ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!
The links in this posting have been repaired and now are working.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
WE HAVE A VERY INTERESTING AND PERTINENT SITE FOR FOLKS TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT RECOURSE WE, THE CITIZENS, MAY HAVE REGARDING THE FIASCO SURROUNDING THE SEWER UTILITY, THE MONIES THAT HAVE SPENT, AND THE REQUEST FOR RATE INCREASES THAT THE COUNCIL HAS BEEN ASKED TO CONSIDER.
"...upon the petition of twenty-five (25) interested taxpayers showing that effective local relief has not and cannot be obtained after due effort, shall make the inquiries, tests, examinations, and investigations that may be necessary to determine whether:
(1) any public contract has been regularly and lawfully executed and performed; or (2) any public work, building, or structure has been or is being performed, built, or constructed in accordance with the terms and provisions of the contract, and in compliance with the plans and specifications, if any."
To read more...
Click HERE:
TAXPAYER PETITION; EXAMINATION OF PUBLIC CONTRACTS; PROSECUTIONS RESULTING THEREFROM
Meanwhile, today the phones have been ringing off the walls for many taxpayer advocates and Council Members, after word got out that a deal has been struck and decisions have been made about the Sewer rate increase request.
We have serious concerns regarding the legality of these meetings that led to the "deal" that was struck, and the status of the public meeting scheduled for this coming Wednesday, August 24th, when members of the public were to have an opportunity to address the Council.
It is still very important that everyone show up for this meeting on the 24th, as this is time for citizens to express their views and opinions regarding the situation surrounding the Sewer Utility and its oversight and management.
However, we have learned that the five (5) options that were presented to Council this past Thursday evening, and which were supposed to be made available for public scrutiny, have now been reduced to three options, none of which match any of the 5 original options.
Now, we have to ask, why and how they will be presenting three options if indeed the decison has already been made and the deal has been struck.
Furthermore, how does this turn of events affect the actual legality of the mandated published public notice since the agenda items no longer match the advertised legal?
Again, we find ourselves being blindsided by closed door meetings that just may violate the "Sunshine Laws" that were designed to prevent such deal-making from taking place 'behind the scenes', or anywhere else removed from public scrutiny. Especially when the issue concerns taxpayer monies.
There are many more questions concerning the events that have surrounded this scramble for money to replace funds that were mis-spent.
Another citizen also advised us of another site that has been found that provides information concerning funds that have been dispersed from the State Treasurer's office to Floyd County and New Albany.
It is made available be State Treasurer Tim Berry in Floyd County.
For a full listing click HERE
The most intresting piece of information we found here is a notation that the City of New Albany issued SRF Bonds for a Wastewater Loan in the amount of $2 million dated August, 2006.
This begs the question:
Has the City recieved another $2 million loan for our sewers witout telling us, or Council members that this money has come into the city?
Suffice it to say that many members of our community are more than a little concerned about how this situation with the missing funds from the sewer department is going to be resolved.
posted by East Ender at
1:54 AM
73 Comments:
Mr. Highwayman,
Valla Ann represents the little people. She is the only one with the guts and determination to demand what is best for all of the citizens of NA. She puts her neck on the line continously and stands up to the Mayor and this Administration in defense of the little people regardless of what any of you think.
By
Anonymous, at 9:45 AM, August 22, 2006
what the hell are you even talking about, anonymous?
By
Anonymous, at 10:09 AM, August 22, 2006
We aplogize. Some of these people are really ate up with THEIRSELVES, and really don't care about the issues.
Like the sight, EastEnder. Here's another sight for you: www.in.gov/tos/Counties/floyd.htm
Seems another cool 2 Million found its ways into New Albany's sewers, and the Sewer Board knows nothing about it. What is going on?
By
Anonymous, at 10:15 AM, August 22, 2006
Questions, please make the following grammatical changes
1) aplgize=apologize
2) are really eaten up with themselves
3) like the site
4) found its way
By
Anonymous, at 10:46 AM, August 22, 2006
Sorry anon -- thank you for those grammatical error corrections.
What August 31st meeting?
