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S.O.S. Save Our Sanitation!!!
Everyone should take a looky-loo at Maury's blog (click on link on front page) to better understand why the Sanitation Department is in the shape it's in. He has done a good job of explaining how those enormous numbers come to exist.
As we've surmised, the numbers include the costs of trucks and cans, and it should not. That's not the way the Council set it up.
Just an example of what other administrations have done when there was no citizens group to watch them.
posted by East Ender at
2:37 PM
50 Comments:
Now the truth comes out on Maury's blog about sanitation. Sanitation propped sewers up, not the other way around. Now we have to get eight people's salaries out of there that should have been in the General Fund. I, too, have to ask why? Why should we the taxpayers pay and re-pay for your contrived numbers so you may do what you want to do, and only God knows what "this administration" is really up to. Good questions, Maury. Hope HE CAN GET SOME ANSWERS, but already know he won't. Thanks for pointing that out, Laura. Always said it would come from an unexpected source. Have a fine weekend, NA.
By
Anonymous, at 6:15 PM, October 28, 2005
I'm getting more and more curious as to where there IS money, rather than where there ISN'T money.
Let's talk about the money that the City collects now, and for what services, or to pay what bills.
Better yet, let's look at where there's SUPPOSED to be money, and opportunities to be more "fiscally responsible" (thanks Steve)thus,
helping the City out of a budget crisis and saving taxpyers money too.
Doesn't that sound reasonable?
How do we get this town, and the MAJORITY of the people in it, into better and brighter futures where we can ALL pay our bills.
By
East Ender, at 2:30 AM, October 29, 2005
Larry Kochert wants to sink sanitation
By
Anonymous, at 10:30 AM, October 29, 2005
First mistake we made as taxpayers and citizens of New Albany was not demanding an audit.
You can not make Fiscal Decisions based on false figures!
WE HAVE BEEN MISINFORMED...
If City Council Member Larry Kochert thinks the city will pay back borrowed sewer money. He will be waiting along time.
They have been robbing Peter to pay Paul...And right now Paul the taxpayer is really pist off.
How does this Mayor and this Adminstration continue with these Web of Lies?
What totally boggles my mind. Is all the different figures put out there.
Example:
2003- State Board of Accounts 2003 audit shows a shortfall- $-34,333
2003- New Albany 2003 Year end REPORT SHOWS: Shortfall- $-892,225
The difference being $ 857,892.00
2004- Kay Garry list SHORTFALL for 2004 to be $-37,677.00
Garner says SHORTFALL: $-929,902
The difference being $892,225.00
After talking to several Council Members. The bottom line is this:
Quote: This is the "ACCUMLATED SHORTAGE OVER RECENT YEARS".
Not the actual 2003 & 2004 figures.
We the taxpayers are being misinformed and lied too.
I continue to see a whole lot of people with excuses about how these Sanitation jobs can't be saved. Don't people realize that this defeatist attitude is exactly what this Adminstration wants?
This adminstration wants to beat people down until they grow frustrated and so weary, that we just give up.
There is a way to win this one.
New Albany Citizens and taxpayers must be armed with intellectual ammunition to fight. We needed voices. We need questions asked and demand the answers. We need the facts. We need phone calls to each and every Council Member.
We have sat on our asses to long to allow this to continue.
You called it so right when you say:
S.O.S. SAVE OUR SANITATION!!!
Again what does the Mayor have to hide?
And this is my opinion
By
One voice, at 11:14 AM, October 29, 2005
Everyone needs to understand one basic concept that we are being seriously misled about:
Garner and others keep saying that the Sewer Department can no longer subsidize, or 'shore-up', the sanitation department.
In reality, it has been the exact opposite.
Sanitation money has been kept in the sewer fund for at least the last 3 years. So, it's sanitation that has been 'shoring-up' the sewer fund.
Time for this "bait & switch" show to come to an end.
The sewer fund has been terribly mis-managed, and it's the sanitation workers who will wind up paying for it. Along with this Stormwater fee that Garner wants to put on the backs of the citizens. They are desperate.
What is it going to take to get the truth out of this administration?
