you. Isn't that what you guys want us to do without question? You stated that I was tired of the very vocal minority trying to change things. That's a lie. I fully realize that there are some changes that need to be made. I'm tired of them for sure, but the spin you put on it is dishonest.
You also mentioned "those of us who want to discuss issues". That's all well and good, but when they start calling people stupid, mentally lazy, enablers of "corruption", liars, crooks, anal buffoons, and on and on, I am troubled. And then you have the nerve to say I'm trying to trap someone or that I'm being arrogant and condescending? What planet did you come from?
Deadman, you are correct. I am allowing myself to be baited. I find it interesting that whoever this is still won't offer ideas for the betterment of the county and actually used some of my terminology to call you arrogant. Hmmm, I wonder if their definition of arrogance includes someone who continually claims someone else is "wrong" yet offers no alternative solutions. Just something to ponder. I remember saying to my children when they were very young and wanted to do something that I felt was not a good thing. I told them, "I don't have to tell you why. "The answer is because I said so." Personally I think it is good for children to realize that sometimes parents must take that "arrogant" attitude as children cannot always understand adult reasoning, but I think it is disrespectful when someone such as this particular poster who is baiting me tells me, essentially, "because I said so." Just a guess here, but I am pretty sure that he/she would be blind to their own arrogant attitude.
You do make a wise and excellent post, Deadman, they have no ideas regarding the improvement process and I will try to ignore them.
Re: TJ's salary=-I am not sure where it ranks in the state but I do know that several years ago when the Governor leveled the playing field for school employees, the directors salary was in line with other similar size districts as was teacher's. Fast forward a few years and the director's salary of GC has moved toward the top of the ranking (not sure how many steps though) while the teacher's has moved toward the bottom, which of course means an even bigger gap. An intelligent person would have to wonder how that could happen if there was never any new money...
Deanna
deanna
Such a strange but predictable alliance you are forming with the deadman.
You relaly ought to go back and read my previous post again. I don't know what else I could say to cause you to understand my position on the issues. I don't have a problem whatsoever with those people's opinions on various concerns. I have made that abundantly clear, but you're going to think what you want, and that's cool.
Budget Committee meeting Wednesday, July 29, 9:30 a.m. basement annex building. Meeting to cut budget.
Commission meeting to pass budget Friday, July 31, 9:00 a.m. Courthouse.
According to the TEA website TJ's salary is 69th in the 07-08 year. He gets raises when teachers do. He does get paid for unpaid vacation days which can affect the amount he makes. There are no 08-09 salaries listed so I don't know what his salary was this year. Teachers in Giles County rated 78 for the same period.
Callie here.....Deanna dear, I fully understand your position, honey child, but Deadman is right - just ignore the baiter and save your precious breath for comment to worthy folks.
5:31 Oh me honey child, are you sure your facts are right? Will have to check little ole TEA myself. Callie heard from Piddy Pat that Big Daddy TJ gets a 2% automatic raise from the BOE EVERY year! Lucky devil! Piddy Pat said it is in his contract if Big Daddy TJ has a 'good' evaluation. Honey child, we all know the little ole BOE is not gonna talk poorly about their Big Daddy TJ. You say the t
'teachers in Giles County ranked 78 for the same period.' Baby doll, was that at a Bachlor's Degree no experience level, Bachlor's Degree ten years experience level, Master's Degree no experience level, Master's Degree ten years experience level or Education Specialist Degree level? Baby doll, you leave SO MUCH information out of your 'informative' statement. Callie must ask herself, was that a little intentional?
Must go now and check with those 'cousins' at TEA.
Worthy folks? What a joke.
Callie here.....talked to 'cousin' TEA. Found out:
The AVERAGE salary of Giles County teacher's ranks 78 out of 136. Now take into consideration, if you will, most of the teacher's in this little ole county have been teaching a LONG time, which makes the AVERAGE inflated.
The actual salary of Big Daddy TJ is $94,364 and does rank 69 out of 136. However, one must keep in mind, Big Daddy TJ also has many little ole perks....Piddy Pat told me just the other day Big Daddy TJ has paid vacation, sick and professional leave, life and health insurance, an expense account, etc. Some say there is a little 'horseplay' with the budget...can't say for sure...but it just might help line Big Daddy TJs pockets with more than $100,000+?????
'Cousin' TEA also said the 'average' principal's salary for this here county is ranked 59 out of 136 to the sweet tune of $66,548. Now hold on there, those worthy principals also get $8 per month for up to 20 full time teachers they 'supervise'. This little ole 'reward' is for a 10 month period each little ole year. Which adds a sweet $1,600 to their pocketbook. Piddy Pat whispered something about pay for ball games and other stuff that makes the 'average' principal's salary more than $66,548.