Back to the CJ and how all five options were taken off the table and now 3 more are on. A lot of fabrication is going on with the sewer issues.
Indiana Section, CJ, inside on Page 3.
By
Anonymous, at 11:43 AM, August 22, 2006
So if a deal has been made, will they stil have the Sewer meeting on Wednesday at 6:00?
According to the Tribune the three new options are the ones which will be presented to the public since the rate increase is lower.
If anybody has any info please post it here.
thanks,
Shirley
By
Anonymous, at 2:50 PM, August 22, 2006
I may be confused but I believe the 2 million Bond in question has something to do with a refund concerning the "bar screen" project. I believe the money has been set aside for that but somehow the sewar board was able to to work a new lower interest rate for the "bar screen" project.
Remember I'm a little confused but it's something like that.
Confused Taxpayer
By
Anonymous, at 4:12 PM, August 22, 2006
Read the Courier Journal article HERE
By
East Ender, at 4:46 PM, August 22, 2006
The part we find the most telling is the following:
"Besides a public hearing, a sewer-rate increase requires three votes by the City Council to take effect. One reading was made this month, and Garner has said he may call a special meeting after the hearing to vote on an amended ordinance based on one of the lower rate proposals."
"Coffey said the mayor sent him a notice calling a special meeting right after tomorrow's hearing."
Since we've been told, "It's a done deal", any following vote taking is nothing but a farse.
We have to question the way these options have been changed from the ones first voted on.
How can they be having a second and third reading on proposals that are coming before Council members for the first time?
This whole thing is starting to stink.
By
East Ender, at 5:03 PM, August 22, 2006
Sounds like James is at it again? Does this man never quit? I just think he's on a power trip.
9:45 You might be on to something there. I bet ya Valla could clean this mess up.
By
Anonymous, at 5:13 PM, August 22, 2006
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
By
One voice, at 5:15 PM, August 22, 2006
$2,000,000 for what?
By
Anonymous, at 5:19 PM, August 22, 2006
Why don't we just recall this mayor. Can you imagine what his checkbook looks like?
By
Anonymous, at 5:25 PM, August 22, 2006
Rates always go up, you nitwits. Even if the utility wasn't owed $5 million from the departments it used to support, you'd be making the same argument: "We don't need a rate increase." Every year, things cost more than they did the year before, and every year, infrastructure deteriorates. Pipes break, roads crumble... it happens slowly, but it happens, and it costs money to fix.
I'm no fan of James Garner, at all, and I can think of plenty of Democrats and Republicans who would do a better job. But for the love of God, if he's running again, why in the world would he call for this rate increase if it wasn't justified? It looks horrible politically, and everyone knows that. It doesn't bring him any more money. So just call your argument what it is, pure Garner-bashing and politics, and move on to something else.
By
Anonymous, at 5:54 PM, August 22, 2006
The crook has spent our tax money that's why he wants to raise the sewer bills!!!!!!!!!!
Give us a b-r-e-a-k.
By
Anonymous, at 6:26 PM, August 22, 2006
Who knows what is going on with this bunch downtown? These back room deals are really making me sick!
By
Anonymous, at 6:46 PM, August 22, 2006
Valla Ann uses people, and they are to stupid to see it. Maybe on day a certain person will wake up and see it.
By
Anonymous, at 8:33 PM, August 22, 2006
For the life of me I can't understand how my agreeing with Shirley's comment on the previous post about working together got turned into a debate over political candidates.
As for Valla Ann, I don't have a problem with her one way or the other. As matter of fact she has my whole hearted support on her work with the Greenway Project.
As to my comment to the anonymous moron, I stand by it. Blaming this administration for the past 40 years of New Albany's history is as lame as thinking this administration can reverse it! And blaming does nothing to solve any of the problems!
All of the solutions that have thus far been offered and discussed have been rejected by one side or the other for one reason or another. So I'm left to conclude that, as a whole, we are satisfied with what we've got.
By the way Laura, your links in this post to Access Indiana, do not work!
By
Highwayman, at 8:55 PM, August 22, 2006
8:33 Erika
By
Anonymous, at 10:02 PM, August 22, 2006
Who handles the rate structure and who decides how much work is involved with our sewers?
