Property Tax Assessments
By now most folks have probably gotten their notice of the new appraised value of their property. Along with that appraisal is the new value assessed on that property and judging from the calls I've gotten this week they are really something.
I have heard of up to forty percent increases in the appraisal value with most being approximately twenty-five percent increases which translates into some very hefty tax increases.
There are some who will falsely believe that this "appraised value" means that their property has actually increased in value but unfortunately that is not reality. We are in the midst, as most people are aware, of a very depressed economy although inflation is beginning to show it's ugly head. Property values in Giles County are extremely depressed and there is no way possible to justify any size appraisal increase on the same exact property as the last appraisal and there is certainly no reasonable justification for a 40% increase. The tax assessors appraisal does not mean that your property will sell for the amount he has appraised it at. Ask yourself if the house across the street from you sold for $89.000.00 and it was appraised at $130,000.00 should your house be appraised, with no improvements, ten thousand dollars higher than the last appraisal of $120,000.00?
I would urge everyone who disagrees with this new appraisal to call 1-931-363-2166 between 18 April and 29 April and ask for a meeting to explain the justification for such large increases in such a depressed market.
How to Figure Your Property Tax Bill
Property taxes are calculated using the following four components:
1. APPRAISED VALUE - The Appraised Value for each taxable property in a county is determined by the county property assessor.
2. ASSESSMENT RATIO - The Assessment Ratio for the different classes of property is established by state law (residential and farm @ 25% of appraised value, commercial/industrial @ 40% of appraised value).
3. ASSESSED VALUE - The Assessed Value is calculated by multiplying the appraised value by the assessment ratio.
4. TAX RATE - The Tax Rate for each county is set by the county commission based on the amount of monies budgeted to fund the provided services. These tax rates vary depending on the level of services provided and the total value of the county’s tax base.
The Tax Rate For Giles County is $3.07
With the cities having an additional rate of Ardmore: $0.26; Elkton: $0.33; Lynnville: $0.65; and Pulaski: $0.62
To calculate the tax on your property, multiply the ASSESSED VALUE by the TAX RATE.
Assume you have a house with an APPRAISED VALUE of $100,000. The ASSESSED VALUE is $25,000 (25% of $100,000), and the TAX RATE has been set by your county commission at $3.07 per hundred of assessed value. To figure the tax simply multiply the ASSESSED VALUE ($25,000) by the TAX RATE (3.20 per hundred dollars assessed).
$25,000 / 100 = 250 x $3.07 = $767.50 or ($25,000 x .0307 = $767.50)
for a tax bill of $767.50
In 2010 there were a total of 19073 parcels with 18477 taxed parcels and 596 exempt parcels. The total assessed value was $442,850,844.00.
The total Appraised value was $1,618,895,097.
These numbers were supplied by the Tennessee State Comptrollers Office.
I have heard of up to forty percent increases in the appraisal value with most being approximately twenty-five percent increases which translates into some very hefty tax increases.
There are some who will falsely believe that this "appraised value" means that their property has actually increased in value but unfortunately that is not reality. We are in the midst, as most people are aware, of a very depressed economy although inflation is beginning to show it's ugly head. Property values in Giles County are extremely depressed and there is no way possible to justify any size appraisal increase on the same exact property as the last appraisal and there is certainly no reasonable justification for a 40% increase. The tax assessors appraisal does not mean that your property will sell for the amount he has appraised it at. Ask yourself if the house across the street from you sold for $89.000.00 and it was appraised at $130,000.00 should your house be appraised, with no improvements, ten thousand dollars higher than the last appraisal of $120,000.00?
I would urge everyone who disagrees with this new appraisal to call 1-931-363-2166 between 18 April and 29 April and ask for a meeting to explain the justification for such large increases in such a depressed market.
How to Figure Your Property Tax Bill
Property taxes are calculated using the following four components:
1. APPRAISED VALUE - The Appraised Value for each taxable property in a county is determined by the county property assessor.
2. ASSESSMENT RATIO - The Assessment Ratio for the different classes of property is established by state law (residential and farm @ 25% of appraised value, commercial/industrial @ 40% of appraised value).
3. ASSESSED VALUE - The Assessed Value is calculated by multiplying the appraised value by the assessment ratio.
4. TAX RATE - The Tax Rate for each county is set by the county commission based on the amount of monies budgeted to fund the provided services. These tax rates vary depending on the level of services provided and the total value of the county’s tax base.
The Tax Rate For Giles County is $3.07
With the cities having an additional rate of Ardmore: $0.26; Elkton: $0.33; Lynnville: $0.65; and Pulaski: $0.62
To calculate the tax on your property, multiply the ASSESSED VALUE by the TAX RATE.
Assume you have a house with an APPRAISED VALUE of $100,000. The ASSESSED VALUE is $25,000 (25% of $100,000), and the TAX RATE has been set by your county commission at $3.07 per hundred of assessed value. To figure the tax simply multiply the ASSESSED VALUE ($25,000) by the TAX RATE (3.20 per hundred dollars assessed).
$25,000 / 100 = 250 x $3.07 = $767.50 or ($25,000 x .0307 = $767.50)
for a tax bill of $767.50
In 2010 there were a total of 19073 parcels with 18477 taxed parcels and 596 exempt parcels. The total assessed value was $442,850,844.00.
The total Appraised value was $1,618,895,097.
These numbers were supplied by the Tennessee State Comptrollers Office.
posted by Allen Barrett | 8:39 PM
137 Comments:
Who is the tax assessor in the county? It seems it is a way to print money for the county!
Am I not correct in saying that though the assessed value of the property goes up the County must readjust the tax rate to equalize the revenue. Namely the valuue goes up so the rate must go down so that the amount of revenue remaines the same?
The tax assessor is Steve McGill a lazy drunk. He was arrested for causing a single vehicle accident and being intoxicated. YES he was not convicted in court .... he pleaded NO CONTEST so he admitted to the charges.
In 2012 you can vote him out
Tax assessor for Giles is an acknowledged drunk driver called Steve McGill (AKA 'Bluegill' ).
During working hours he stands outside his office smoking cigarettes while checking the weather
8:28 When the appraised value goes up
it's the second year when you really feel the increase.
What I want to know is why the appraisal went up when the sale price of every house has gone down.
This is just another money grab by the money hungry county that can't manage a budget.
I second that emotion 9:13! County trying to make up their deficit possibly? Our county government is not in the business of running government, rather supplying jobs to every Tom, Dick and Harry that wants one. Want to get some additional revenue in this county? Then those who are elected need to make Giles County attractive to business and industry. Vote out those in the next election not in favor of prosperity and progress. Lay off some employees and scale back the frivolous spending. It can be done..some just don't want to. Cut, cut, cut! Everyone knows the property values are down. How is it in Giles County there appears to some boom in the market according to the tax assessor's office? Everyone needs to call between the dates recorded on your notice and protest this action. Giles County citizens cannot afford more tax burden. Especially, when it is not warranted!
A joke for an County Executive and Commission, puppet for assessor. not one ounce of guts or integrity between them. A bunch of liars all of them. Layoff about 20% of all government workers would be a good start. Stop robbing people.
Heads need to roll with this new appraisal. Do the dumb folks at the assessor's office not know that real estate values are DOWN AND NOT UP? What moron cannot understand that??????? Give me a break. My property has not increased in value a whole $25,000 as the new assessment says. My property has deteriorated and needs improvements now. What is the problem? GREED??????? The next election will have far different results than the last one for sure.