'Cousin' TEA let me in on some interesting facts about our wonderful state and its rankings, in pay for classroom teachers, in this here southeastern parts of our wonderful country.
TN ranks #10 out of 12
AL ranks #7
GA ranks #1
Ky #2
May God Bless you all.
Time for a metro government in the county. Get rid of the city vs. county debacle.
All this said about salaries and no one has mentioned the paraprofessionals (assistants) monthly incomes. It's my understanding that county employees will now be paying approx. $30/month for our health insurance each month. Considering I get a $10/month "step raise" each year....my pay will go back to what I was making 3 YEARS ago. I think it is a sin and shame that some BOE employees make so little that we qualify for free/reduced lunches for our own children's lunches and other govt. assistance! We are helping to educate your children,grandchildren,nieces,
nephews and friends!! What a SAD day we live in!! We DESERVE more but our cries for help go unheard.."NO money for raises!" is always the answer. No will always be the answer because it's NEVER put in the budget for the commission to look at.
848 The spear speaks! The empire ain't big enough! The debacle is about the city wanting to run the county, which is what metro is all about! Stuff it!
The school department, unlike everyone else, received the 2004-5 property tax hike! It should be rolled back! Unlike everyone else, schools received huge automatic inflation related increases from state and local sales tax sources! They spent all of it and more! Unlike everyone else, schools spent at a rate roughly three times the inflation increase, building an empire of waste over the past five years! In spite of that windfall, it is claimed they didn't fund inflation raises for their core mission of teacher salaries! It couldn't be worse! If education had spent at the national inflation rate in the five years since 2004-5, then the 2009-10 budget would be $25.2 million, not $30.5 million. That $5.3 million excess spending is in the general fund and doesn't include additions for pre-K etc. Average five year spending of $27.5 million says the 2009-10 planned budget is $2.8 million above that average. So, where is the problem with taking $3 to $5 million out of schools with a mandate to reach that level after all employee pay is adjusted for inflation?
As calculated, those results would assume all cost areas would have increased the same 36% total 5 year spending increase level. If it is true that employees have not been given adjustments at the COLA level (12 to 13%), then the excess factor is significantly greater than the $5.3 million noted, especially with a cost structure heavily weighted by wages! Add to this scenario the fact that no area has matched the technological improvements in communications. Instead of innovation and cost reduction, we have an antiquated system and philosophy of hiring more and more people to help pull more and more heads out of a growing quagmire!
The inflation index is about the only consistent and reliable indicator of spending reasonableness. School budgets and financial performance tend to be a game of contrived budget numbers inserted by the director and justified by a never ending sequence of financial failure (in terms of staying within inflation rates tempered by significant innovation and cost reduction every year)!
donm
Don....I can show proof by my pay stubs that I have NOT received the 12-13% that you mentioned. Assistants get a $10/month step raise each year. We have not had any other kind of increase since the 04/05 school year other than the "steps".
Callie, the principal's salaries that are reported to the state include include all the extra pay. Youhave to figure the extra time they spend (or are supposed to) at the after hours events. Principals are paid for sports because they are paid to be at those games. If they are not they are cheating the tax payers. 9:46 you have to remember that school employees are not counted with the county employees. If so the non teachers in the school system would have gotten a raise over the last four years. It has been at least that. Non teachers get step raises until 16 years so a lot of employees have not had any kind of raise. The $30 is for county employees. It has not been decided whether that will be done in the school sytem or not since the GCEA negotiates that kind of thing with the school system.
9:46 Sorry but I can't feel sorry for you and your little raise I been laid off from two different jobs this past year and now unemployeed seems my bills keep coming electric, water, rent, and at some point in the past my family got addicted to eating, not out and not much but still we get hungry. I grew up on beans, taters, cornbread and fatback.
Now we're back to that but now we're told that's food that's bad for you.
If you qualify for free or reduced meals at school maybe the qualifications are set to low.
I forgot to say I don't have cable TV or the internet or a cell phone. I got a regular phone so I can be called if a job opens up and I'm using the neighbors computer to help look for jobs and keep up with daily news.
Did I understand this correctly that all county employees will have to pay is $30.00 toward their insurance?
"Time for a metro government in the county. Get rid of the city vs. county debacle.
Sunday, July 26, 2009 8:48:00 PM"
I couldn't agree more with the above statement.