By
Anonymous, at 10:27 PM, August 22, 2006
Would someone explain what the master plan is for and about the sewers.
By
Anonymous, at 10:31 PM, August 22, 2006
The senior citizens is really getting hurt; at even 9 percent increase.
Why does NA not have a hardship provision for people with fixed incomes?
By
Anonymous, at 10:53 PM, August 22, 2006
The City Council should listen and discuss public comments, as well as any written protest recieved against the increase on any sewer increase. Instead of cutting a deal before the meeting.
By
Anonymous, at 10:58 PM, August 22, 2006
iN ORDER TO BEST SERVE OUR COMMUNITY IS EMC REALLY ALL THAT GREAT.
By
Anonymous, at 11:02 PM, August 22, 2006
so glad all you malcontents and muckrakers know so much about sewers what would we do without you?
Do us a favor let the engineers and the sewer board do its job so we can get the EPA off our backs and out of town.
Its time to shut up and get out of the way. Your services (propaganda, lies etc.) are no longer needed or wanted
By
Anonymous, at 12:54 AM, August 23, 2006
Highwayman -
I don't know either how your comments to Shirley ended up with debates about political candidates.
I have asked dozens of times for the political campaigning to be kept off this blog.
They can take it to a political blog like Floyd County Democrat, or they can create their own blog for it.
This blog is about discussing the issues and how they are being dealt with (or not).
I also agree with you that this administration cannot be held accountable for EVERYTHING that has led to us to this crisis over the sewers. I do however hold them completely accountable for their part in it and their perpetuation of the problem. This administration happens to be the one who is currently in a position to do something about it.
Still, I don't think the name calling is condusive to any ideals of cooperative efforts between the factions of citizens to work together.
Otherwise, thanks for the heads up about non-functioning links. I will try to get them corrected.
By
East Ender, at 2:25 AM, August 23, 2006
Councilman Gahan will not be attending this evenings meeting.
How interesting.
By
Anonymous, at 5:58 AM, August 23, 2006
Roger offering an olive branch....plez
By
Anonymous, at 7:09 AM, August 23, 2006
Gee, where do you even start?
The EPA ordered every building in this town smoked/dyed in 1999. There are volumes of books at the WWTP showing the (?)results.
When Overton signed the Amended Consent Decree, she had to come up with a Capacity Assurance Plan (CAP). Then, when the City went to get money (FEDERAL MONEY) from the State Revolving Loan Fund, they had to come up with a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). Because of a lot of similarities and a lot of blatant differences, the CAP became one and the same as the PER.
The Engineers did the modeling with the information they were given. We have never felt they were given all the information.
How many times did we hear the words "the EPA didn't TELL US HOW TO FIX IT, they just said FIX IT". If we heard it once from the sewer board under Overton, we heard it 100 times. The lawyer at the time kept saying also, over and over, "IF IT'S NOT IN THE MINUTES, IT NEVER HAPPENED".
The Amended Consent Decree states that ALL SEWER SYSTEM OVERFLOWS HAD TO BE FIXED by last August (I think that's when the clock stopped ticking).
So, what did we as a City do? We simply expanded the capacity of our plant to take in more sewage from the County. We DID NOT FIX THE SSO's, which includes the Robert E. Lee Lift Station, which is one reason they need more monies now. We DID NOT FIX the bar screen (30 feet down in the ground which keeps debris out), and it wasn't in the plan.
When citizens fought the line coming in from Highlander Point up in Indy, Mr. Fifer and EMC were asked about the bar screen being broken. They admitted they knew about it. The Judge asked them why they hadn't fixed it or had it in the Plan and they shrugged. The Judge then notified the EPA about this. We have been told Mr. Fifer and EMC believe we contacted the EPA about this issue, but we didn't. The Judge did. We are simply easy targets. We realize this.
The situation with our revenue and our tap-in fees is just wrong. Those tap-in fees were in a non-reverting fund set up by the City Council. We still don't know where the revenue is; this money was slated for the bond payments. Of course, when you don't bill any of your new construction, i.e., Meiers, maybe I can see some loss in revenue, but not two years worth, or more.