GTC Says:
Just left the Courthouse square, at approximately 3:00 PM, and guess what???????
3 tax assessment office employees (two female and one male - not McGill) were standing under the shed roof outside the "employee Only" entrance to their office in the Courthouse basement. What were they doing?? Smoking; yup SMOKING and shooting the breeze.
There you go folkes our tax dollards hard at work making this year's assessment true and accurate.
That explains why I haven't been able to get through on the phone. The guy from Nashville has fallen right in with that bunch of ninnies in the assessors gazebo.
I understand that the new tax rate has been set at $2.69. This will bring the total tax coming into the county will be about the same as last year but that does not in anyway mean that our tax liability will go down. As things average out some will pay about the same as last year while some will owe a greatly increased amount. Next year and the years after is where the big bills will come due when the tax rate goes back up.
Contact the tax assessor and request an appointment with the appeal board do not settle for the line the guy from Nashville is giving out.
If the appraised value of a house is more than you could get for it,
can't you get it lowered if you go talk to them?
9:27 Maybe, but you have to take with you comparable sales from around where you live. Soooo if your house would sell for $100.00 and one down the street or next street over has sold for $150,000 they propbably wont adjust the appraisal. What they tell you is that property sales in Giles county have risen and thats what they based the appraisal on. See if find somebody in real estate who would agree with them but every one in real estate I spoke with said thats just not true.
I think it was 3:23 who said something to the effect of the Tax Assessor's office purpose was to print money for the county.
Well of course we all know that's true. And most of that money goes to fund the local Schools system, which pays teachers salaries and the like. Not to mention the overblown salaries of the board members and the underpaid Superintendent, Tee Jackson.
But all this talk about a down economy dictating the need for decreases in assessment values, shows a complete lack of understanding to how our modern government works today.
You see dear people, common sense is no longer in vogue. It's just too traditional, and limiting. Now we practice the Liberal ideology of, if you don't have enough money to do what you want, just raise taxes!
It' doesn't matter who can and can't afford the increase. Hey if they want to live here, they'll have to cough it up.
The days of growing a tax base by means of incentives, and productivity have been over for the past 50 years or so. And once you get used to paying higher property taxes, you and I will forget about the added burden, and just quietly get back to beating out a living in a dying community in a dying economy.
But look on the bright side: at least we'll all have free government supplied health care!
Donald Trump for President
This re-appraisal is our socialist government at work re-distributing the wealth. The president and some of his zealous fellow big government trough feeders would call it "fairness", but clearly the principle of Karl Marx is at work.
The French communist Morelly, proposed in his 1755 "Code of Nature"
1) Nothing in society belongs to anyone, either as a personal possession or as capital goods, except the things for which the person has immediate use.
2) Every citizen is a public man, sustained by, supported by, and occupied at public expense.
3) Every citizen will make his particular contribution to the activities of the community.
Our nation has adopted this philosophy and our county has fallen right in line. Take from those who have it and give it to those who want it has become the prevailing thought. Understand this has nothing to do with the idea of caring for those who can't provide for themselves because of some disability, but for the lazy bums who have pursued selfish undisciplined lives as described in the Aesop Fable about "The Grasshopper and the Ants".
In a depressed economy with very depressed housing values we're told that our property values have risen, as much as 40% in some instances. This is not based on the realities of the market but on the needs of the community. We're told that it's only "fair" for a person who has worked and maintained their property to pay more to the county.
Class envy is being exploited to it's fullest degree.
Was there any property that was appraised downward? To date I have not heard from anyone whose property was appraised downward. Did some tax assessments go down yes they did. Some will be paying less in taxes this year than last year but that is a very deceptive measure because the state mandated the tax rate this year.
The full truth of appraisal will be seen next year when the county will once again be in charge of the tax rate. An increase of only ten cents combined with the upward appraisal will require almost everyone to pay more next year than this year.
The appraisals must be challenged this year even if your tax assessment went down if your appraisal went up you will pay more in the future.
GTC Says:
I have just read the latest addition of the proposed Home Rule Charter as posted on the Pulaski Citizen newspaper web site
Section 12.03.G states:
"All Tax Rates shall be adopted by ordinance. Real Estate tax rates and revenue shall be subject to the limitation established in this Charter. Any ordinance changing the real estate tax rates shall require an affirmative vote of a least two-thirds of the elected members. Any increase the tax rate must then be approved by a majority of the Citizens in a voters Initiative which the County Commission must enact."
I say vote for the Charter and have your vote counted for any tax rate increase.
My understanding is the state figured the rate of $2.69 after our local tax accessor's office, along with other public officials, came up with the proposed percentage of increase to our properties (in most cases). I have heard of a few whose accessment decreased. It would be interesting to know what that decrease was based on. Again, the county, by law, cannot take in more revenue in a re-apparisal year than it did the year previously. Mr Barrett is correct. You wont pay more this year but the commissioners will be free to increase the tax rate again next year and that is when we will be paying out much more in property taxes than we do now.
If you are having trouble finding the selling prices for property in your area and around the county (our tax assessors office still has not posted this information on the internet as many other counties have and extra money was given for this purpose) you can google ZILLOW and it will give you all the property in the county that is for sale, how long it's been on the market, the size, reductions in the sellingf price etc. This information will help if you challenge your appraisal and assessments.
Not place for this, but good topic
Is Martin Luther King more important than Jesus
Did they go around and see what improvements or damage had been done to a place before making a new assessment. If so I didn't see them at my place.
I never saw anyone visit my property either. How were the assessments done; from the road or street?
Must of been done from courthouse.
Thinking if a place was worth $50,000.00 last year, should be worth $65,000.00 this year.
Will we ever know how they did it?
I am Proud:
I am sure that whaever Mr. McGill determines to be your property assessment, that he will be fair and accurate as possible. I have worked with him for years and he is a kind, gentle, and knowledgeable person who works very hard at his job. I feel blessed to know him and work with him.
Seems the assessments were based on property sales in your area. If there was a great sale then it was assumed your property value increased as well. I really don't see how this could really be what happened though, as there have been so few property sales overall in the county and most, but not all, property assessments increased regardless of surrounding sales.
TO .... I am Proud
You have got to be the dumbest person alive in the tax assessor's odffice to publicly state what you have stated. Mc Gill is a proven drunk and he leads you and your fellow staff members at the coffee/smoking corner. Mc Gill is a puppet of Mrs. Vanzant, Stoney Jackson and Tommy Campbell. Have the property tax assesments of these three people gone up at all or as much as the rest of us????
NO THEY HAVE NOT!!!
Signed JAT ... Yes I'm pissed
JAT,
You need to chill out. Can't you see when someone is pulling your chain?
All I can say to the people who voted McGill and Mrs. Vanzant in office, live with it! You get what you deserve.
I so agree 8:21! I new this day was right around the corner. And, to think it hasn't been even a year since the last election.
This Blog is Dead!
Don't agree this blog is dead. Perhaps there is not much happening within the city and county governments that justifies a topic. Most likely new topics will be added within the next couple of days. I for one don't miss the stupid arguing between whoever and the one known as Enabler. Once new topics are introduced we can keep the postings sensible whatever out stand might be on the issues. Incidentially, understand due to tax accessor office being closed for 3 days last week they are going to accept counter and phone calls from residents needing to discuss their new assessment.