Cut the Chamber of Commerce Directors pay. Rumor says it is FIFTY SIX thousand dollars. Also told that electric company is helping fund them. If the commission would make some cuts there it might wake some folks UP!
Callie here.....July 27 6:48pm Dear child, it is hard for Callie to believe the state could or would calculate all the 'extras' principals across this glorious state of Tennessee could receive as their regular average salary. Baby doll, there is such variation amoung the principal's 'extras'. As for those ball games and extra pay, mercy me, aren't those teachers and assistants required to 'work' those little ole sporting events. Aren't those teachers and assistants taken away from their little children and lovin' spouses to return to work for FREE! Oh me, such unfair times we live in.
July 27 9:37am Callie is truely sorry to hear about your current situation. Honey child, have you thought about putting your name in at the board of education as a substitute. Gracious, all you need is a high school education. I am sure work will be plentful, as a substitute, with school starting August 3rd. My dear, Callie knows first hand how hard some of the assistants work and go the 'extra' mile for the children of Giles County. Their pay, sir, is an embarrassment to all decent folks.
Callie you are right! Assistants do go the 'extra' mile for peanuts. If more people substituted in the schools, they would pay school workers three times what they are now paid. Take up my challange and substitute in the Giles County Schools.
to 9:37am-
I'm sorry for the hard time your family is having. You were given a good suggestion from an earlier post to be a sub in our schools.
As far as the qualifications for free/reduced lunches being too low? Do you have a clue what an assistant's monthly salary is? I think not, based on your statement.
While you're up on the hill filling out an application to be a sub,why don't you inquire about it and then tell me if the qualifications are too low! I'm not going to put on the blog what my salary is,but I will say that you're unemployment check is not far under it. We eat beans and taters too!
7/26 10:14 I'm sure you are right - Unlike the private sector meaningful information is not provided to taxpayers (owners). The director asks for more money for teachers, gets it, & hires more "teachers" to serve as gophers? Total teacher pay may be up (more people), but none of the real people get a raise?
Facts - Spending is up 36+% in the last 5 years, COLA is only up 12+% during that period, and you & other core teachers didn't even get 12%!!! That should be enough to make the skin crawl on every Giles County citizen! The school board should be ashamed to the point they would not show their face in town!
During that same period, the director of schools and his school lobby fought hard to increase property taxes by another $4.8 million, all based on fraudulent financial documentation submitted to the county council for approval but rejected by a slim majority. (Any rebuttal?)
There are two interlocking issues. 1) There is roughly $5 million just waiting to be reclaimed for productive purposes. 2) There will never be a productive environment without proper pay, direction, and a moral foundation. Neither one will happen until the taxpayers and employees unite to force an end to deception and waste!
If you're not real upset yet, consider the fact that school funding requests have traditionally violated very basic accounting rules such as consistency, matching, and plain old falsification, to reach the current point of no return. Consider the linguistic definition of fraud and extortion along with an approved budget that allowed discretionary spending $1.25 million more than revenue. At the end of the year the director mystically claimed $1.1 million favorable financial performance. That opened the door to spending everywhere except teacher raises, which is a trigger for stress and upheaval and cries for a fat tax increase in order to pay teachers, buy busses, whatever hot button the director decides to use! What if the stand out major favorable items are $692,000 of favorably falsified revenue and $280,000 favorable instruction program spending (wages?)? Not true??? Look at Exhibit I-8 (page 108) of the 2008 TN Audit that wasn't published until May 2009! It is an excellent example of fraud, not financial management.
It's OK to get angry and force a good and just change. Biblically speaking, there is a call to end deception and conniving that causes hardship and division amongst the community. If everyone likes the outhouse environment shoved down our throats & does nothing, we deserve it!
I wrote 10:01 forgot id
donm
Don...I would like to say thank you for having the knowledge and information to understand where the BOE employees stand. Well,let me back up on that,most stand. There is the "select group" that doesn't fall into the category we're discussing. I would like to suggest to you that you either run for a BOE board seat at election time or better yet,for our "ELECTED" director! You'd have my vote!!
Don....you would get my vote also. What district do you live in? I think a board member or two are up for election in August in District 1.
Callie when you quoted the director of schools salary, you forgot the statics are about two years old. So, if you add a 2% increase for two years, his current salary should be somewhere around $98,173.25 plus all the 'perks' you mentioned. Wasted money for sure! Email or call your legislators asking for 'elected' directors of schools.
This glorious state we live in??? If you don't like it here, LEAVE!
656???????
poor thing fell out of bed??
& land on its head??
& Booboo nose all red??
& think its dead??