The "legal" the City ran in the paper is now "illegal". It does not have the right rate hike structure in it. The letters the City was required to send to the "fringe" customers who pay time and a half would also be "wrong".
We are contacting the Public Access Counselor about the legal for this meeting and other State agencies about the "numbers" changing so drastically. We also want to know if there were 3 members of the Sewer Board, including the Mayor, at the meeting Monday morn coming up with these numbers. We know one of them was with the Mayor (even though they denied it in the paper), we are simply working to find out if the other member was there. This would be in violation of the "Sunshine" laws. We figure one wouldn't have fudged the truth about their meeting, unless they did violate the Sunshine law.
The City Clerk did not post the legal, nor did she mail the letters out to the fringe customers. Greg Fifer posted the legal in the paper (thus why her signature is not on there), and I guess it is our "new" sewer billing department sent out the letters to the fringe areas. We would certainly like to see those numbers.
If you recognize what the Mayor said, our sewer utility is in technical default -- we have another worry. Because of all of the privitization and union busting by this "Democrat" Mayor (which really hurts the Democrat party and our principles we stand for), we are worried they may have planned this for a while in order to get out of the sewer business. Let the utility go into default, let the bond holders let it collapse, and then it will be sold. Yes, we have heard EMC's name as a party who could definitely buy it.
When the Controller stated at the last meeting the "jail bond money" was missing -- hey, maybe they didn't even put a reserve on the bond -- we knew this was not true. We called our County Auditor the very next morning and she stated it wasn't true. We are glad the Tribune straightened the story out, but why didn't they check with the County Auditor to see if it was true, rather than printing that story as gospel?
Don't you like the one posting telling us all to get out of sewers and let the Engineers, etc., fix them? THEY ARE ALREADY SUPPOSE TO BE FIXED. THAT'S THE PROBLEM. THEY DID NOT FIX OUR SEWERS. THAT'S THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE ALREADY TAKEN OUR MONEY AND FEDERAL MONEY TO FIX IT AND DIDN'T, and THAT'S THEIR PROBLEM. It most certainly isn't ours. It is and has been a problem for years, but there have been some that signed in blood on that last Amended Consent Decree, and that WOULD BE THEIR PROBLEM, also.
Personally, I feel they've had their 3 chances at bat and have struck out. This City can not manage our money and we don't want to give them anymore to mismanage. What a farce tonight's meeting is going to be. We will maintain it is not a LEGAL meeting, based on the LEGAL published in the paper.
Mr. Gahan, you HAVE TO HAVE a public rate hearing after the FIRST READING at Council, before the 2nd and 3rd readings are done. We don't understand why you don't believe that, but that is State law. Trust us as citizens, we don't want it anymore than you do and we are sorry you can't come tonight because there sure is going to be a lot of information flying.
With a FEDERAL criminal investigation going on concerning the misuse of our monies, and our missing monies, we do not understand how the Council can vote on anything LEGALLY, without the financial information. The Budget does not contain the correct information, it just keeps going on and on and on.
Some of us ARE REALLY TIRED OF IT, YOU KNOW?
For us, we can handle an "inflation" increase, which would be normal. THIS IS NOT NORMAL.
These again, would only be our opinions. We are past caring what ANYONE thinks about our comments nor the work we have done trying to help each new administration coming in (you know, the learning curve).
We feel the investigation will yield the City entered into the Amended Consent Decree in "bad faith", and they still are operating in "bad faith". If they aren't, why sooooo mannnnny setttsss offf numbers?
See ya tonight.
By
Anonymous, at 8:51 AM, August 23, 2006
To Anon who posted this: "I may be confused but I believe the 2 million Bond in question has something to do with a refund concerning the "bar screen" project. I believe the money has been set aside for that but somehow the sewar board was able to to work a new lower interest rate for the "bar screen" project.
Remember I'm a little confused but it's something like that.
Confused Taxpayer
4:12 PM, August 22, 2006 "
You think we got a bond for $2 million from the State this past August for the bar screen project, which HAD TO BE COMPLETED by September, and then it was refunded because of a new interest rate negotiated by the City with the State?
