I thought there was a 3-prong, 8-year plan?
I thought we were getting some new schools and more money for the existing ones?
Didn't they tell us we were?
This page was first created on June 2, 2000. It is now December 10, 2004 and are we still being fooled?
Dateline June 12, 2003:
Just don't raise taxes, citizens say
By IAN DEMSKY, Tennessean Staff Writer
Lets begin by flashing back to the Fourth of July, 1999.
There was a DNJ letter to the editor and a local
taxpayer created a web-page dedicated to that letter,
http://www.borowatch.com/hakko/hakko-main.htm and even though he heard several promises, no one ever got back
with him to justify their rather dubious numbers.
Now?
Schools predict future budget woes:
Don’t wave red flag yet, county official says By Scott Broden / Staff Reporter of The Daily News Journal and
Commissioners’ efforts to find funding fall short By Bryan Brooks, Staff Reporter of The Daily News Journal.
"Johnson said he was concerned by county officials’ comments that they may be unable to fund new capital
projects like an elementary school in La Vergne if reserve funds are used to balance debt service so the certified rate can be adopted."
I thought we voted for money for 'the kids'?
June 20, 2001 DNJ:
Long-range county budget looks bleak: Low revenue, new schools could force property tax hikes By Bryan Brooks, DNJ Staff writer.
In the June 18, 2001 DNJ:
New schools pushing county budget: Operating costs could force property tax increase By Bryan Brooks, DNJ Staff writer.
In the June 3, 2001 Tennessean:
School funding delay causes officials to worry about 'portable cities' By CARLY HARRINGTON, Tennessean Staff Writer.
In the June 5, 2001 DNJ:
County must fund new Siegel High a DNJ Opinion Column.
In the June 7, 2001 DNJ:
Siegel cheaper if funded now, school officials says: Commissioners fear costs of staffing, equipping school
By Scott Broden, DNJ Staff writer.
Let's flashback to June 2, 2000 and see what I posted and have since added to, shall we?
Shattering just about every sunshine law on the books, they raised the wheel tax.
March 16, 2000:
Development tax, sales tax on commissioners’ table By Jim Mahanes, DNJ Staff writer.
"Commissioners are trying to keep property owners from shouldering the brunt of a
decade’s worth of projected budget deficits needed to build all the schools in the Board
of Education’s 10-year building program." Well, they sorta tried.
March 17, 2000:
Development, wheel taxes set to go up: Commission also approves sales tax plan
By Bryan Brooks, DNJ Staff writer. "The tax measures are an attempt to keep property
owners from shouldering the county’s increasing debt burden, primarily the county school
system’s 10-year building program." Sure they will!
We are told it is do or die for schools.
March 20, 2000:
IT’S ALL OR NOTHING ON TAX PACKAGE: County residents must choose how to pay for growing needs
By Jim Mahanes, DNJ Staff writer. "Among the needs are a plethora of new schools, coupled with
the enormous yearly operational costs that come with them; and public safety needs, including new
ambulance stations to serve a county sprawling with new development and law enforcement personnel to
keep those living there safe." I wonder why they never say
Impact Fees? instead?
They made a deal with the cities.
March 29, 2000:
Council eyes sales tax plan second time: Half cent would bring $74M for building schools
By Chris Shofner, DNJ Staff writer. "Murfreesboro City Council will consider a county plan
Thursday that would bump up the sales tax rate by half a cent and generate approximately $74
million more for education." Education huh?
The $132 million dollar budget will get sliced to $127 million - AFTER the referendum
of course!
March 30, 2000:
Schools budget of $132M depends on sales tax, wheel tax increases: Proposal up 7.3 percent for fiscal 2000
By Scott Broden, DNJ Staff writer. "County Schools officials are counting on local sales and wheel tax increases
to pay for their $132.2 million budget, up 7.3 percent increase from this year’s school budget."
The voters will come through for them, but the county commission won't!
We tried to get the wheel tax on a referendum.