See this is what the powers that be want; us fighting amongst ourselves instead of focusing our attention on them. Let's put away the petty bickering and focus on the task at hand.
Saying "If you don't like it here Leave" is getting old. I take it you don't like it here with WAB and others pointing out faults of some elected officials, so why don't you leave. Because you do like it here same as others, they would just like change in some things and you would like to change their attitude.
To Teachers: I know what you mean get a small raise and your insurance goes up more than the raise. Been there. I'm sorry to say you don't have anything to look forward to. Your supplyment insurance goes up every year and the Social Security doesn't go up enought to cover it.
Speaking as a teacher....I could 'put up' with the low pay and long hours (meaning grading papers at home and parent calls at home) if the principals, board and director RESPECTED educators and treated us like the PROFESSIONALS we are. Some of have 8+ years of college in the field of education. Quite an investment for being treated like a 'low' class citizen.
Not sour grapes....just fed up.
Get focused! Fringes are compensation just like any other form of benefit for time worked. Yes, employees are gettimg a pay decrease on top of no raises in the recent past!
An increase in insurance premiums is no different than any other increase in a time of deflation!
If frills are added, cut them out, change the source, whatever. Exclude all the "recreation" drugs that are advertised endlessly on TV.
Private for profit health care doesn't work! It's a license to steal. Government health care isn't any better. The old charitable and community hospitals (local government) & health care worked very well for many years. Then we took God out of government & health services. Immediately health care went down the tubes! Mankind gets too smart for his britches & soon (always) winds up with none!
Well, despite WABs best efforts the usual BS has taken root again in a blog topic .
IS IT POSSIBLE JUST FOR ONCE TO SHUT UP ON THE BS AND PUT FORWARD SOME SENSIBLE IDEAS ON WHERE THE COUNTY BUDGET CAN BE CUT ??
The meeting is tomorrow and as of today you're all STILL BS-ING .Next week you'll be back to complaining about 'things aint wot thay used ter be ' but not understanding the great opportunity you blew with your BS .
SHUT UP or move over ...
Cut secretarial staff in County Exec office - cut out all agri-park committees meetings except maybe one per quarter as it is you could buy groceries regularly on pay to attend those almost weekly meetings - cut pay in hyatt's office - including part time help which is another employee's daughter - cut help in crystal green's office which is friends and kin - cut help in sigmon's office - make CUTS at the financial management office - top heavy on staff and light weight on efficiency - cut industrial board and economic board and tie their contribution to results - make county exec a part time position which is how it is now being treated
7:16
riddler,
I see you are back to offer up more of your Robert Frost quality prose. I continue to stand in awe of you.
7:47
That post was not addressed to anyone but Callie's remark about this glorious state we live in. Does that not bother you? I stand by what I said.
To spanky.
I think you've got that wrong. The very vocal minority want people fighting among themselves.
12:31
You ask me to shut up or move over? Surely, you jest! I'll tell you what. I'll shut up when "those people" stop with the abusive behavior toward the ones they dislike. They have the audacity to think (arrogantly) that they can call people anything in the book and go unchallenged? I don't think so. I can't speak for others who challenge them, but that's where I am. Not quite sure what you mean by move over.
PLEASE READ the latest comments posted under the "Connection between PES" topic. You will be able to see more clearly what needs to be cut from the county budget. It blew me away.
Some of the suggestions I had hope to bring to the Budget Committee included the following:
1) 1) CUT COMMISSIONERS PAY 33% FROM 30.00 AND 15.00 TO 20.00 AND 10.00.
2) REDUCE THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN THE COUNTY EXECUTIVES OFFICE BY TWO PEOPLE OR JUSTIFY IN WRITING THEIR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT
3) REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OFFICE BY AT LEAST ONE OR JUSTIFY IN WRITING THEIR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT
4) CUT THE SECRETARY AT THE AMBULANCE OFFICE OR JUSTIFY IN WRITING THEIR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT
5) CUT EVERY DEPARTMENT BY 20% UNLESS THEY CAN FULLY JUSTIFY THEIR BUDGET IN WRITING
6) REORGANIZE THE CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR THE COURT HOUSE AND CUT THE AMOUNT OF CONTRACTED SERVICES
7) REORGANIZE THE SECURITY DETAIL AT THE COURTHOUSE. STAFF THE COURTS AS REQUIRED BY LAW AND PUT THE REST ON PATROL
8) SALE ALL EXCESS COUNTY PROPERTY THAT REQUIRES INSURANCE COVERAGE
9) LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF SICK LEAVE AN EMPLOYEE CAN TAKE THUS PREVENTING THE NEED TO HIRE A REPLACEMENT AND PAYING BOTH PEOPLE FOR THE SAME JOB
10) CUT THE PAY OF THE DIRECTOR AND ASST. DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT BY 5%
11) REDUCE TO THE LOWEST ALLOWABLE AMOUNT BY LAW THE FUNDING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
12) CUT FUNDING TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
13) ESTABLISH AN INSURANCE COMMITTEE TO EVALUATE EVERY INSURANCE EXPENDITURE AND POLICY
Allen Barrett
I totally agree with WAB. No matter how you feel about him, you have to admit, the man knows exactly what he is talking about. He is totally on point with everything he has stated above. If you disagree, at least have the balls to tell who you are and what your affiliation with the content is all about. If you can't, then you need to shut the **** up.