I came in the house excited to tell the wife that our property value had gone up. It was only up $8k from last time. With the new tax rate, my tax bill went down by a few bucks. I gues I can't complain. DAW
Yes DAW, but just wait until next year when they up the tax rate, could even happen this year, too. There are loopholes to make it happen.
Who says that it is guaranteed they will?
DAW
While there is no grantee that the tax rate will be raised next year circumstances have been put in place that pretty much assure they will. You can not continue to spend a million dollars more each year than you take in unless of course you are the federal government.
The question that needs to be asked is has your property increased in real value, in other words if you sold that property today would you be able to get the amount listed by the assessment. Personally I find it very difficult to believe that housing values have increased at all much less by the amounts that are being reported to me.
It's unfortunate that our tax assessor's office has failed to post all the property on the internet so that individuals can access the site and understand the
changes around the county. Money was given for this specific action several years ago. Many counties have posted information so that you simply type in an address and not only that property but those in that neighborhood come up on the screen. Included in the information is the current assessment, the previous assessment, the last purchase price and date sold, a plot map of the property and a few other bits of information. Why must one personally go to the tax assessors office and if open, wait for one of their staff to access the information that you can't even examine closely.
I do not fully fault the tax assessors office for this situation, like most places they tend to do only what's necessary based on the demands of those they serve. If citizens don't demand a high level of service they mostly will not get it. The WalMart model holds true, give the people what they want and they'll willingly keep coming back.
I fear we have not demanded a responsible, accountable, efficient government and therefore we have not gotten one.
You can go to www.assesment.state.tn.us and look up any property value in Tn, including Giles County. It has been updated with the latest values. Why should we spend money to duplicate that site?
DAW
I went to www.assesment.state.tn.us and couldn't find it.
Has anyone else tried to find it. I may not have the address correct, I copied DAW' address and pasted it.
Google or Bing TN Tax Map and it will be the first site that comes up. You can search the county by peoples names or addresses.
DAW
the site is www.assessment.state.tn.us/
I didn't spell assessment correctly and left out the forward slash
11:24 Thanks got it.
To everyone insulting the employees of the tax accessor's office, you should be ashamed and especially the two that commented on a smoke break and the other who called them a bunch of "ninnies". If you want to be pissed at someone then direct it at the actual tax assessor, not the innocent women in there who work their butts off and for alot less money than I would ever do it for.They don't deserve your rude comments. Direct your anger and obnoxious commnets where they belong.
One More thing...If I had to work there, I'd probably take a smoke break every now and again too! To GTC saying that's your tax dollars hard at work. Ha - give me a break. I bet you pick on old people and kick puppies too.
I want someone to tell me where the county can cut a million dollars per year out of the budget? Changing Jackson's salary isn't going to do it. Cutting the school boards salary won't. Cutting commissioners pay won't. The fact is that costs are going up everywhere. Almost every household has been feeling the crunch from fuel and food price increases. You can cut costs as much as possible, but eventually you will have to have more income. If someone can tell me how we can cut a million from the budget and still have school teachers and roads to drive on, I would like to know?
4:17 does your spouse work there?
I agree with you the ladies working there can't help what is going on.
As for smoking, that's bad for you and they shouldn't do it. Aren't they allowed a break in the morning and evening everywhere?
Who is it in Nashville working for the state that only works 3 days a week and draws a big salary. He's going to give other people ideas.
To DAW who posted at at 8:04, 2 May requesting "I want someone to tell me where the county can cut a million dollars per year out of the budget?"
I understand that you are new to the blog so you probably missed the topic "BUDGET TIME" dated 21 Feb.2011 where
I posted a long list of areas where the county budget could be cut. All areas were not listed where savings could be experienced because of the space but opportunity was offered for others to add to and discuss additional areas. Thanks for your interest and comments.
To Anonymous 8:06 the person you refer to in Nashville that works only three days a week max is Davidson County Criminal Court clerk David Torrence who works only half the year and earns a six-figure salary.
First off, we would have to hire more employees just to oversee that all of that stuff was done, or even needed to be done. I think what I am asking is real ways that will actually save the county a million or more and we would still be able to function, stay clean and try to get new businesses to come to town. That small time laundry list isn't going to get us to a million. Most of it sounds like an election speech to a group of people who are clueless.
DAW
In some States the property tax is fixed to 1% of what you paid for it! Now what would the Charter Commission do about this tax increase
No, I don't have a spouse that works there and thank you for agreeing with me regarding the ladies.I just can't stand to see innocent people bashed. You are correct, everyone to my knowledge in most, if not every work place is allowed a break. At my office, we have a 30 minute lunch and two 15 minute breaks a day. It's against the law to have employees work x amount of hours without one. For the know it all who complained about where their tax dollars were going because they saw those employees outside, if you know so much, how do you know they weren't on their lunch break? That's why I rarely even look at this blog...there's one in every crowd that thinks they're a know it all and don't know jack. I don't even have any words for the person who called them "ninnes". That's the most rude, hurtful insult to throw at someone. Truth be known, most people probably think that about the person who threw out that comments. eh?
9:27 Why would there have to be a new employee to "see all that stuff was done". I thought that was part of the job of the county mayor, commissioners and financial director?
That "small time laundry list" might not save a million by it's self but would make a hell of a start toward it. I noticed you didn't offer any solutions. From the sound of your statement seems more like a dig at WAB than a attempt at finding a solution.
To Howard,
This county has a revenue problem right now. The costs for the road department have gotten out of hand. I don't see many ways that the county can cut much from the budget and still run efficiently. I think that we need to have a wheel tax of $50. That is my solution to the defecit. My statements are directed at WAB and anyone who thinks that we can overcome the deficit by cutting a few people out of a job. I went to the Budget Meeting this morning and heard that we needed to cut the fat. However, I did not hear the opposition to the wheel tax come up with any solutions on where to cut. Rather than work it out as a team, they pass the responsibilty to one person so they don't have to deal with it. I was very disappointed with the logic of a few of our commissioners.
DAW
To DAW
You want a place to start ??????
How about getting the truth about how much Giles County is paying Jimmy Alsup for insurance and how much Jimmy Alsup is paying the underwriter? Jimmy Alsup refuses to disclose this information.
WHY???
Looking at what Lawrence, Maeshall, Lincoln and Bedford Counties insure and pay in premiums; we are over paying $400,000.00 to $700,000.00 per year.
I reconmmed starting with Mr. Alsup.
Says GTC
DAW
Thanks for the web address. However, according to the site cannot access without using javascript. Can you tell me how to proceed? No matter how I search the result is the same - no results. I used our own address, also that of someone on our street who I know made a purchase within the last year.
To 8:00 P.M,
You may have to download javascript onto your computer. It should be free and only takes a few minutes. Just google javascript for the site and it will tell you how to do it.
As for the search, I had to just type in my last name and it popped up. For some reason the search sends up information differently. If it won't come up just type in your last name or only the street name. It should work that way. For example, if you live at 251 smith street just type in smith street.
Thanks,
DAW
To GTC,
Where did you get the information? Who would I ask about the premiums the county is paying? I will look into it.