Just my personal opinion.
By
East Ender, at 5:15 PM, October 29, 2005
What's cracking me up today? Poor Old Mrs. Smith...they just keep torturing that poor old soul.
And, to my amazement, they are actually encouraging people to stand up and say what they feel. Anybody notice what happens when you stand up and tell the Council how you feel? How you are bastardized and name-called within a hour of the meeting, just because they don't agree with you, or it could be how you say it, it could be for any number of reasons that the hatred spews.
And, if they are that worried about Old Mrs. Smith; maybe they should put theirselves into her shoes and walk in them for awhile,
and her pocketbook. Stand tall for all of us, Mrs. Smith.
And about the Democratic Dinner, Baron Hill is a hero to all Democrats, young and old; we can unite on that one issue. He is especially sensitive to the elderly's needs. Shame the other blogs feel such a need to pick on Old Mrs. Smith. (Wait until Baron hears!) Until you know who the players are, well, you'll find out the hard way. Have a nice day, NEW ALBANY.
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Anonymous, at 7:02 PM, October 29, 2005
Laura, we just don't have enough citizens to cover all of the meetings. Board of Works on Tuesday morn at what 10 or 10:30 - how convenient is that for citizens? Sewer Board 3:30 couple of times a month, gimme me a break. And Flood Control -- well, good luck with that one...
Need more volunteers to cover all the bases. They're certainly not going to be the Progressive group. Until the "Progressives" educate theirselves a little bit, there will very little progression made. Sorry guys, no offense, but that's the way it is.
And now that one of your group has proved sanitation propped up sewers, instead of the other way around, is all you can do is pick on poor Old Mrs. Smith? Just one big party over there; hands over your eyes, ears and I wish you could put them over your mouth. But, that's just my opinion.
By
Anonymous, at 7:09 PM, October 29, 2005
They don't want to talk about the TIF areas and how the monies were found until this fee can be put onto the tax rolls; why can't they address the issues. Why aren't they talking about the illegal meeting Garner scheduled? Why aren't they talking about that big "sewer" problemo - sabotage my but. Guess they don't know enough to talk about the issues, unless the truth is hand-fed to them. Even then, I don't think they'll swallow it; sure must have been alot of promises made early on for the next election. SPEAK OUT LOUD NA...and GO FOR IT. Don't worry about the toes. Put the info out here.
By
Anonymous, at 7:14 PM, October 29, 2005
Jeff Gahan ask what amount of subsidy would it take for Sanitation for the rest of 2005 from the Sewer Utility.
SANITATION
7 1/2 MONTHS OF EXPENDITURERS
1,625,432.21 DIVIDED BY 7 1/2 MOS.
Avg. expenditures-$216,724 x 4 1/2 months left equals $975,258
7 1/2 months of Revenue 1,232,250.21 Divided by 7 1/2 mos.
Avg. revenue-$164,300 x 4 1/2 month's left equals $739,350.00
Difference is $235,907.00
By
Anonymous, at 7:25 PM, October 29, 2005
Control Factor by Mayor
QUESTION:
There is public concern about the pressures that may control the voting by City Council members. How many of you have relatives on City payroll or City Employees drawing retirement from the City or on public payroll?
Mr. Coffey- wife on County Payroll in County Clerks Office?
Mr. Schmidt- None
Mr. Price- None
Mr. Kochert- Son on City Fire Dept?
Mrs. Crump- Husband on City Police Dept.- Retirement?
Mr. Blevins- current City Employee of Sanitation Dept.?
Mr. Messer- Police Officer now on City payroll?
Mr. Seabrook- none
Mr. Gahan- Wife is Principal at Fairmont School on NA-FC School payroll?
6 out of 9 Council Members
It is difficult when we, the public, view the make-up of the City Council and try to understand the personal pressure that could be affecting the decisions you make for, us the taxpayers.
By
Anonymous, at 7:49 PM, October 29, 2005
Anonymous 7:25PM -
Depends on what numbers you use. The mayor's beefed up numbers, or the real numbers that are necessary to keep Sanitation functioning.