wab
May I direct your attention to the above 12:21 post? That's the kind of nasty talking you allow on this blog? Again, shame on you!
I don't see nasty talk 6:10! Where do you see it? Maybe you have a nasty mind...now that's a concept! Go on now..crawl back under that rock from whence you came. buh bye!
9:12
Go back and read the 12:21 post where reference was made to male genitalia. While you're at it, look at "shut the **** up! Do you not call that nasty language? Would you utter such profanity in front of your minister or house guests? I hope not.
To the anonymous of the 30 July 6:10 AM and 3:48 post.
I checked the post you referenced and saw no profanity. While there is a suggestion I have no problem leaving suggestions in place when compared to the dangers of imposing censorship.
Are you aware that there is a nation wide effort now in place where people are urged to send balls, ping pong, sponge, BB's and any other balls to politicians in Washington DC as a protest against their votes for bills they have not read? Maybe you should lighten up a bit and enjoy life a bit more. Allen Barrett
wab
Well maybe I don't have the balls to lighten up. Oh, what's the use? Maybe I should just "shut the **** up"? What do you think?
Sounds good to me!
I second that emotion! You're a hypocrite 4:57, but you knew that didn't you?!
Maybe she's just mad at all genetile men cause she ain't No, she's just mad, stark raving mad! I'll be she looks like a prune without the merry kay
7:47 and 9:23
You folks make some really great cheerleaders. If you will go back and read my post, you will see that I asked wab (not you) what he thought.
To "anon" poster who is so offended and only wants wab to respond: It's a public blog, you want to call the VOLUNTEER moderator on the carpet for not censoring? If you don't want anyone else to respond then maybe you better "man up" and call Mr Barrett and have a private conversation. Just a thought, IF you were really sincere about wanting an answer from wab and not just wanting to join the bash wab fan club. Also, I am deeply offended by the post you refer too as well, and find it vulgar and tasteless, (the terminology, not the ideas expressed), however it never ever occurred to me to blame Mr Barrett...I blame the one who typed the words. Liked the ideas, not the language. But wab is absolutely correct, their freedom of speech is just as legit as my freedom to refrain from reading the post. Don't understand the mentality so many folks have these days that when things aren't going the way one thinks they should, the blame everyone but the offender..
Carolyn
carolyn
Look, the post was directed to the blogmaster who also happens to call himself a minister. Condoning foul language is NOT very becoming of a man in those positions, particularly the latter of the two. To look the other way in the presence of such language just for the sake of free speech is WRONG in this case, and we both know it.
I can assure you that if I got on this blog and said the first profane word, my post would be removed. Oh, would you call that free speech. And of course I sincerely want an answer. You see, I've just never seen a preacher behave as this one does. And it absolutely floors me that he has such a following. But it's always been that way down through history.
To anonymous of the 31 July 6:57 post
I'm sorry you were offended by a post on this blog, I suggest that you not read those posts you find objectionable but then that would eliminate every post that you don't agree with. Should I understand that you do not watch TV or listen to the radio or is it just programs with which you don't agree? The same principle applies to this blog. I will not censor ideas because someone may be less articulate that someone else. Profanity will continue to be deleted as soon as I see it.
Now once again you have attacked me as a minister and in doing so you have either unconsciously said something that is not true or you have simply consciously lied. I will give you the benefit of a doubt and take it that you were merely unconscious when you wrote that I condone foul language. Foul language is the only thing that I delete from this blog. Would I have used different words than the poster you refer to, yes. The point is I could not honestly delete their comment because of your objection any more than I could honestly delete almost every comment you have posted because of objections to them.