DAW
To DAW:
Good Luck! You can ask:
Mrs. Vanzant
Mrs. Gardner
Mr. Alsup
Mrs. Vanzant and Gardner will undoubtedly say that they do not know what Mr. Alsup is paying the underwriter. Mr. Alsup will refuse to disclose the amount he is charged by the underwriter. I you say that he has to disclose the information because he is using public funds; he will retort that he is a private business and does not have to disclose any of this business information.
By the way ... Mr. Alsup may invite you to leave his place of business; or, will hang up on you if you call.
Neither Mrs. Vanzant nor Mrs. Gardner has the aptitude, interest, temerity, desire or even the curiosity to demand that Mr. Alsup reveal what he is charged by the underwriter. It is my understanding that the County has been doing this for approximately 30 years.
I have just finished reading the current posted proposed Home Rule Charter and that document, if approved by our voters, has provisions for companies doing business with Giles County to have sufficient time to prepare their respective proposals. Also the Charter requires the County officials to explain publicly, in detail who was selected and why.
Says GTC
I have also read the charter, and see no need to vote for it. It isn't very much different than our current charter.
I am just tired of seeing pissing contests that end in no results for the county. Some of the commissioners are scared to make tough decisions that would help our county because of fear of not being elected again. Others make every vote a personal issue against someone else, and that is sad.
I will be out campaigning against anyone that is holding back Giles County in the next election.
DAW
To DAW
Strangely, your 7:38 AM posting contains verbage so similar to the previous postings by the one known as 'Enabler'. Why do I think you are actually she who can't resist being on this blog even though she declared she was giving up the blog for ever?
Also, if you think the Giles County proposed Charter is not much different than what the county has operated under for the past 200 years you must not have been following the political scene very closely.
9:13 As I read your post, I thought that was just what I was thinking.
Have to say I like this better than the old enabler.
for the charter, I'm holding off on my thoughts of that for now.
Hey 9:13, my name is Daniel Woodard from Lynnville. I am a man, and new to this site. I have read both Charters and only see a few minor changes in the details. The "political scene" has nothing to do with the current charter. The current charter will work just fine as long as the people elect the proper officials to represent them.
I am sorry that you are trying to pin some name on me for coming on here and being honest and stating what I believe. I am sure that you will be hearing my name more in the next few months because I will be attending meetings and giving my opinion on how to change the county for the better. I would suggest that you practice your rights as a citizen and do the same.
Thanks, DAW
Daniel
What is and where did you read the current charter?
Are you a relative of commissioner Jack Woodard of Lynville?
Thanks
The current charter is posted on Giles Counties website. The "new charter" is posted under the odds and ends tab on the WKSR website.
Jack Woodard is my grandfather.
Thanks,
DAW
Daniel:
Where on the Giles County web site is the Charter posted? I do see it on the WKSR and the Pulaski Citizen web sites but not the Giles County web site.
So you believe that this proposed Charter is not very dirrerent from our current County Charter? I offer for consideration, the proposed Charter requires:
1) Elected officials have an education
2) Meetings are to be held in the evenings
3) School superintendent is required to be a resident and registered voter in Giles County.
4) Commissioners will serve 2 terms and may serve more if they sit out 1 term
5) The County budget must be balanced and be zero based
6) The voters and Commissioners of Giles County may pass laws (ordances) without State Legislature approval
7) County Executive will not be Commission Chairman and will have veto authority
8)Tax rate can not be raised unless approved by the voters
Daniel
Is it any wonder you can't see any improvement for the citizenry between the proposed charter and the general law under which the county currently operates when Jack Woodard is your grandfather? After all, he is so strongly opposed to a People's Charter. Incidentally, there is not a charter posted on the Giles County website.
Sonny, you may think you are a smart cookie and know more than many other people who write on this blog but they can set you straight on many things.
First off, I will respond to 2:04. I graduated both high school and college with people that I would never elect to a public office. In my opionion that is a non-issue.
Currently the superintendant has to be a citizen of the county. I know he has an apartment here, and it isn't his main residence but he stays the required days to be a citizen.
If a school superintendant can do the job well, I don't care where he/she lives. The only positive is that the citizens vote for him.
I don't see that those term limits would have much of an affect one way or the other.
Anyone that has ever tried to balance a budget of any size knows that it isn't always possible without a sufficient amount of revenue. Of course we can balance budgets if we take away the services that the commission and county is supposed to provide.
If you leave it up to the citizens, there will never be a tax increase and the county will suffer. The citizens elect commissioners to represent what is in their best interest. They all have phone numbers. They can be voted out if the citizens aren't happy.
Now to 2:32,
I am going to disregard any statements that are made about my grandfather on this blog, positive or negative. I am a 31 year old adult with a family of my own, and was taught to make up my own mind on issues. Even I do not always agree with him. I do know that he believes in doing what is best for the majority of the citizens of this county. I don't think he would have been elected for the last 16 years if he wasn't serving the people of the 4th district fairly and honestly.
I understand that people on this blog may set me straight. Afterall, that is why this blog was created, to offer up opinions for the betterment of Giles County.
I am not going to resort to the childish nonsense that I have seen from some who type here. Debate is how real problems get solved. Period
Thanks,
DAW
You both are right. I was looking at the city charter. I apologize.
DAW
Daniel
Understand you choose not to respond to comments made on blog re your grandfather, Jack Woodard, but as to you stating he does what is best for the majority of citizens in this county, then pray tell me why he made motion to hold Highway Dept meetings in the mornings, against a decision the committee chairman had already made to hold meetings in the evenings, and thus making it impossible for working people to attend those meetings? That is not what I call'serving the people'.
As to term limits, if a person serving as commissioner hasn't made significant improvements to county government in eight years they don't need to sit on the board of commissioners just being dead wood. Why do you think the Constitution allows only two terms for our US President? Change Baby.
He made the motion because Pope was mislead to believe that he had the power to change the times as committee chairman. The time or place could not be changed without the majority vote from the committee. I work during the day, but if I feel I am not being represented I will go to a meeting. I feel like if the meeting times were changed, people would still have excuses not to go. Too tired from work, no babysitter, ballgames, dance, etc. Personally I have no problem with changing the time.
The people of the county can determine anyones term limit by voting.
DAW
Before you get to judgemental, you need to sit in the seat of a commissioner. It's easy to get on here and spout off but you do not know what is going on. I watched you at the budget meeting on Tuesday and it was evident you had no clue as to what was going on. As far as you taking off work to come to a meeting maybe you can but there are alot of people who can't. They need their paycheck to feed their failies and pay their bills. You sound like know-it-all to me and there is one thing for sure WE DON'T NEED THAT KIND representing our county. We have enough doing that already.
It is easy to narrow down who could be posting this. It only took about ten minutes to find out what is going on. I have had family sitting in a commission seat for all of my life. If the statements that I made to all of you weren't true, why did everyone in the room other then the two or three of you that decided that it was easier to adjourn and go home rather than discuss the highway budget come shake my hand and thank me for my comments. The commissioners in my district represent me. I think they do a good job expressing the same views that I have. I have no desire to run against those folks. Do what is right for the county! Everyone in the county wastes $1 per week that could be used to improve our roads for the citizens safety. I will see you again on May 16th.
Thanks,
DAW
Mr. Pope has the right to determine the date and time of his Committee meetings; as does any committee chairman. That is straight out of the CTAS Manual that provides guidance to all TN County governments.