Take the trucks and cans out of the equation. They were to paid for out of other funds per approved Council resolution during the Overton administration.
Also, as I understand it, there are only 25 employees rather than the 35 as listed on the 7/5/05 report. I will work to confirm this.
Furthermore, not collecting any delinquent payments for 2 years will certainly make operating costs vs. income skewed.
What in the world could explain costs going up $464,000 in 1 year? (2002 - 2003)
That's nearly $40,000 per month!
C'mon now.
By
East Ender, at 9:21 PM, October 29, 2005
Good night little jimmy.
here's your blanket,
your pacifier and the
bag of bond $$$$ from
Scribner Place!
that's my opinion
By
Anonymous, at 11:16 PM, October 29, 2005
Garner has re-scheduled the "Special" meeting for Friday, Nov. 2nd, at 6:00PM.
Thanks for choosing a time when citizens can attend (really). but we don't have confirmation yet of the agenda.
It's probably a safe bet to assume it will be to bring the unfair proposed Stormwater fee back for another vote.
Everyone must call their Council rep. and voice your opposition to this plan.
The SWAC team had everything set to assess equitable fees via property taxes, while using the available TIF funds in the interim for the $200K we will need by May of 2006.
We do not need $800K as Garner has proposed.
By
East Ender, at 1:00 AM, October 30, 2005
Sunday Morning Tribune
Guest column by Mayor Garner editorial
QUOTE FROM ARTICLE: by Mayor Garner
"I am working with the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns to craft a plan to reduce our relance on property taxes and put more responsibility for management of local budgets squarely where it should be placed-on the shoulders of local officals you elected to run your hometown."
Lord help us all!
Fees...fees....fees...and now Property Taxes.
I don't want you Jimmy connected or making decisions on my property taxes. You have already attached property taxes to back up bond money for Scribner Place.
Isn't this another conflict of interest?
I wonder why he was appointed? I just think it might have to do with a certain person who is now "President" of that Association?
interesting.....
But again that's my opinion
By
Anonymous, at 8:41 AM, October 30, 2005
I wonder if he's getting paid.
Sounds like a political favor to me. Wonder what's really going on here?
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Anonymous, at 9:32 AM, October 30, 2005
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Anonymous, at 9:40 AM, October 30, 2005
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
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Anonymous, at 10:49 AM, October 30, 2005
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
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Anonymous, at 11:04 AM, October 30, 2005
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By
Anonymous, at 12:09 PM, October 30, 2005
It's Halloween time; of course the kooks are out. Keep looking for those monies, Laura. It is going to take all of us to unravel this thing we got going on. The elite progression of ignorance is all I see unfolding from those so-called Progressives. Does that mean the Mayor has left the Democrat party? Ignorance is no excuse. The thing that amazes me is they choose to be that way. Knowledge is power and ferreting out the info and knowing where to go get the info is power. Maybe that's why they are such an angry bunch because of our posting of where to find claims -- they are public documents. Or, maybe they don't like the Sanitation numbers. Hope they realize what's going to happen with all of this rhetoric, and that is all it is. Truth hurts, you know?
By
Anonymous, at 1:17 PM, October 30, 2005
Welcome Back!
Commander Stupor..Did you ever get your secret weapon- Stupor-Skeeter Ray Gun fixed yet?
Hear your just shootin blanks?
Talk about credibility!
You are truly Commander Stupor with out a City.
Sounds like your "Jealous" of our future Mayor...
Go play with your new best buddies I heard you were Banned from his place again?
Good afternoon roving reporters. Glad you decided to read a real "BLOG".
COMMANDER STUPOR: Have you figured out how to Solve World Peace yet?
Great next project for you....
That's my opinion
Smile your on camera
By
Anonymous, at 1:32 PM, October 30, 2005
east ender
Council meeting is Wed. evening.
By
Anonymous, at 1:56 PM, October 30, 2005
It is very telling when silly stories are made up just to take up space and spitefully interfere with a group that is working to protect the common citizens of the City from being over-taxed.
Obviously, they have no facts, nor any viable argument with which they can engage in a useful dialouge to refute the assertions of malfeasance.
