And, while we're talking taxes...
We learned tonight that Catoosa County's overall millage rate is 6-7 mils below the other comparably-sized counties in Georgia. After hearing reports from the School Superintendent and the Sheriff about their departments' apparently great efficiencies (they're both ranked very high in perfermance versus very low in cost-per-unit, be it student or crime calls), I'm inclined to say that we're very lucky that we have administrators in these departments who are clearly passionate enough about their fields to stretch every taxpayer dollar far beyond what other County departments can accomplish.
Regardless of this, as I undersand it, the proposed 1 mil tax increase BARELY GETS THE COUNTY BUDGET BACK TO ZERO, if at all! What does this mean? Very likely, within one or two years, we'll be facing yet another round of quality-of-life-eroding budget cuts, or ... wait for it... another tax increase!
My suggestion gentlemen of the Commission: You're already going to take a political hit (although not necessarily a defeat) for the increase. If you can produce a COMPELLING VISION for how you're going to invest in a constructive future for Catoosa County.... then, go ahead and ask for 2-3 mils. Earmark at least 1 mil especially for economic development (and then take ED seriously).
The sooner we start investing in the services and civic amenities that are attractive to businesses, the sooner that more businesses (who pay lots more in taxes than they demand in services) will want to locate in Catoosa County. When this happens, the tax burden on the residential taxpayers will lessen.
Just my thoughts...
Public Hearing #2
Well, this meeting did not start with a public trashing of me... maybe since I was in the room that took the winds out of the sails of the SS Courage.
Kudos to the County Commission for voting (mostly 3-2, and sometimes 4-1 or 5-0) to maintain funding for many key public safety and quality of life expenditures in the County budget. For example, the Sheriff's department has received the necessary funding for the required additional staffing, 911 staffing, etc. -- increases brought on as a direct result of the explosive and thus far uncontrolled growth.
Several citizens voiced their concerns about increased property taxes... legitimate concerns. As I've written before, no one wants to pay more taxes. But, as I said in my (respectful) public comments, we should not look at taxes as sacrifices, but rather as investments -- investments in our future, our quality of life. The problems we face today were not created overnight, nor will they be solved overnight.
But, the solution -- painful it will be -- must begin at some point. We simply cannot forestall the future from overtaking us. Try as we might to "conserve" what we have and survive by continuing to REDUCE COUNTY SERVICES such as police, fire, schools (kids are the future!), adult learning center, etc., eventually, we cut into bone and marrow, doing more harm than good... damage that may become unfixable.
We need two things desperately:
#1 - A LEADER, who has
#2 - A VISION, which is positive, constructive, and motivational.
What we have now is:
#1 - A Leader, who has
#2 - An AGENDA, to cut government services so far that we will essentially have nothing left.
Thankfully, he's only one vote... but WATCH OUT! Speaking of personal agendas, the spectre of a sole commissioner was raised tonight.
Congratulations to Mr. Gracy who challenged Mr. Clark by reminding everyone that, despite the difficulties of dealting with diverse opinions, democracy is still the superior solution over dictatorial despots.
Sigh... I can certainly understand people not wanting increased property taxes, especially those who OWN LARGE AMOUNTS OF LAND in Catoosa County, and would thus be classified as "one of the wealthiest" in the County.
Again, congratulations to the Commission for their courageous votes tonight. Just as one citizen said tonight, I will also remember those who vote in the correct ways and will offer them deserved support.
Like it or not, our future quality of life is at stake here... the choice is simple, vote against the tax increases and watch your quality of life CONTINUE to erode. Vote for the tax increases and buy our community the time to get a true visionary leader -- someone who can solve tomorrow's problems by building a better future ... starting today.
Public Hearing #1
The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors was meeting this morning (previously scheduled) for strategic planning purposes. Thus, I was not able to attend the first meeting this morning. Fortunately, one of our Chamber staff was able to attend and report back to me what went on.
Not much, it sounded like.
What was most interesting, however, was the Mr. Clark apparently began the meeting (again, remember that I wasn't there) by reading from my writings. (I suppose I should be flattered that he's reading... and perhaps posting "anonymously.")
Now, Mr. Clark and I have differences in opinions... and I respect that. In fact, we have very cordially dealt with other, agreeing on occasion, disagreeing on others.
What I don't respect is what happened this morning. Apparently Mr. Clark didn't just read from my comments. He went on to attribute the comments not to me by name, but by title only (how very Karl Rove...) and then proceeded to trash me in a public forum.
So much for respecting each other, I suppose. That was pretty unprofessional. But, I suppose I'm not entirely supprised.
In the end, it sounds like that Mr. Clark didn't have enough supporters present to have the grandstanding meeting he wanted... so not much was accomplished in the morning session...
On to Public Hearing #2...
Public Meetings on County Tax Increase
There will be a series of public meetings to talk about the proposed property tax increase in Catoosa County. These meetings, hosted by the County Commission at the City Hall Annex building are scheduled as follows:
- Thursday, July 21 @ 10:00 am
- Thursday, July 21 @ 4:00 pm (for the School System)
- Thursday, July 21 @ 6:00 pm
- Thursday, July 28 @ 10:00 am
All those who have opinions (for or against) should get involved by showing up at these public meetings to make your opinions heard.
Now... about Economic Development
OK. We've got ourselves a new County Manager... good luck to Mr. Ron Brown. Let's hope that he can make something of the position, if nothing else, make it not an "interim" position.
Also, we're about to bring in more funds via a property tax increase.
Here's my thought: While we're going to the well, so to speak, why not go ahead and get funds for further Economic Development?
The monies to be collected from the 1-mil increase will largely go for currently-allocated budget items -- meaning: pay current expenses.
What we need in order to mitigate and perhaps reduce FUTURE PROPERTY TAX INCREASES is to invest in economic development. This will bring in tax-paying, revenue-generating, job-creating businesses, instead of the revenue leaches that low- to mid-level housing have become.
So, while we're already upsetting the cart by asking for a 1-mil tax increase, why not go ahead and make the case for an additional one-half to one mil specifically earmarked for economic development?!
Now's the time, gentlemen! Don't just worry about our today; we need to be planning for our TOMORROW!
Catoosa Taxes
Well, well, well... It appears that Catoosa County residents will be facing not one but two property tax increases.
Here's the story from the Catoosa County News...
In summary, the Catoosa County Commission has recommended a 1-mil increase to property taxes. In addition, it's being reported that the School Board will also implement a 1-mil increase.
Now, we all want to keep our money and spend it ourselves. The problem is that we are also demanding more and more services from both the County and the School System.
The Commissioners have taken an EXTREMELY COURAGEOUS step forward in fiscal responsibility by even suggesting a tax increase. Let's face it though: They had no choice! They've already cut as much as could be cut from the county's budget and still came up almost $2 million short.
I wholly respect the cost-cutting binge for what it accomplished. But, I also respect the reality-based decision to raise the taxes -- only after the cost cutting has taken place. They've done exactly what we've asked: Make sure that there's no obvious waste in governmental spending before you ask for more money from us.
We need to support -- not deride -- the Commissioners and School Board for their decision-making process.
Congratulations to both for such a bold step forward!