There are several things that i commend DAW for among them are his new interest in what's happening in the county, his decision to not respond to personal comments about his grandfather and his willingness to take responsibility for his comments by telling who he is.
7:02 is correct in that it is the total responsibility of the committee chairman to set the time and place of their committee meetings. This matter has been a bone of contention with the County Executive trying to take the responsibility for herself even to the point of telling more than one chairperson that they could not even hold a committee meeting to discuss a matter.
Presently the School Superintendent is not voted on and that's a major contention among many people. In fact the School Director started out with a four year contract when he first came here and there has not been a legal renewal (according to the State Attorney General) of his contract since. His contract has been extended with each extension being beyond the reach of newly elected school board members. In fact at least one extension was approved within ninety days of a School Board election which is in direct violation of state law. Another extension was granted when a school board member voted for the extension giving the needed majority, then she resigned less than an hour later and took a job with the school system.
Now the matter of the budget. Yes we all must make a budget whether it is a formal budget or not as responsible adults we must learn to live within the amount of income we have. I must make sure than the most important items in my budget are paid before those less necessary, things like house payment, car payment, utilities, insurance come off the top then if there is enough for a movie or to eat out fine but if I don't have the money to go to Pizza Hut I don't go, plain and simple.
The government on the other hand has taken the attitude that if there isn't enough money to meet the needs and the wants of those in charge they just raise their income by taking more from the people.
When the government is trusted to do the right thing the people support tax increases but when the government is not trusted to do the right thing rebellion results. The Highway should be a priority as should schools, emergency services and such as that but even in those areas there is much fat that could be done away with. I believe that the highway department has over the past few years done the responsible thing and cut about as much as they can. The school board has made much progress in getting better control of their budget. Much problem exist in the "pet projects" of those in charge more employees in their offices, higher wages for those in their office, conferences in resort areas at taxpayer expense, excessive pay for committee meetings ( are you aware if a person attends three committee meetings back to back to back they get paid separately for each of those meeting even if they are not members). There are many areas that could be cut way before getting into the essentials of county government.
Daniel (DAW)
Re your 9:47 PM posting: therein lies the problem. You have had someone from your family sitting in a commission seat for all of your life (30 years)! Time to go. Then, you are ok with what you want as the commissioners in district 4 "have the same views as you". In other words "I'm ok but to heck with the rest of the citizens"
Why did you suddenly show up to the Highway Dept meeting? Are you not interested in other departments of county government? With Ed Lovell being voted off the commission, and one who hogged chairmanship of the committee for all his years, I can't help feeling he is also a relative of yours and you are there to make sure his wishes are continued.
To WAB, Thanks! We may not agree on things, but at least you have reason.
To 8:19,
They are voted in by their peers. Why should it be time to go?
I didn't say to heck with the rest of the county. I stated that I had no desire to run against my districts commissioners. I think it you have read my posts, you will see that I am trying to help the highway dept. to provide safe roads for mine and your families.
The finance director said that all of the other departments budgets were much better than the highway's. That is why I am not talking about other budgets at this time.
I wouldn't know Ed Lovell if I passed him on the sidewalk.
To WAB,
I think you may have misunderstood my comment about the School Superintendant. I meant that the positive part from the charter is that he is voted on by the citizens.
DAW
DAW 8:35 Yes, voted on by peers in their district but pre-arranged among certain commissioners. Know this sounds negative but it is fact as some honest commissioners will tell you. You need to read ALL the rules.
10:18,
I don't even know what that means? Pre-arranged? Not the definition, the way that it is done? Do you hypnotize the citizens to cast their vote? You will have to explain this for me.
Thanks,
DAW
No, DAW. As I said, among the commissioners. Who said anything about the citizens?
I still don't follow? Do only the commissioners vote? Do you think the elections are fixed? You are going to have to be brave enough to come out and say what you mean. I can't read between those lines. Sorry!
DAW
DAW
The problem here is you obviously not having followed county government too closely in the past, are writing against people who are knowledgable. Therefore, the wires are getting crossed. Being the brave soul that I am, I will tell you I don't intend to take time to educate you and bring you up to snuff. Once you follow the government for a few years it should click as to what is being discussed here.
I will try to say this without sounding condescending. I don't think you know what you are talking about.
1. You post under anonymous, so nobody would know that you are throwing them under the bus.
2. I am not writing against you. I am asking a question. Obviously you have no true knowledge, or you would take the time to educate me.
3. It is very hard to make things better when you are trying to argue with someone with no substance. So I think it is best if I pretend you aren't making any comments.
DAW
Love your last post DAW; You have great tact in your writing style. To the poster who said it was against the law for an employer to deny employees 2 fifteen minute breaks and 30 min for lunch each day, one has to wonder why the entire school board, T. Jackson and bldg principals have not been charged with any violations. I know of no educators who have any of those perks.
Deanna
Thanks Deanna! I learned a long time ago that using tact and logic will eventually quiet the trolls. I like to sit and form a mental picture of them getting so mad that their faces turn red and their heads explode. I don't let get to me.
DAW
Daniel
I post anonymously (as do most on this blog)to protect my 8 - 4 job that also has good benefits. A hint there).
As to having no substance, since you do not know me I don't think you can make such a statement. In fact, I have always been considered of very good and strong character. Simple put, until you gain more knowledge of county government you are difficult to discuss subjects with. It is not my responsibility to educate you.
Whose responsibility is it to educate me? If you know something that will educate me, I believe you would tell me. I have plenty of knowledge about how government works. I don't base governmental decisions on "hearsay" and gossip. Why keep posting when you have nothing important to say?
Thanks,
DAW
DAW
You believe wrong. As to your postings, the same question can be asked of you.
To 11:20,
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Now people can say the same about my posting as yours. They say abot the same thing.
Sorry to Deanna, I lost my tact for a moment. I couldn't resist.
DAW
Deanna enjoyed that post tremendously. I too have been "guilty" of responding "in kind".
One can always justify anonymous posts but the fact remains, they are anonymous and therefore of little to no consequence.
DAW 12:36
bACK AT YA!
WAB,
Was the cop and doctor incident discussed on here? I see that she has a $10 million lawsuit against the city. I would like to know what other peoples opinions are on that subject. Is it possible to start a discussion with you giving the details?
Thanks for the consideration,
DAW
DAW I'm not WAb, but wanted to answer your question.
It was discussed on her, but I couldn't find it today.
I think when the police found out she was a doctor, they should of let her go. Some said she didn't tell the she was a doctor.
I say it's like a lot of other things in Giles county we will never know just how it happen.
What took you so long to start reading this blog? I'm glad you are on here now.
Thanks! I just didn't know this blog existed. I would have been reading it long ago. I was a little hesitant to post because of the comments, but I jumped in anyway.
You are right about us never really knowing the truth about what happened. I think $10 million is laughable. Usually when such a large number is involved it makes me question the integrity of the person filing the suit. I also wonder what happened to Chad Estes? The paper said former PPD officer. Is he not on the force anymore?
Also, if the city does have to pay her something, does the city's insurance foot the bill?
DAW
DAW,
I'm glad you jumped in now.
sorry I can't answer your questions, I just like to read the blog and see what others say. It's better now why the facts are talked about not the whining.