By
East Ender, at 2:01 PM, October 30, 2005
Keep your eyes on the ball, guys. And right now, the ball is in the sewers. Don't get too mired down though - it's tough slogging through the C.R.A.P., literally.
It's called $ signs, and you are going to be needing quite alot soon. And, they are coming after yours, too. Just never seen so many people who don't have ANY money worries. Of course, when you don't own your own home and Mom does, how could you appreciate property tax hikes, fees, etc. But then again, maybe he does pay his property taxes and not Mom.
And, I hope you are ready to find out that when our creeks and streams were tested; most of the source point of the pollution found was caused by sewage. Daggone it. That's in a public document, too, prepared by one of the Mayor's hand selected people. Now, they maintain the information in this little book would cost us too much money if we follow what's in there. What? Fixing the sewers? Vicious little circle going on here.
How do you not look at FACTS staring you in the face? To me, if you truly want a better New Albany, you are just going to have to fix that infrastructure and we haven't done that yet. Progressive, my ***. There's been people trying to make this town progressive for years, and soon they will find out there are some BIG people who do not want that. Let them call us names, it's water off a duck's back, especially considering who's slinging it. Like the other post says, the truth hurts. But, it will set you free!
By
Anonymous, at 2:12 PM, October 30, 2005
More information:
Federal law mandates that any person who drives a public vehicle that is also used as a personal vehicle must maintain a written log of mileage which delineates the personal use vs. public use.
Since this is a Federal law, I assume everyone is complying.
By
East Ender, at 2:12 PM, October 30, 2005
If New Albany is going to progress successfully, it is imperative that everyone is doing their level best to make the City strong and vital, and fiscally sound.
This requires the cooperation of all citizens to work together in an effort to be fiscally conservative and environmentally responsible.
If we cannot expect accountability from our elected officials, and they are not demonstrating their dedication to public service, for the good of the citizenry, then we are entitled, even obligated, to challenge their intentions.
By
East Ender, at 2:22 PM, October 30, 2005
East Ender, It's also required by the IRS. And, no, they don't know the laws, so I doubt they are keeping their logs, etc. This whole thang is just going to blow up in their faces. The funny thing to me is how we didn't write the laws; yet we get blamed for talking about the laws. Wonder why?
By
Anonymous, at 2:22 PM, October 30, 2005
People are upset with this blog because to much real information is coming out. Information informing us of the laws that are being broken and taken advantage of. And who is watching them? They refuse to think the little people aren't smart enough to figure out what is going on! Like several of us now know we seem to have more degrees then some of the decision makers. Cause if they had just plain common sense they would see we are at their heals....If the State Board of Accounts can't figure out an audit. Then we feel and think someone on the 3rd. floor has something to hide! And I am telling you there is smoke which mean there is fire..... downtown.
Can't you taxpayers smell it!
And that's my opinion
By
Anonymous, at 2:51 PM, October 30, 2005
Laura and Concerned Citizens:
It is imperative that with all the info you are assembling that it must be organized and presented in a cohesive manner.
I am reading so many things that are important and that are inter-related, but they are disjointed in the way your group presents them. It is probably because there is so much info, but still, it needs to be organized and spelled out in a clear fashion.
For example, with the sewers/sewer dept, you need to list the problems, all of them:
1. Expenditures being made illegally out of sewer monies
2. Lack of EPA compliance
3. Delinquent accounts not collected
4. Delinquent accounts forgiven, by whom and who was forgiven
etc., all the factual info you can document
Do the same with each of your agendas. If you do so, you'll gain much more clout and credibility.
Regarding Garner and his mismanagement and incompetence, list the problems coupled with the supporting documentation. Like the comment on here about "Mom owns his home". It's true, but it needs to be stated and publicized properly, instead of just a vague insinuation. Don't just make an ambiguous reference to the matter. Show the documentation--the property card showing that his home is not in his own name. Explain why it's relevant--that since he does not own property, he pays no property taxes himself, which is a poor situation for a mayor to be in.