April 7, 2000:
Ballot options may include increase in sales or wheel tax By Warren Duzak, Staff Writer, Nashville Tennessean.
"Limbaugh is spearheading a petitioning effort to secure the signatures of 2,796
registered voters to force a vote on the proposed $20 increase in the county wheel tax."
We came up short.
The election is announced.
April 6, 2000:
Half-cent sales tax hike goes to vote: Money set for schools; referendum within 60 days
By Jessica Carter, DNJ Staff writer. "Now, commissioners say, it’s up to the voters to
decide whether the tax will pass or if they will have to find another means of funding new schools."
The voters will do their part, but the commissioners won't - wait and see!.
April 11, 2000:
Sales tax referendum set May 23: Voters to decide on half-cent hike targeted for education needs
By Chris Shofner, DNJ Staff writer. "If approved by voters May 23, the half-cent increase in the
sales tax county-wide would mean one half of that increase would go to education and, under the agreement,
much of the other half would be turned over for education on a sliding scale." Sure it will...
We were lobbied pretty hard.
April 4, 2000:
Rutherford seeking half-cent sales tax hike By Warren Duzak, Staff Writer, Nashville Tennessean. "
Three of the county's four municipalities have approved an interlocal agreement to
turn over much of their portion of the increase to the county over the next eight years,
mainly to help pay for schools." All four went along - I wonder if they will feel
betrayed later?
April 14, 2000:
Sales tax increase logical part of payment package a DNJ Opinion Column.
"If approved by you, the voter, the half-cent increase in the sales tax would allow half of
that to automatically go toward education to help pay for new schools." Sure it will -
you just wait and see - and I will hate to say 'I told ya so!'
April 23, 2000:
Sales tax hike only part of school funds: Voters will show the way, officials say
By Byron Hensley, DNJ Staff writer. "Understand, we’ve got 600 to 1,000 new students in the
system every year, Long said. Our per pupil expenditure would be declining, and we’re already in
the middle compared to other counties in state. It’s something the public tells us they’d like to improve."
Middle of the state - try 62nd! http://www.borowatch.com/adm_stats_97_98.html
April 25, 2000:
Sales tax referendum set May 23; estimated 86,200 voters registered By Chris Shofner, Staff writer
April 26, 2000:
Chamber of Commerce boosts sales tax vote By Dan Whittle, DNJ Staff writer.
"Rutherford County’s May 23 sales tax referendum to fund schools construction and
operations received an endorsement Tuesday from the Chamber of Commerce."
The school construction may not come as quickly as some people hope?
April 29, 2000:
Budget Shortfall: A note from the County Executive to the Citizens of Rutherford County
From the Rutherford County Web Site.
April 29, 2000:
Farm Bureau board backs sales tax hike; voters decide May 23 By Chris Shofner, DNJ Staff writer.
"If the whole concept is adopted, he added, property taxes won’t have to bear the entire burden...I
think this thing needs to be funded. This is a long-range thing...now we’re getting by from year to year,
but this way, this goes out to 2008. Of course, it depends on the economy, but this is looking more toward
a future plan than just getting by year to year." Try 2001 instead of 2008.
April 30, 2000:
County needs sales tax increase to build schools a DNJ Opinion Column.
"The county is facing an escalating cost in the hundreds of millions of
dollars to provide new schools because of its surging population. The sales tax
hike combined with a $20 wheel tax hike and a plan to double the county development
tax to $1,500 from $750 will help pay for the debt those new schools will create."
Sure it will...
May 2, 2000:
Chamber of Commerce to explain its tax position By Chris Shofner, DNJ Staff writer.
"In order to fund the debt incurred for these new schools, the chamber’s letter states,
either your property taxes will increase substantially or an alternative funding package must be
approved...a vote for the tax on May 23 will provide the needed funding for new schools, helps keep
property tax rates form skyrocketing and lets tourists and out-of-town shoppers help bear the burden
of the cost of new schools.”" Are you sure the vote for the tax will get us some new schools?