All bills were submitted to the State for payment. Mr. Fifer went up to the State to negotiate a new interest rate (which is suppose to save us a million), but I don't think he has accomplished that yet. Interesting comments though.
By
Anonymous, at 9:03 AM, August 23, 2006
I see where FOS is proposing using all EDIT money to fund the sewers therefore no sewer rate increase to "screw" the taxpayers.
I would like to respectfully submit that FOS's plan of using EDIT for 17-20 years WOULD be "screwing" the taxpayers. Not raising rates is giving a free ride to some sewer users. EDIT is a TAX that working people living in NA pay. Why should non working and non NA citizens who use the sewers get a break? Before anyone says it, I would be in favor of a fund to help those on a low fixed income.
I don't claim to have the total answer to all of this but how is using TAXES for the next 20 years not not shafting the taxpayer?
By
Iamhoosier, at 10:44 AM, August 23, 2006
anon 558--you are right it is interesting. He is spending his money to take a business trip to Atlanta just so he can avoid a hearing.
By
Anonymous, at 11:55 AM, August 23, 2006
I am confused also. Jack Messer said at the last meeting that he did not want to tie up EDIT money for the next 17 years and pass this on to the next generation.
Now iamhoosier also does not want to tie up EDIT money to keep the sewer rates down.
But both of these gentlemen advocate tying up EDIT money for the next 17 years to fund Scribner Place.
It seems to me if you don't want to tie up EDIT money, then DON'T.
By
Anonymous, at 2:28 PM, August 23, 2006
Apples and oranges, confused t.
You know that, probably.
By
Anonymous, at 3:04 PM, August 23, 2006
Confused,
Apples and oranges is correct. Sewers should be a usage based system, same as electricity, water, gas, trash, etc.
Do you actually think that I am looking forward to a rate increase?
I pay EDIT and sewer bills. I pay either way. Someone who lives in NA but has no earned income or someone on NA sewers but living outside the city limits DOES NOT pay extra if you use $1,000,000 a year from EDIT.
If you work AND live in New Albany, how you can be for this plan is beyond me.
By
Iamhoosier, at 3:42 PM, August 23, 2006
EDIT was intended for things like Scribner Place.
Not for sewers.
By
Anonymous, at 9:49 PM, August 23, 2006
go with the valla ann plan what a joke
By
Anonymous, at 11:09 PM, August 23, 2006
There seemed to be great confusion upon the Council as to WHO PAYS EDIT (Economic Development Income Taxes). The whole working class of FLOYD COUNTY, not just the City pays, along with some pensions having EDIT on them also, so that would include retirees.
Seeing the fringe area is paying time and half of what we are paying on sewer bills, and most probably are paying the EDIT -- what gives with the confusion? That's right; they are uneducated fools.
By
Anonymous, at 12:57 AM, August 24, 2006
The comment made by Councilman Seabrook "retiree's do not pay EDIT" is incorrect and as a businessman you would think he would know that! The truth is, if you have State taxable income on Form IT-40 after your Federal adjusted gross income is adjusted for any and all Indiana deductions from Schedule 1 line 12 and is reduced by your total exemptions and you either live or work in Floyd County not only do we pay EDIT we also pay CAGIT to the tune of 1.15% on that income. This includes yours truly as well as all other retires. Mark, we retiree's pay our own way!!!
By
Anonymous, at 6:11 AM, August 24, 2006
Mr. King,
Thank you for clearing up the confusion about EDIT funds. I was confused also. I work in Louisville but pay Indiana income tax so I also pay EDIT taxes.
Additionally, I enjoyed your comments at the special council meeting last night. I agree we are not being represented properly. All of the deals seem to be being made behind closed doors. This has to stop.
By
Anonymous, at 7:43 AM, August 24, 2006
Hello, well, I attended my first Special Meeting of the Council last night.
There was alot of information to take in and I must say I am still just as confused as ever.
One question I have. Has anyone ever compared the number of steak dinners bought by EMC under the Overton administration vs. the number of steak dinners bought by EMC under the Garner administration.