Your group can do a great deal of good, but you MUST present the facts and the documentation in a professional manner before you will begin to make a dent.
By
Anonymous, at 2:58 PM, October 30, 2005
Thank you for your advice. Truly. Have a great day.
By
Anonymous, at 3:16 PM, October 30, 2005
wed. night, 5-4 you lose
By
Anonymous, at 3:22 PM, October 30, 2005
Who has the crystal ball that sees into the future???
Meeting is not until Wednesday night (6PM folks!).
Who knows what may happen between now and then?
I was always taught to never count your chicken till they hatch.
Pretty good advise.
By
East Ender, at 4:03 PM, October 30, 2005
Sure is getting vicious in blog land. Guess we're doing something right on this blog. If I didn't know better, I'd think the "Progressives" were having a pity party.
The citizens are abused when they speak or try to voice "their" concerns and our councilmembers are being verbally shredded if they don't follow the Mayor's orders. There is no cohesiveness or togetherness with Council, just separate meetings in the Mayor's office, where the decisions are really made.
That would be why "someone" we won't name (but know who they are) already would know the outcome of the vote Wednesday night, without a debate by all who might have some questions about their MONIES! Gimme a break.
Are you allowed by law to bring back a defeated resolution to a "special" meeting? Just asking, thought it had to come back at a Regular Council meeting? Just asking, and that's my opinion!
When they get into a fight Wednesday night over commercial versus residential, watch out.
By
Anonymous, at 9:14 PM, October 30, 2005
Anonymous
Your so right. It seems the closer we get to the truth and exposing them. They seem to try to distract us. But we are focused and ready to let them know,"BRING IT ON". We got facts they have no clue about.. Were here for the long haul. And we are not backing down....
By
Anonymous, at 9:41 PM, October 30, 2005
Very good observation and good questions too. As I read Indiana Code, the defeated issue may be brought back to the table at the following regularly scheduled meeting.
I don't really think that's going to make much of a difference of course, as all have most certainly already had their 'private' meetings with the Mayor.
The "special" meeting is probably a tool that will make it possible to not allow comments from the public.
Isn't this a wonderful Democracy we're living in?
I guess they are hoping to run all the poor folks out of town by making it impossible to live in New Albany on a fixed income.
The elderly, the disabled, the single mothers, etc. trying to make ends meet are just simply out of luck & out of money.
Only the financially privileged count when it comes to decisions being made by this administration.
That's my opinion anyway.
By
East Ender, at 9:54 PM, October 30, 2005
Add my name to the list, Laura, concerning your observations. It's not like "they" weren't aware of the problems we were in before and have been for about 30 years now.
It is surprising how they "act" surprised if some people are in the know because of their experience, like Council coming up with the TIF idea, and then GET IRATE with any other solution. They beg for another solution, but still impose theirs? Then bastardize the ones trying to help save money. This Democrat family here in NA is just too fiscally conservative, and too financially strapped. They seem to just spend, spend, spend...
Personally, I still don't understand why anyone would wish more fees on people. In the CJ, not the Tribune, they plan to put more fees on US to make up for what the Mayor was addressing in the Trib. Noticed that part wasn't mentioned earlier, at least not in the Tribune.
I still wish someone would tell me how you sell bonds without financial information; and how do you sell bonds for a building that you do not know if you can build yet, because you have not heard from the EPA. And, the bonds are back by OUR property taxes, you know, a second mortgage.
By
Anonymous, at 10:47 PM, October 30, 2005
What does it take to get this man out of office?
By
Anonymous, at 11:50 PM, October 30, 2005
Document, document, document!
By
Anonymous, at 11:54 PM, October 30, 2005
This mayor continue to break the law. Things seem to be not getting better. Total C.R.A.P.
By
Anonymous, at 11:56 PM, October 30, 2005
They can't document because they have nothing to document. What we have here are a bunch of malcontents that have no plan and never will.