Another untruth you spouted was that if you "said the first profane word, my post would be removed." If there was any tiny bit of truth in that accusation your disgustingly profane comment about me being on the cross would have been deleted immediately. You never did ask your pastor what his thoughts were on that statement did you, or did you just refuse to share his thoughts with the rest of us?
By your own admission you have acknowledged that you don't know me, have never had a conversation with me, know nothing of my life yet you presume to define my every thought and motivation while condemning constantly what you call arrogance in others. It seems a bit of honest self evaluation is in order here.
Your statement "You see, I've just never seen a preacher behave as this one does", that tells me clearly that your objection to me is personal and nothing less. I'm sorry if I am a disappointment to you but if you have a problem with me being a minister I would suggest you take it up with God since he is the One who called me into the ministry with full knowledge of what kind of person I am. Allen Barrett
Mr. Barrett, she is lying to you and everyone else on this blog. She has met you and does know you. You have caught her in so many lies and bad moments that she is out to get revenge on you any way she can.
FYI to the blogger who says Jackson gets good evaluations each year. NOT THIS TIME. And I believe his salary has stayed the same for the past couple of years. Not 100% on that . He has been asked to take his days instead of piling up and being paid for them flat out. Yes he gets them paid but he is using them and not collecting a good size amt of money at one time. Did you know that the commissioners get paid for everything they attend even if they aren't on a committee. That's not right. The school board gets paid for meetings only and not a dime for work sessions that go for hours.
You get 5 minutes to speak if you want to be placed on the agenda and 2 minutes at the end of a meeting. I believe questions are starting to have responses at the end of the meetings now. They may not be the right answer but at least people aren't left to look like fools now. They know someone if not all board members are listening. come to a meeting and see how it works.
The board has requested and received what comes under other category. I beT Mrs. Garner would let you have a copy.
There are so many unhappy people on this blog that I bet everyone will run for one of the slots coming up for reelection in 2010. Get your signature sheets form Cathy at Election Commision and start getting you names to qualify. And good luck.
Friday, July 31, 2009 6:57:00 AM
You know WAB, but no one is suppose to know you, we have a good idea who you are.
I was going to say what you said about the cross wasn't something a Christian would of said, but think WAs told you kindly about it.
wab
I have neither lied nor misunderstood what I read on this blog on more than one thread. Again, I can't imagine a minister condoning that for the sake of allowing free speech. Let me ask you a question. What would you say if someone like riddler came to your church and told the congregation he had to go take a ****. What would you say? Or, let's say you were delivering a sermon and someone yelled that you need to shurt the **** up? I just don't understand that, so I must stand by the questions I asked you.
Before I go, I'd really like you to tell me how you were called to the ministry. I have never understood that, and please understand that I am not trying to be sarcastic. I honestly find you a very difficult person to understand.
How do you do your job and stay on the blog all time.
I'm retired.
8:49 You 'seem' to 'know' so much about the goings on of the board of education; my guess is you ARE a board member! I HAVE been to MANY board meetings & FULLY understand the board's procedure. The trouble is, the board & TJ don't follow their own procedure; changing it AT WILL! Sure, a citizen can get on the board's agenda IF AND ONLY IF, even after a written request arrives to the board within the time limits, THE BOARD CHOOSES TO ALLOW IT! As for the 2 minutes at the end of the board meeting....what a joke! I was there the nite 'Judge' Lee requested to speak. 'Judge' Lee was using a cane and oxygen tank, as his health was very poor. Murrey told him he had 2 minutes. He said, 'H#@@' I can't even get up in two minutes!!' To that Murrey said, 'Well, maybe you would like to wait unitl the next board meeting.' 'Judge' Lee said, 'I may not be HERE (meaning alive) for the NEXT board meeting!' He was allowed to speak a little longer than 2 minutes. It is SO comical to see Murrey hold up the 'little sticks' with '1 min, 30 sec, 15 sec....' written on them. IF THE BOARD WOULD PAY THAT MUCH ATTENTION TO THEIR ONE AND ONLY EMPLOYEE (tj) OMG!!!!! WHAT A WONDERFUL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM WOULD EXIST IN THIS COUNTY!
NEWS FLASH! It is NOT 'the people' who 'look like fools' at the board meetings; it IS the 'deer in the headlights' stare of the board members. It says to all, 'the lights are on, but nobody is home'.
Your scarastic remarks at the end of your entry are true to form. Maybe "there are so many unhappy people on this blog" because they are tired of the 'little idiots' ruining this county. You just might be surprised who 'runs' to the courthouse to 'smoke' you guys out. My suggestion is YOU invest in a good fire extinguisher.