8:25
One thing that I will say about the original topic is that Mrs. Vanzant had McGill come into the budget meeting to explain the increase in assessments. He said that for the last several years properties in Giles County have been very undervalued on the assessments, especially land. He said that farms that were selling for $3000/acre were assessed at $1000/acre. He said the new assessments were closer to real value, but it still isn't at the value for which it could be sold. He stated that on average, homes went up 10% and and land increased 14%. He did say that there were properties that lost value.
He also stated that most of the people that were calling and stopping in the office were relieved after hearing the explanation. Especially the info. about the tax rate dropping so that it didn't mean a huge jump in property taxes.
I know what is surely to follow after this statement. I am only repeating the words of McGill himself.
Thanks,
DAW
How will the county run on over spending and not getting as much in taxes? I know some say they will make it up next year by raising the taxes then.
I don't understand any of this and I am sure there are a lot more that don't.
Wonder if anyone's property went down in value? I'm sure there are some of us who use to keep our home up, now gotten to old to do the work and can't afford to hire it done, that's place don't look like it's worth what it was a few years ago.
DAW, thanks for giving an answer whether right or wrong. You tried and didn't say anything bad about Barrett like someone else use to.
To 9:24,
I agree that our county government should try to run as efficiently as possible. We should make sure there isn't a ton of waste. However, I think that the people we have in office have tried to do the best they can.
We had been drawing around $1.2 million a year from the money that was in C.D.s from the sale of the hospital. We have lost that revenue because they matured and we set them back up at a much lower interest rate. They were drawing around 7%, now they are getting 1/2 of 1%.
Now you could argue that we could use part of that $15 million to make up the budget deficits. But I think it is best to leave that money alone to insure the monetary security of the county. Rates will go back up and the county will draw good revenue from that money again in the future. Costs that we are seeing now will likely never go back down.
My point is this, if we know that we are going to see a tax increase, why not make it a wheel tax so that everyone gets to pitch in for the effort? Why should property owners bear the burden? I see nothing wrong with paying a tax when it is going to a specific area to help me.
DAW
DAW
Interesting you say NcGill said properties had increased 10% and 14%. Mine increased 30%!
Also, since you attended the Budget Comm meeting, you failed to mention to this audiance that a wheel tax will be voted on in the May commission meeting, sponsored by Tommy Campbell.
The Investment Comm. should be putting the 'hospital' money into something non risky that yields a higher return, rather than put it back into CDs at First National. The law requires monies to be invested at the best rate.
DAW
Saturday, May 07, 2011 10:00:00 PM
You state that you feel that property owners should not have to bear the brunt of the tax situation and that all residents should have to share in obligations incurred by the county, but, the additional expense of a wheel tax adds to an already increasing financial burden that a property owner has. Many property owners in this county are retired and have a fixed income, any increase causes them financial distress. And since the county has not seen fit to ease that burden in any way such as freezing their property tax why should the average person agree with a wheel tax?
To 7:38,
McGill said that the averages were 10% and 14%. So yours could be higher and another much lower.
Tommy Campbell did not sponsor the vote for the wheel tax. You need to get your info. from someone without a personal agenda. There were four on the highway committee that voted to have the full commission vote on it on the 16th.
You need to take that up with someone on the Investment Comm. I am just stating the fact of where we are having a revenue shortfall.
To 8:10,
To make up the deficit, it will cost the property owner more than $50 a year if they go with a property tax increase. The financial Director provided some numbers that were given to her based on the population of the county. The following is just an example. Would you rather pay $75 as a property owner, or everyone pay $50 for a wheel tax to bring in the same revenue for the county? Also, there are many elderly folks who no longer drive, but they own property. The wheel tax wouldn't affect them.
Thanks, DAW
Hey DAW please take this up with your grandfather......Why is Giles County paying more for County insurance and has less to insure (real property and emplou=yees) than Lincoln and Lawrence Countys who cover more (property and employees) and pay lower premiums?
Also why does Jimmy Alsup refuse to disclose what he is charged by the insurance underwriter? The County pays Jimmy Alsup directly and then he pay the insurance company? Why? Why does not the County pay the insurance company directly and receive a bill directly from the underwirter? Ask your grandfather what is Jimmy Alsup hiding and why does he not make public the finances of out County insurance coverage?
Thank you for your assistance. Maybe now we can get to the bottom of this?
To 4:24,
I will talk to him and Loretta and see what I come up with. Please give me a couple days.
Thanks,
DAW
To all concerned with the county insurance,
I spoke with Loretta today. She said that all of the insurance info. for the county is in her office and available to anyone in the county. She said that she has made numerous copies for people already.
She also said that the reason we chose not to go with the insurance agent that Chris Morris brought into the county was because several other places had used him and gotten into a mess. She stated that Ardmore had used him and had to pay a very large assessment last year that dated back to 1999. She also stated that she had dealt with the same guy at her previous job and they had to pay an assessment of $26000 for only 26 employees in 2004 that dated back to 2000. She said that paying low premiums on the front end will end up costing on the back end.
From what I gather the guy isn't able to do business in Kentucky because of fraudulent activities.
She also said that as of last year the county no longer pays Jimmy Alsup directly for insurance. There is one policy for which he gets paid and it was bid. They pay the insurance company and the company pays him.
I hope this answers some of your questions. Just remember that your approach to finding out information can be the difference in getting it or not.
Thanks,
DAW
2:13 PM What a condescending Twit! Haven't you learned yet that anything paid by the county is open records, unless its something in court or personal record and open for anyone's inspection.
DAW,
Who is the agent that messed over the other counties? Did you get a name? What insurance was this regarding? This is very interesting!
Hey 3:56,
Someone asked a question, which you can read above, an I answered it. I am sorry that it makes me a condescending Twit. You would have to be way down in the bottom for that information to be condescending.
4:43,
I don't know who they were. I am pretty sure that they are from out of town. You could probably ask the finance director. Looks like you could also ask Chris Morris.
Thanks,
DAW
Oh yeah, and 3:56,
You can call me Daniel. I had rather have a name than a number.
No offense 4:43!
5:42 PM It was not your answer to the question that garnered my response calling you a Condescending Twit, it was the last paragraph in your 2:13 PM post. Don't you know several people, including commissioners asked Ms Garner and Mrs Vanzant, over and over for information pertaining to county insurance. This was reported on several times in the newspaper and even prompted an editorial from owner Steve Lake about information being withheld.
For a 30 year old you should have learned by now to have more respect for your elders and peers and realize many, many others have more information than you.
Anyone that would call me a condescending twit doesn't get to have my respect. Sorry!
Where is all of this info. that everyone else has? Why did I have to make a call and put it on this blog?
I am not on here to get personal. I just want to discuss issues. Anything that I say will have a reference.
DAW
So where is your reference on who the agent is that messed over the other counties? In order for your information to be considered credible that information should be divulged. Didn't you ask Mrs. Garner who this agent was? Where is the factual data to back up what Mrs. Garner said? Or, did you just take her word for it?
9:15
I really did not, and still do not care who the person is. We aren't using them, so why should I care? I was only asking questions of the finance director that would answer what had been asked of me. I am sure that if I asked, she would tell me.
You could also ask Chris Morris. I don't know who he is, but I think he would know. If you have a telephone you can ask these people yourself.
Of course I took her word for it. I don't automatically discredit information that I am given just to suit my on needs. She is gathering all of the info. so that I can pick it up later in the week. Should I make you copies?