Confused Taxpayer
By
Anonymous, at 8:13 AM, August 24, 2006
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
By
Iamhoosier, at 8:32 AM, August 24, 2006
I do have a question that perhaps someone can answer. Does a business, say Kroger, pay EDIT? I would assume so but don't really know.
Thanks in advance.
By
Iamhoosier, at 8:45 AM, August 24, 2006
It is true that the county residents also pay EDIT. It is my belief that their EDIT goes to the county, NOT to New Albany. So if the city council uses EDIT, it is the city residents tax dollars. If I am mistaken--then I am wrong.
I am well aware that non residents already pay 50% more--I did for several years. That was and is the deal. It can be debated whether 50% is too much, too little, or just right. I have seen no debate on this.
I am not attempting to pick on retirees. Please note that I have used the term "earned income" also. Some of the confusion probably stems from poor writing on my part. Another example is my statement about working and living in NA. Poor wording on my part. I live in NA and work L-ville.
Perhaps this is better--if you live in New Albany and have earned income that causes you to pay EDIT, how you can be for this long term use of NA EDIT is beyond me.
8:32 AM, August 24, 2006
By
Iamhoosier, at 9:14 AM, August 24, 2006
Sign me up, I'm all for Coffey's plan. Zero increases, which will give us below cost sewer services.
While we're at it, I propose that the city buy Krogers, and then we can get subsidized groceries, and then the city can buy Thornton, and subsidize our gasoline.
It this a great country, or what?????
By
Anonymous, at 9:52 AM, August 24, 2006
Dear IAMHOOSIER:
EDIT is an imposed income tax from the COUNTY. ALL County residents pay, then New Albany gets a share. That's the real deal.
By
Anonymous, at 6:17 PM, August 24, 2006
SCRIBNER will be in a TIF area, and any new development will only benefit that portion of the City. This money will be taken away from the General Fund; along with all of the other TIF areas. And, this Administration actually wonders why the General Fund doesn't have the money to pay the Street Department and the Fire and the Police and the Communications Workers, etc....
The State told this City the tax abatements and the TIFs were killing the City's General Fund. Do you really think they care?
It is truly unbelievable.
By
Anonymous, at 6:21 PM, August 24, 2006
It is crazy to spend EDIT money to pay the costs of operating the sewers. How can people who fight so hard to prevent EDIT money from being spent on Scribner Place (which may actually result in economic development in our city) give in so easily to use EDIT money to pay for sewer bills.
THATS NOT FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY!
By
Anonymous, at 6:30 PM, August 24, 2006
You can bet they don't pay higher sewer rates in Cuba and North Korea.
Of course, they may not have sewers ... and in NK, no food, too. But the cost of living is held down, isn't it?
Dan Coffey, the voice of socialism. Who'd have thunk it?
By
The New Albanian, at 9:02 PM, August 24, 2006
newalbanian,
What would it take to convince you to move to Europe?
By
Anonymous, at 10:02 PM, August 24, 2006
WHERE IN THE HELL IS BLOGTASTIC ON THIS SEWER ISSUE.
WHERE ARE YOU BLOGTASTIC?
WE NEED YOUR THOUGHTS.
By
Anonymous, at 12:12 AM, August 25, 2006
Yeah, I felt real bad about those third world countries, too. No sewers, women still washing the clothes in the river (of course, they were hidden out of sight of the tourists). Then, out of the clear blue sky, about 3 van loads of plumbers descended upon E Main St. on my property. They demanded access to my house. I, of course, asked "why"? "Because, maam, you are not on sewers."
Only at that point in time did I realize "charity begins at home" and you really should clean up your own "backyard" before you worry about the others.
The nightmare which ensued for E Main St residents I wouldn't wish upon my worse enemies. You don't have to go abroad, New Albanian. It's happening in your own back yard and down the very streets you so admire and ride on your bicycle. Until you are bit in the butt by circumstance, I don't think you really know how you would react, after the properties had paid sewer bills for 30 years and you find the sewer maps were altered to show ten houses did not exist, even though we are over 100 years old in existence. Does that tell you anything?