4:03 You have never said more honest words on this blog, "I honestly find you a very difficult person to understand." Only YOU SHOULD be looking in the mirror when you say it. No scarcasim intended........Just the facts ma'am!
403
It's fun to address
a wizzardly mess
by words beginning with "S"
& see if mess can guess.
Mess did her best
but flunked the test
was too much quest
& we know the rest
Mess flexed her flab
mouthed some blab
and proceeded to stab
her nemisis WAB
The word was spit
not slow nor slit
not stow nor suit
and nope not "s---"
And so it is, the riddler got the pudiddler & she can't do a thing about it but bang her head on the wall! SHE stepped right in "IT"!
Everytime I see her wabalizations I have to roll over & laugh till I can't get up & move!
riddler
Well, you remain true to form. Why don't you go take a **** and perhaps you'll feel better?
Why do you continue calling me a female? Can you not understand what you read?
Comment on the language used on this and other blogs---the language of the "street" has become so common place that it prevades what is spoken and written by even the most pious of folk on blogs and other places.
What would not have been spoken in public just a few years ago by those of religious persuasions is now common place. I don't think that most of us even some preachers realize or even stop to think where some of this terminology came from and just what it was meant to convey.
I grew up in a home where this language was used by my father. But I never heard any of it from my mother. I will always respect her for not answering him back in the same tone as he spoke to her.
Even though I was rasied with the language of the "street" from my father I cringe when I hear it. But, I think that we should respect the fact that even though this language offends us there are people in our society who do not realize what original connotation was and is sometimes still attached to what they are saying.
As a teacher I am very aware of the fact that children repeat what they hear at home and have no idea that it could be offensive, and/or rude. Infact when learned at an early age these offensive saying will most probably will be a part of their language for the rest of their lives.
Unfortunately we as a supposedly Christian nation have lowered our standards and repeat what we have heard without considering just what vulgar connotations were attached to what we say when it was used as the language of the "street". This is true of the clergy as well as church members.
I don't think that I have ever heard any phrases in public that I did not hear at home----but fortunately I have also had a good example from my Mom and I hope that most of the time I try to emulate her. When I am speaking and writing I make a consious effort to stay away from any phraseology that could be construed as offensive. I believe that more of us should think before we blurt out offensive speech.
I know that this will not be a welcomed comment but I felt that I had to add it to this post. So much of what has been said here could have been said without any of the offensive language.
But that is you choice, and yes I do not have come here and read---but unfortunately I am interested in the topic, so I will continue to read and I will continut to cringe when I read some of it but I will continue to read for content and not unacceptable language.
Just call me a prude or a dried up prune or whatever. Sticks and stones my break my bones but words [in the long run] will never hurt me. I'll live and be the better for it.
9:49
Thank you for a great post. I totally agree with you, so my comments may not be welcome either. Your point about the offensive language is the same one I have been trying to make with those who are guilty of it. It's nice to know that someone besides me will speak out about it. It's just plain wrong!
658 FOUR STAR DASTARDLY WORD!!! How nasty & VULGAR. No - your motive was low down, ugly, & mean as it gets. You thought you could cause trouble in a church! You thought you could stab one of God's messengers in the back! You believe the slang term for dung is taking God's name in vain. Has anyone ever read you somethig from the Bible? Has hatred completely warped your sense of reason?
Dung appears many times in parables, etc. - used to describe acts such as yours & people such as you - motives of corruption and deception, etc. like yours.
Riddler simply set you up. You jumped in the middle of what you thought was an opportunity to deceive & slander & are now up to your neck in dung. Everybody is laughing at you! Must now be hard to do anything except spit & sputter! Hose yourself off, it might make you feel better.
Yes the teacher's thoughts are good. Good people are always appreciated by me and nearly everyone else (except you, of course).
Yes you are female - maybe a little AC/DC in the magnetc signature or perhaps just no voltage at all. Thanks for the great laughs you have given me - chuckled all day thinking about you getting dunked in the outhouse!
5:01
Wrong again my misguided adversary. You thought I was going to refer to you as friend, didn't you? Not a chance!
Here's what I said to riddler...or maybe he or she is you? Why don't you go take a ****, and perhaps you'll feel better?
Do you have a brain? I'm beginning to doubt it. You continue to call me a female. What a joke. You've got me all figured out, haven't you? I realize that you are much smarter than I am, but you continue to have confusion about my gender, not that it's any of your business. What's even more pathetic, you continue to displace onto me your homophobic thoughts.