May 5, 2000:
Farm Bureau supports county’s tax plan a DNJ letter To the editor from
Ed Jordon Jr., president Rutherford County Farm Bureau.
"By passing the referendum on the sales tax, it will avoid placing the burden of more
taxes on just the property owners. Without the passing of the sales tax referendum, an increase
in the current wheel tax and the doubling of the current impact fee for construction, property
owners county-wide could see their property tax rate increase by as much as 61 cents. With the
referendum passage, we could go another three years before property taxes are increased."
That three years will later turn into a one?
May 7, 2000:
Business Roundup: Chamber talking taxes on Tuesday by Tom Spigolon, DNJ.
"Chamber board members support it as a way to keep the burden of paying for
at least 10 new schools needed in coming years off property owners, said chamber president Steve Benefield."
Sure it will! LOL!!!
May 10, 2000:
Officials: Sales tax hike needed to build schools By Chris Shofner, DNJ Staff writer.
"All totaled, Long said, the benefits to schools out of this entire process is
approximately $8.5 million and that’s just for operations...plus the extra money for the
school building program...we feel confident we can issue the debt necessary to build these
schools over the next eight years." That confidence will wain in the coming weeks (after
the election of course.)
May 21, 2000:
Vote yes on sales tax to harness fruits of growth a DNJ Opinion Column.
"We have an opportunity Tuesday to let our neighbors help us pay the
bills for educating our children." Sure it will...
May 22, 2000:
Educators lobby voters to approve sales tax increase: Half-cent boost designed to pay for operations, buildings
By Scott Broden, DNJ Staff writer.
"If this referendum fails, education will be one of the targeted areas to reduce the funding in
our budget, Watson said. Mr. Watson, your budget is going to be cut regardless - just wait and see...
I tried to explain to everyone that money 'for the kids' never ends up there.
May 9, 2000:
Schools money funneled into general fund a DNJ letter to the editor from me.
"Why are some anti-sales tax increase? Why do we need a tax increase? Taxes moved from education and growth."
Look for $1,975,000 to be moved in front of your very eyes in a few weeks...
So we got to vote on it.
May 23, 2000:
Schools sales tax referendum today: Half-cent increase would provide $74 million
By Chris Shofner, Staff writer. "A sales tax hike is one part of a three-pronged
county approach to raising money for education. Funds raised by a $20 increase in the
county’s wheel tax and doubling of the development tax from $750 to $1,500 will also be earmarked for education."
Sure it is...
So folks voted for it!
May 24, 2000:
Voters say yes to sales tax increase for new schools: Tax puzzle complete; only 7% turn out to vote on issue
By Chris Shofner, DNJ Staff writer. "The sales tax increase to 2.75 from 2.25 is expected to generate $3.6
million annually for eight years, and combined with increases in the wheel tax and development tax should allow
the county to build nine new schools with little impact on property taxes."
Schools superintendent excited about sales tax passage By Jessica Carter, DNJ Staff writer.
The excitement will wear off in a week or so...
I think the Superintendent thought it meant money for new schools - I thought that is what the
Channel 3 Informercial was trying to say?
May 24, 2000:
Superintendent set to request three schools By Scott Broden, DNJ Staff writer.
"Superintendent Hulon Watson said Wednesday he will act on the voter-approved half-cent
sales tax increase by asking the Rutherford County Commission to appropriate money for three new schools."
I think our local paper thought we were?
May 28, 2000:
Tax package will benefit our children, their future a DNJ Opinion Column.
"Now that local voters have given their blessing, of sorts, to a half-cent
sales tax increase, the county is clear to move forward with its school building program."
I wonder if the mayors and city councils around the county feel betrayed now?
To quote HEW Chairman Steve Johns, "Even Though they voted..."
May 31, 2000:
County panel cuts school board budget request by $7M By Bryan Brooks, DNJ Staff writer.
"That figure is $7 million less than the county school board’s $134 million request,
which could require a property tax increase, officials said." Whoa! The school board
was looking at a $132 million dollar budget BEFORE the referendum and it was ok then?