By
Anonymous, at 7:34 AM, October 31, 2005
The Halloweenie kooks are still out. Isn't it funny how we consider the "Progressives" as hostile; malcontents; ignorant of the facts; (and definitely don't want to know); have their blind faith... Like I said before, when the discussion Wednesday night rolls around to the fees for commercial properties, I hope you like what is going to happen to you. We only need $180,000, not $800,000. I guess the Mayor feels he can pull the wool over others eyes, but not here, not at IDEM, and definitely not at the EPA, where this mandate is from. Everyone was going to start paying a fee when we got it on the tax rolls. Funny how they leave out we brought that issue to Council, and the Controller said she couldn't do that, it would hurt her General Fund monies. Now, of course, we know that's not true, but we don't have time to have the public hearings to get the fee assessed. This will now be an unfair fee, and if lawsuits arise, so be it. We have tried everything to work through this issue and tried to be fair. How anyone can criticize that is beyond the pale.
Rise up Wednesday nite, folks. Turn out for that meeting. Still haven't seen an agenda so still don't know if PUBLIC can even speak. It's your $$$$$$.
By
Anonymous, at 8:39 AM, October 31, 2005
lawsuits to challenge this fee ? how ridiculous, the courts have always upheld these fees, who did you get your legal advice from? laura and the beagle
By
Anonymous, at 8:52 AM, October 31, 2005
Any tax/law/fee passed in these United States that are unfair by including only certain individuals, but not all, is always considered illegal. Where did you grow up? For all of the vacant property owners, free ride. They don't get water, sewage, garbage, etc. Good luck.
And good luck collecting the monies. We have two lists of past due sewer bills totalling over $600,000.00 and past due garbage bills totalling what $60,000? The only property liens filed this year for the past dues were to the Silver Creek residents, not New Albany's. Why, I might ask? Oh, that's right, you'll say it's a conspiracy. I call it irresponsibility and poor management; but this Mayor knew all of these things when he took office and we have watched as it has only gotten worse.
We worked for his election, voted for him, waited for him to take action, and now have watched his lack of inaction. We are peeved that some of us pay OUR BILLS, and the rest don't. Therefore, our family has more than just a right to speak (more a responsibility to speak), we also have the right to YELL.
Maybe the rest of us will just decide we don't FEEL LIKE PAYING OUR FEE like 1/2 of NA, and you can try and collect that, too. Let's get more past-due lists, that are "uncollectable" in town. That's OUR OPINION.
But, if this is whom I think it is, you don't pay the property taxes, and all of the other increases property owners pay. Maybe one day you will grow up and have that kind of responsibility --what's that? I CAN'T HEAR YOU.....
Sometimes I think you all watch Bill O'Reilly too much. I thought the SPIN stopped there, and keep your comments pithy, remember? But, again, THAT'S OUR OPINION. Have a good day New Albany.
By
Anonymous, at 9:28 AM, October 31, 2005
An earlier comment said that the Mayor does not own his own home in New Albany.
Is that true? Does that mean that he
does not pay property taxes like we do?
If that is true, then we can see why
raising taxes does not bother him.
By
Anonymous, at 9:48 AM, October 31, 2005
Where do you get the information to see the names of property owners?
By
Anonymous, at 9:51 AM, October 31, 2005
If the Mayor does not own his own house, then, how does the State of Indiana allow him to be on a committee that is planning new ideas on property
taxes? See the Tribune Sunday on editorial page. Article by the Mayor about his committee on property taxes.
By
Anonymous, at 10:33 AM, October 31, 2005
Go to the assessor's office and pull the property card, or look it up on the computer by address. It's ALL PUBLIC RECORDS. Hope that helps.
By
Anonymous, at 11:06 AM, October 31, 2005
PROPERTY INFORMATION
New Albany Township Assessor
Barabara Sillings 948-5497
County Assessor
Brenda Egge 948-5723
Linda Shirley 948-5751
other line948-4724
By
Anonymous, at 11:20 AM, October 31, 2005
Can you call or do you have to go in person?
By
Anonymous, at 12:28 PM, October 31, 2005
Get off the sofa, take the chips out of your mouth, turn off the tv and go down to the City County Blgd. if you think that it is sooooooooooo important.
By
Anonymous, at 4:00 PM, November 01, 2005
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