Stab one of "god's messengers" in the back? Oh, surely you are joking? Believe me, I want no part of the messenger or his church, thank you. So you are the one who is low-down mean for even suggesting that I was trying to start trouble. I wouldn't go there to begin with, and I certainly wish no harm to come to those who do. So that's a lie!
Did I say dung was a profane word? No, you suggested that I did! If you go to church, why don't you announce tomorrow morning that you need to go take a "dung" and see what they say? Laughable.
Your accusation that I don't care about teachers is the most hilarious thing you've said yet! And, that of course, is another lie!
Let me make a suggestion. Go take two aspirin and call me a name in the morning. And please try to be truthful in the future.
Now we have a complete resume - you are not this, that, or much of anything else - agreed, you're nothing.
Obviously, you don't go near church, probably because you read something about evil getting zapped, poof & no more! But you do feel very secure everywhere else in attacking the church & one of God's messengers, knowing that all of His earthly messengers are human and subject to the same imperfections as everyone else. Are you afraid of thunder?
Seems like riddler's point was as simple as the fly landing on the toilet seat & getting pissed off for no apparent reason. Until you wise up, the rest of us will just have smile at & enjoy the "perils of ms. dufus"
Oh please get off the "one of God's messengers" idea. You and I no doubt have a strong difference of opinion on that.
By the way, I just got back from church and plan to go back tonight. Are you? Did you even go this morning...while you sit in judgment of me?
Thunder never frightens me, but lightning is an entirely different matter. But, contrary to what you think, I know to come indoors when I hear thunder. Do you have a point?
To 6:48
You condem some of the words said on the blog, but what about what you said...
"Why don't you go take a ****, and perhaps you'll feel better?"
You didn't say the word, but you thought it like the rest of us did.
I was merely repeating the words of riddler. I didn't say the word, and neither did riddler. But we all know what it meant. It's the same as saying someone ought to "shut the *** up." So you proved my point that this kind of garbage should be deleted.
Just ignore her and act like she isn't on the blog.
Are you the blog spokesperson? What a laugh.
107/227 calling wab names because he won't delete what you knowingly wrote??? Can't tell us what it really is supposed to mean. Gutter lingo so familiar with you that you assume everyone knows what your stupid babble means.
A fly on the rim
with a mind so dim
pissed of by a whim
& bubbles can't swim
8:43
If I called wab a name, please tell me what it was? I went back and checked; all I could find is where one of "those people" referred to him as "one of God's messengers." Right! Is that what you are talking about? You weren't very clear as to what you meant.
Let me ask you this. Why don't you take that masterpiece of prose to church with you (if you even go) and read it to the members? I'll bet they would be surprised at the language you use.
What a pleasant surprise, a thread that hasn't deteriorated into name calling, wab bashing, and a bunch of holier than thou anal retentives discussing why they are better than each other. I am so glad this thread stayed on track about the things we need to cut from the budget to make it easier to live in Giles County.
deadman.
You've been busy here lately, haven't you?
You accuse people of doing the very things you do. Why is it wab bashing when someone like me points out (describes behavior) hypocrisy, arrogance, and egotism, but "those people" can call anyone they want anything in the book and expect to go unchallenged? Please answer that one for me.
Ignore her! Believe me, she is not the saint she is trying to make everyone believe she is. She is certainly not above lying and using foul words when it suits her.
Please answer that one for me. Why is there that double standard?
seems some people choose to answer questions when it suits them
Seems that during the meetings to discuss the budget cuts, suggestions were offered regarding areas where cuts could be made. According to the paper recently we are paying for county health insurance for part-time employees. I would say that would certainly have cut a substantial amount. Who authorized that expenditure? Where are some of the commissioners heads at? Seems some of them are asleep at the wheel. If they are not going to hold Vanzant and others feet to the fire and do right by the citizens, then why run for the office of county commissioner? Leaves me totally dumbfounded. Many of the commissioners don't understand the budget and instead of taking the time to educate themselves, they take the budget at face value and not question a darn thing, turn around and rubber stamp it and then we the citizens have to suffer. I look for a property tax increase in the near future. Is that going to set will with the citizens? I should say not! But no one takes a stand and complains or gets involved. Well, my personal budget can't handle another tax increase!
We have to many commissioners in this county that do not have a clue what is going on. Their contributions are in fact a joke. Budget Cuts should come from the core of the county. Not permit more spending as tax payers, paying for travel and parties. Employees should get more training,so they can perform jobs more efficiently. I was informed of one case, Mrs Bigs in finincial management made major mistakes in the teachers federal grants. This was only a little amount of 35 thoundsand, then she made more mistakes of insurance which took thousands more of the tax payers money.
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