It sounds like this has somehow touched you personally in the past. I am not trying to dishonor your anonymous name.
Thanks,
DAW
DAW, Thanks for giving us this information about the insurance. A lot of us older people aren't able to go to town and ask for the information.
Try to turn a death ear on some of these people that like to cause trouble. If they aren't children they sure can act like it.
While it’s always best to go to the proverbial horse’s mouth when you want to know the answer to a question the problem in Giles County seems, especially when it comes to the County Executive & Financial Management Offices, hard to get a truthful response.
I would ask, has anyone actually seen the invoices & premiums? I saw a hand written statement on the back of an envelop directing Mrs Garner to pay Mr. Alsup. No other agent in Tennessee is paid directly for all or any part of the insurance written by them, payments go to the insurance company then the agent’s commission comes from the company. Time’s wasted repeating what someone says about having the papers, show me the actual papers. To date after many requests those papers have not been made public.
If anyone has a true interest in understanding the insurance issues costing the county dearly they should not stop with Mrs Garner but also speak with former Commissioners Welburn, Morris & Commissioner Reedy.
Ask Commissioner Reedy about his experience when he went to Nashville & tried to ask questions of the insurance pool managers. Ask him about his experience with Mrs Vanzant when she directed him to drop the matter & not ask anymore questions about it. Ask any number of Commissioners & the newspaper editor about the response from Mrs Vanzant & Mrs Garner when they were asked to provide the invoices from Mr. Alsup & compare them to the actual cost of the premiums.
I know for an absolute fact Mr Morris did not recruit the agent that was slandered by Mrs Garner; that this agent continues to do a major amount of business with most of the counties in Tenn; that he’s not simply a private seller of insurance but is a manager of a Trust approved by the state to provide insurance; & that as of today he was not disqualified from doing business in Kentucky or any other state & finally until the School System decided to give all their business to Mr. Alsup the agent had provided a professional managed service to the county.
----Part one----
---- part two-----
Now let me share some facts that helped get us in this financial mess & contributed to the lack of confidence in county leadership.
1) June 2010 $30,000.00 was moved by Mrs Garner without any proper authority from one line item in the school budget to an entirely different group of line items. This resulted in the money being identified for several weeks as lost or missing.
2) June 2010 the motion was made by Commissioner Woodard & quickly seconded by Commissioner Jackson "that no citizen would be allowed to speak at any commissioner committee meetings".
3)April 2010 Secret monetary gifts given to the school director by a person doing major business with that school system giving the appearance of kick-backs.
4) February 2009 a $300,000.00 "mistake" was made that resulted in the county having to provide an additional $300,000.00 of unbudgeted funds that was then used to create an even more out of balance budget.
5) July 2009 When Commissioner Reedy tried to ask serious questions about the inconsistencies between the announced reduced spending budget & the actual million dollar increased spending budget he was criticized & ridiculed by Commissioner Campbell who announced he had "other things to do beside sit here listening to this".
6) The whole fiasco of Mrs Vanzant overriding the decision of the commission when they voted to deny changing the distance between places of worship, schools & public meeting places where alcohol is sold. This resulted in the State Attorney General issuing an order that the county was in violation of state law & must come into compliance immediately in order to avoid legal actions.
One merely needs to read this blog, attend committee meetings, talk with commissioners or read the local paper to find out what has been going on with the manipulations & retaliatory tactics that dominate this administration & resulted in total financial incompetence that has left us with only a minimum in emergency funds & increased property assessment values on declining real estate.
--- end part 2 ------
To WAB,
Like I said above, Mrs. Garner said that the information is available. I will find out at the end of the week to let everyone know. I will also post it here if I can figure out how. One I recieve it I can email it to anyone who wants it. You must have also missed my statement that we no longer pay directly to Jimmy Alsup except for one policy in which he was the lowest bidder. We pay direct to the insurance company. Since the conversation has taken this turn, I will find out who the insurance agent is. I would also like for WAB to list the counties in which he currently does business. It seems that you have a considerable amount of knowledge about him and his dealings. Who did recruit him? Also, why did the School Board decide it better to go with Jimmy Alsup. There are some smart people on the school board, there must be a reasonable explanation.
DAW
Onto part 2,
1)What became of the $30k? Where did was it eventually spent?
2)Commissioner Woodard and Commissioner Jackson made and seconded a motion to run all meeting in accordance with the Robert's Rule of Order. Ironically it is the same rule that the founders of the new charter have vowed to practice. It is defined as follows: "The application of parliamentary law is the best method yet devised to enable assemblies of any size, with due regard for every member’s opinion, to arrive at the general will on the maximum number of questions of varying complexity in a minimum amount of time and under all kinds of internal climate ranging from total harmony to hardened or impassioned division of opinion."
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised [RONR (10th ed.), Introduction, p. xlviii] I don't see where this says a citizen can't speak. Surely the charter wouldn't overlook such a detail?
3)Who gave secret monetary gifts? Let the public decide if it appears as kick-backs.
4)Who made the mistake? What are the circumstances surrounding this?
5)What departments increased their budgets in 2009? Where was the $1 million going?
6) This was a fiasco that happened in the past and has been resolved.
I would say that attending meetings, talking to ALL commissioners and reading the paper are the best ways to keep informed. Reading this blog will, at times, enlighten the reader. Even WAB would have to admit that with all the anonymous posting, there is much hearsay that should be taken with a grain of salt.
The assessments were also discussed above. No need to beat a dead horse.
Thanks,
DAW
DAW:
Three department that had increased budgets for 2010, this current year are:
1) The County Executive
2) The County Commission
3) the Office of Emengency Mamnagement
Further 6 years ago when the last Commission sat, Charles Greene made sure that there was a Fund balance excess of approximately $6.5 million. That excess has been dutifully spent by the past two commissions. I believe that the current balance in the "rainy day fund" is at or below $100,000.00. Now that the "rainy day fund" is depleted and the County Government refuses to reduce spending they are forced to rais taxes. I believe that the services we received in 2004 were no less than what we are receiving today. Yes I know that the cost of doing business has risen, especially fuel; however look at what each department received in 2004 and what is being proposed in 2011.
Respectfully GTC
DAWg needs a job or something to keep him busy. He has way too much time on his hands because he stays on here all the time. Get more educated before you start talking about things you don't really understand....for instance, you said the proposed charter is not that much different that the charter we have today. Well, son, we are not chartered yet...but if the commissioners vote for an additional tax on us it soon will be a "HOME RULE" Charter! Oh and I understand you are for a wheel tax also because the county needs more revenue. You are so wrong. The county spends excessively with Barry Hyatt leading the way. If you plan on running in granddad's place next exection you better make sure you represent the majority and not just a little select few. A wheel tax is not a poplar subject and if you are indeed planning to run, you'd better think twice how you respond on this computer, cause I'm printing off all your responses and I live in your district.
12:34,
All that typing that you had to do to say absolutely nothing. It appears that me being on here has ruffled a few feathers. I like the fact that I am starting to become a threat to a few of you.
I have no desire to run for commissioner. I can make my voice heard by being a citizen. Commissioners equal government, citizens elect commissioners, therefore citizens equal government. I like it that way.