And they were told they would be getting $1,975,000 in TVA and investment interest revenues
that is suddenly taken away from them!
June 2, 2000:
Schools officials not happy with budget: County budget committee to vote on $7M in cuts tonight
By Scott Broden, DNJ Staff writer. "The school system presented a $134 million budget to the
Rutherford County Commission’s Health and Education committee Tuesday, but members never got the
chance to review the proposal, Watson said." The county commission had their own
school budget worked out - less than they told us it would be BEFORE the Referendum!
June 3, 2000:
Schools funding cut $7 million for future projects: Commissioners
"Budget Committee members want to avoid the possibility of a deficit next year that,
based on information from county Finance Director Paul Long, would result if the board’s
$134 million request for fiscal 2000-2001 is fully funded this year."
June 4, 2000:
Schools say Rutherford stiffing them on tax money By Knight Stivender, Tennessean Staff Writer.
June 6, 2000:
Fight over schools budget miffs county’s voters DNJ Opinion Column.
And the clincher?
The eight-year plan turned out to be good for about eight months...
December 12, 2000: Tax increase not an option to run
schools: Sluggish revenues put new buildings on hold By Bryan Brooks, Staff writer.
May 7, 2001: Community plan could break off revenue sharing
By Bryan Brooks, DNJ Staff writer
May 22, 2001:
Funding delay could jeopardize Siegel High’s start: Committee votes 4-2 to postpone $4M for site work
By Bryan Brooks, DNJ Staff writer. Amazing...
May 24, 2001:
Board’s cuts not as much as requested: Commissioners to review full request tonight at 5:30
By Scott Broden and Bryan Brooks, DNJ Staff writers.
May 24, 2001:
School board won't trim budget By CARLY HARRINGTON, Tennessean Staff Writer.
June 3, 2001:
School funding delay causes officials to worry about 'portable cities' By CARLY HARRINGTON,
Tennessean Staff Writer.
June 5, 2001:
County must fund new Siegel High a DNJ Opinion Column.
June 5, 2001:
Schools accused of waste in computers for students By CARLY HARRINGTON, Tennessean Staff Writer
June 7, 2001:
County politicians need to show backbone and pay for quality education by Tim Chavez in the Tennessean
"The front line is here amid the compromise and cowardice of local politicians where growth is not paying for itself.
Through legislation sponsored by two county commissioners, a key new push is being made to require builders and developers
raking in profits and newcomers creating burden on classrooms to pay the cost."
Maybe
Tim should read this page? Maybe he has?
"It's worse in Rutherford County, where new subdivisions sprout like dandelions. County officials recommended a school
budget $6 million less than needed. A funding request for building and operating the $32 million Siegel High School has been delayed.
Commissioners don't want to raise taxes and are looking to the state to bail them out."
June 18, 2001:
New schools pushing county budget: Operating costs could force property tax increase By Bryan Brooks, DNJ Staff writer.
June 20, 2001:
Long-range county budget looks bleak: Low revenue, new schools could force property tax hikes By Bryan Brooks, DNJ Staff writer.
November 21, 2001:
New Christiana school put on hold: Commissioners do fund preliminary site work By Bryan Brooks,
DNJ Staff Reporter of The Daily News Journal.
April 7, 2002:
No extra money for Christiana: Nearly $1.5M needed for school By Scott Broden,
Staff Reporter of The Daily News Journal.
April 7, 2002:
Projections become reality: County faces tough budget year By Bryan Brooks,
Staff Reporter of The Daily News Journal.
April 9, 2002:
Residents wondering about reappraisals: Increased values would require lower property tax rate
By Bryan Brooks, Staff Reporter of The Daily News Journal.
May 11, 2002, and once again 'we need to see if we have the money?'
County schools may face layoffs, hiring freeze: Property tax reduction could limit school funding By Scott Broden,
Staff Reporter of The Daily News Journal.
You would think this might make some folks in our neck of the woods a tad upset?