Just my opinions, of course. Don't worry, I'm not worried if they matter.
By
Anonymous, at 12:28 AM, August 25, 2006
Dear IAMHOOSIER:
We don't know until we found out the hard way that HOME DEPOT wasn't. How did we find out? My friend's son worked there and she did his taxes and the EDIT was not withheld. We called the State's revenue office in Jeffersonville. We do not know if the situation was resolved. You tell us. Good questions. All of 'em.
By
Anonymous, at 3:53 AM, August 25, 2006
What part of "NO" did Fifer,Umbaugh and others not understand at the special council meeting? Isn't it misleading to not tell the taxpayers James that you have had this awareness of the sewer mess sisution since last Aug. 2005 and done nothing?
But again this is another 11th hour crisis?
Damn James you are truly getting more like Regina everyday.
And then you say that the sewer account is going to be at least $5,000 in the red? Were still betting group of taxpayers that you do not have the $5,000,000 to pay the Sept. Bond payment!
The only true statement that We heard come out of Fifers mouth was that this is bad timing with re-elections coming up next year.
Amen brother Fifer your gravy train is going to end in January 2008.
So James how much $$$ you think your going to need to get re-elected next year? You surely jest that you can win if you raise another $125,000 dollars. Seems like to us your Democrat supporters are dropping like flies.
By
Anonymous, at 6:20 AM, August 25, 2006
Yvonne wrote: "Don't worry, I'm not worried if they matter."
Now that's interesting.
By
The New Albanian, at 8:35 AM, August 25, 2006
Anon 6:17,
Thanks for making my point about EDIT although I bet you don't realize it.
By
Iamhoosier, at 9:11 AM, August 25, 2006
Mr. Iamhoosier,
The EDIT tax, in our case, is based on whether you live and/or work in Floyd County (Code 22)and have State taxable income. This taxable income is not only from earned income, as you suggest, but from all forms of taxable income. It could be from gambling winnings if you are lucky, for example. But, as I am not a lucky person our County Tax is based on my retirement income, not earned income. And I am sure most other retired individuals are in the same boat.
Did you also know that Social Security Income can be taxed up to 85%, apparently Mark doesn't realize this fact either based on his remarks at the Council meeting.
By
Anonymous, at 4:23 PM, August 25, 2006
Maurice,
I think the main point that Iamhoosier was trying to make is that, after the split between county and city, county EDIT funds will not be used for New Albany sewers. Therefore, using city EDIT funds to offset a rate increase puts an unfair burden on city residents (since they would be supplying all the EDIT funds) and lets those that live outside city limits but use the sewer system escape with no additional cost (since they would be supplying none of the EDIT funds).
It's also been shown that using EDIT funds for sewers in place of a rate increase is more expensive per sewer user than the rate increase itself. A full 19% rate increase as first proposed would cost the average sewer user about $6.00 a month. Using tax dollars to totally negate the need for a rate increase, as CM Schmidt has proposed, would cost each user over $12 a month in tax dollars.
How does it make sense, in terms of limiting the expense to citizens, to advocate for the use of EDIT as a solution? It costs users twice as much.
So far, those advocating the use of EDIT funds haven't attempted to answer that question. Why do you think that is?
By
Jeff Gillenwater, at 5:02 PM, August 25, 2006
Mr. King,
Thank you for expanding my understanding of what income is subject to the EDIT. I was not sure of all the details.
As I mentioned earlier, I am not trying to pick on retirees. Was never my point.
Thanks again, seriously.
By
Iamhoosier, at 5:06 PM, August 25, 2006
From Anon, again: IAMHOOSIER and BLUEGILL -- there are New Albany Redevelopment Commission minutes from November 14, 2001, Page 2 - and I quote "1. The parking garage finished a year or two prior to the bank building the TIF proceeds started later than anticipated in the underwriting. From 1998 through 201 there was an accumulated TIF SHORTAGE OF $256,000."