Yes I am for a wheel tax over a property tax increase. Even WAB agreed that Barry Hyatt has been thrifty at the highway department. Surely you wouldn't disagree with WAB? No tax is ever a popular subject. But, if a true explanation is given to the citizens of why it is needed and where it would go, I think it would go over much more smoothly than a property tax.
The general law and the "HOME RULE" charter aren't that much different. I have studied them both.
However, I do think you for the input. I will be thinking about it until I hit the submit comment button.
Sincerely,
DAW
GTC,
Thanks for the input! I also appreciate you being civil. That gives me more questions to ask.
Thanks,
DAW
DAW at 12:56
The proposed Charter runs 37 pages. How could you possibly have compared that to the massive pages and TCA's of general law? Impossible! Try pulling the wool over grandpa's eyes 'cos it don't work with all the citizens who have lived here much, much lober than you. As to you 'ruffling feathers' being on this blog, the thing people are responding to is your arrogance and ignorance. And now your typing is getting as shabby as the one known as The Enabler. Fancy that!
12:55,
Speaking of typing errors, what is much LOBER than me? Everyone makes mistakes when in a hurry at the keyboard. I said there aren't that many differences. Most of the charter reads like the law. Someone did state about 7 or 8 differences above. One of those regarded the Robert's Rule of Order that I mentioned last night. I guess you can subtract one difference now.
I definitely have ruffled some feathers. You are proving it with the name calling. I think that you and maybe one more are attacking me. I have also heard some kind words in response to my posts. That is the reason I will continue.
I want you to start proving my ignorance from now on. I am no longer going to respond if I think it is you, unless you somehow dispute the issues in which I am discussing.
At least WAB talks about the issues. Disagreeing is okay. The stuff that you post gets us nowhere.
Thanks,
DAW
Sorry, another error. That was addressed to 4:55.
Everyone get busy calling your commissioner and telling them your feelings about the wheel tax.
When the issue of citizens speaking at Commissioner Committee Meetings was presented by Commissioner Woodard it had nothing to do with Robert's Rules of Order, which are only used by the County Executive when it's convenient, but making the committee meetings require the same procedures to speak as the County Commission.
The County Legislative Body under the domination of the current Chairman has a long history of
trying to prevent some citizens from addressing them in meetings by using such tactics as requiring a 2/3's super majority to approve and even dismissing the commissioners after they gave permission to speak. The latest requirement to speak at a County Commission Meeting is to require a written request ten days prior to the meeting. This request must include among other things the specific agenda item that will be addressed that day. Very often the Commission agenda is not made public more than ten days prior to the meeting and most often less time than ten days.
The question I tried to raise at the time was how can any citizen know what they want to speak about before the issue is made public much less submit a written request to speak on that matter.
Later the commissioners backtracked a bit and stated that wasn't what they meant. The problem is regardless of what is meant what is written down is what goes.
This county government, while having some very good leaders in it, has lost the most basic and fundamental object of our founding fathers to serve the people instead of having the people serve the government.
It's just like with this "wheel tax" proposal. The legislative body has a simple procedure to follow take a vote then let the people decide but instead they choose to make an end run around the people and go straight to the state legislature. Let me state this in the most unequivocal way, there is nothing, absolutely nothing that legally binds Representative Bass to accept and present a request for a "Private Act". Private acts are very, very seldom ever used to increase tax or create new taxes.
Hello DAW
So you believe that the proposed Charter, of 37 pages, cannot be checked against general law of the TCA? as mandated by Tennessee Law this Charter cannot be in conflict with Generel law, Federal Law, or the TCA. This, in fact, has been done impossible or not.
Buy the way, if the Charter imposes stricter requirements, that is permitted. For example, if the Charter is approved, elected officials there will be term limits imposed. That is permitted. Tax rates cannot be raised unless approved by a voter referendum. That too is permitted. To raise the tax rate the County Executive and the Commissioners will have to get out speak with the people and convenience them that such a raise is necessary. If they provide a believable reason then they will get the raise; if not, they won’t.
Please review the content and either you or your grandfather provide an instance where the Charter is in violation.
Thanks - CC
DAW,
Do you work in county government at this time? Just curious what you did for a living. Not meaning to pry or anything just thought it would be nice for readers to have a little background info. We see multiple posts from you daily regarding your opinion on certain issues but, know very little about you personally. Would you be willing to share that info? Thank you.
WAB,
The motion was about the Robert's Rule of Order. Nobody was saying that you couldn't speak. They just wanted things to be a little more orderly. From what I understand, you thought you could speak up at anytime and it was getting in the way of the meetings. I waited until the meeting was over before I spoke. I wanted to make sure that I had heard from everyone before I decided what to say.
CC,
I don't know what you mean? I never said that the charter was in violation. The term limits have been discussed already. The citizens voting for tax increases have too. I said that they have much of the same language, not that they are different.
7:31,
I was born and raised in Giles County. I have lived in Lynnville for all but 2 years of my life. I went to Richland School K-12. I graduated from Martin Methodist College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. I currently live in Lynnville with my wife of 2 years and a 5 1/2 month old son. I do not work for the county government.
I am the property manager of a 600 acre farm in Franklin.
Thanks,
DAW
Anybody read the newspaper yesterday?
9:39 I did. Which article in particular are you referring to?
Probably the artice WAB'S waste of taxpayers money for an idiot lawsuit costing over $16,000 and more to come on his appeal.Why isn't his waste of money not disscused? JLS
11:32,
I would say that it isn't being discussed because it makes him seem to be a bit of a hypocrite. I noticed that everything was kinda quiet yesterday.
I can understand taking legal action once if he really felt he had a case. Taking it to the state level is going too far. Especially when he knows that it will cost the county more money.
I don't think he should be preaching about a balanced budget anymore. Also, why would you want a commissioners seat that you didn't even come close to winning? Some people don't have enough pride to let things go.
I would say that the first $16k comes pretty close to what all the commissioners make in a year combined.
That is just my opinion.
DAW
Daniel, This is Darrell Armstrong. I agree with some of this blog as being rediculously funny, but it gets personal. I have been reading it on and off for a couple of years. There has been a lot of talking about people's private lives, and so on...I don't agree with that part of it. Personal vendettas have no place on here.Just watch out....they will try to pull you into this. Remember you can't have a battle of wits with an unarmed person..bahahaha
Hey Darrell,
I don't care who you are, that is funny right there!
DAW
What happened to all of the comments and the new topic from yesterday?
DAW, It seems there has been a little trouble with the blog. Did you not get the message that it was down, then when it first came back I couldn't see yesterday new topic, but back up now.
I will say I agree with most of what WAB said. I had been wondering about what the county had to pay the woman they wouldn't even enter view. Wouldn't it have been better to talk to her then give the job to who they wanted.
I didn't want WAB to be commissioner but think something should of been done about what happen. Coleman could of run again in November. Would the cost of that election been more than they claim they are having to pay?
I thought the county had a lawyer, but it seems he/she gets paid more than the monthly or yearly fee.
why don't you "enter view" them ?
Everyone needs to go talk with blue Gill, I hear one person did and found out he had an extra bathroom he knew nothing about.
Isn't it funny how some people are so educated but no horse sense and look down on others.
Seems the announcement was made today that the state housing market dropped another 2% with Giles County helping to lead the way. I guess those pesky folks that keep track of suck things just don't understand that our tax assessor has declared the housing market is surging in value.
Let us know how your appeal to the equalization board goes.
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