The last paragraph states the following: "The Director (Carl Malysz) noticed that in order to be current by the end of this year, there needs to be approximately $580,000 OF EDIT funds allocated to the Redevelopment Commission. The Director also stated that by the time the project is paid off (next year), we will pay approximately $3,696,350.00 of EDIT into the parking garage project. The Director stated that ONCE THE BONDS ARE PAID OFF, then TIF FUNDS CAN BE COLLECTED TO REFUND THE CITY THE EDIT CONTRIBUTED. In return, the city can use those funds for other capital improvement projects.
Some taxpayer advocates are very much aware the EDIT moneys are getting ready to be increased significantly, and therefore, their excuses about not using EDIT to subsidize what the EPA has edicted does not hold water with the people keeping records of the money.
And, to make a long story short, THERE IS ANOTHER 3.6 MILLION OWED BACK TO EDIT FROM THE DOWNTOWN TIF.
That is above and beyond that jail bond reserve fund of EDIT.
Can you understand our rationale and mathematics upon this subject?
Thanks.
By
Anonymous, at 5:35 PM, August 25, 2006
I'd personally like to thank my Councilman, Steve Price, for understanding what is going on with the financials and the sewers. Keep your stand, Steve. Our family supports you 120%. Thank you.
By
Anonymous, at 6:34 PM, August 25, 2006
well if your family supports stevie 120% that could mean it's 60% frank and 60% Yvonne, thats fuzzy math just like steve's fuzzy math, bite the bullet and pay the rate to keep the sewer utility a afloat unless you want your sewage to float
By
Anonymous, at 11:08 PM, August 25, 2006
Get a job and pay taxes and bills yourself!
By
Anonymous, at 5:20 PM, August 26, 2006
Thank you Valla Ann for fighting for us little people. You are a hero to alot of us. Keep fighting for us!
Hang in there!
By
Anonymous, at 6:13 PM, August 26, 2006
yvonne,
Whose side you on yvonne? All your out for is self-interest.
-----
What's wrong Baylor..are you mad because Price can't be bought. Like certain other Council members?
By
Anonymous, at 6:36 PM, August 26, 2006
Who's side am I on (is that the way you meant to phrase it)? In it for the self-interest? As I said before, thank you Steve Price, for being my Councilman.
Sorry about all the other BS, but at least I know where it's coming from -- and I gotta tell you, you are treading on extremely thin ice.
By
Anonymous, at 11:16 PM, August 26, 2006
anonymous 6:36PM -
You've GOT to be kidding.
WHO'S SIDE IS SHE ON?!?!?!?!?
She's on the right side. How's that?
She's on the side of integrity and accountability for actions.
She is a self-taught, highly motivated, taxpayer advocate who has worked her a** off for 10+ years in this town trying to get a little justice for the people.
She always tells the truth, and for some strange reason that just seems to scare the hell out of some folks.
As for only being out for herself, well, I can see how you could think that. What, with that big, fancy truck she drives and the prestige of sloshing thru raw sewage in the rain.
Yeah, she's just doing it for the glory of it all.
My suggestion to you, anonoymous, is to pull you head out of that dark hole you're in and take a good look around.
Sometimes the truth hurts.
By
East Ender, at 2:02 AM, August 27, 2006
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By
Anonymous, at 12:07 PM, August 27, 2006
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
By
Anonymous, at 12:37 PM, August 27, 2006
Sounds like a PERSONAL issue to me. The blog is not the place for that. Please take it somewhere else.
We are here to discuss the issues and the management of New Albany.
Thank You
By
East Ender, at 2:09 PM, August 27, 2006
The person does not always tell the truth. I was at a Council meeting when, at the behest of one of your favorite councilmen, this person publicly told an "untruth" that slandered a local organization. When the error was pointed out, that person made no attempt, nor did the councilperson, to correct or apologize for their mistatement.
By
Anonymous, at 5:18 PM, August 27, 2006
Gee, you mean someone may have had bad information and uttered an "untruth" at a Council Meeting?
Oh my, how scandalous!
By
Anonymous, at 5:49 PM, August 27, 2006
It seems to be selective comments are being deleted. Why is it? The truth will ouch!!!!!!
By
Anonymous, at 5:58 PM, August 27, 2006
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