It is interesting that when one has an opposing view they become labeled as a community basher. Exactly the way one might expect a closed minded individual to react. Amazing that opinions opposite are considered to be bad. To my knowledge there are no postings on this site bashing Pittsburg, Camp County, PISD, teachers, school administration, children of the community, etc. All original postings existing on this site are factual and based upon information supplied by the PISD, Southwest Securities, Eubanks, Harris, Roberts, and Craig, Texas Education Agency, US Department of Education, etc. If you want to interpret the challenging of policies, data, analysis, practices, procedures, etc. as bashing then you are entitled to your opinion.
One writer to the local paper this past week has labeled those questioning the bond election as community bashers. Perhaps this is the same as a party crasher! Really makes no difference in this regards. Interesting that the writer would mention a new hospital. There is a difference in the fact that the hospital is not being constructed by taxpayer funds. This is the right of private enterprise of which has come under attack on this site. The writer calls into question the validity of self-pace learning. Why? Self-paced learning is practiced at all levels of education. Perhaps the writer should check out www.K12.com. It could be an eye opening experience as to how self-paced learning is being used by students in public education in remote locations of the country and world.
The writer states "On your site you have given false, misleading, and negative opinions and information." The writer is being challenged to prove that statement. Perhaps the writer does not have a clear understanding of the issues! The writer suggest that "We have open minds to every opinion." I would say her written response is a prime example of one with a closed mind and not willing to consider the views of those who have a view opposite the writer's. Sensible reason and actual true data that was provided by the PISD have been utilized on this site to make people think in regards to the PISD bond election. The fact is the tax rate is 43 cents without state participation per the report supplied by Southwest Securities. The fact is the tax rate could be 32.5 cents if the state participates. It is a fact that the number of people moving into the community will have nothing to do with the actual tax rate going higher are lower. This is dictated by the total property values of the PISD. It is a fact that the tax rate associated with the bond debt will not be reduced for the 30 year term of the bond. The bond debt tax rate will only be reduced once the bond is paid-off are retired in 30 years. It is a fact that if this bond passes PISD will have one of the highest school tax rates in the area. This was proven by the letter submitted by Torres and Arana. Mt. Pleasant was the only school district mentioned with a higher tax rate of $1.58 as opposed to the PISD proposed rate of $1.54. Mr. Hendricks got it right when he stated "Our taxes are going up." No fairy tales, make believe here - These are REAL facts!
One finds it hard to believe that students and teachers will suffer if they do not receive a new building. The PISD has been in business many years and will continue to be in business. May not be in business the way some wish, but progress will go on with or without a new school building. The world in Pittsburg will not come to an end if a new building is not supplied. The Texas Education Agency is not going to come knocking down the doors of the PISD with the intent of taking over. The TEA does not operate in this manner!
The building will make things smoother, but it will not degrade the quality of education provided by a fine teaching corps. The PISD will be measured on the quality of the product it graduates and how well the students do on the TAKS exams. Many have agreed that the PISD has needs and are willing to provide, but they want something more reasonable.
One writer even goes into the rumors (some of these rumors have been floating around for over three years)about growth. New Sonic, new hotel and restaurant (new hotel signs have gone up and down in this community over the last few years like one of those 'chipmonk games' that you hit on the head as it pops up), expansion of PaPa Nachos (this is a three year rumor - no action to date), mentions something about new car dealerships (there have been no new dealerships just name changes), church buildings (they pay no property taxes - they take property off the tax rolls), etc. The question for consideration in regards to this writer is - if it is not about a new high school then why not a new middle school? Perhaps a new intermediate school? We want really know for these options were not part of the analysis under consideration.
Open minded folks see this as a challenge. Closed minded folks call this community bashing. For those who think we don't participate in the community, some volunteer at the museum, some volunteer with literacy programs, many have given to the Pitt Band, purchased candles and Pitt Pride T-shirts, advertised to help support Hew Haw, contributed to summer league sports programs, etc. Before you make a statement of this nature you need to be very careful about what you perceive.
Each reader has to decide for him/herself........Is challenging the establishment considered community bashing?
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Appraisals increase
"It has been acknowledged that property tax relief has not been as great as anticipated, partly because of higher property appraisals and also because school boards have been inching their tax rates back UP - which is allowed by law.
Pete Snider, president of Alco Glass Inc. in Mesquite, said his company illustrates the problems with the new tax. If the old franchise tax were still in place, he said, his business would have paid nothing because profits last year were marginal and just below the threshold for taxation. Under the new law, he will have to pay about $6,000. And as far as property tax cuts, he added, increased appraisal values will wipe out the savings his company would have seen in property tax reduction under the new school finance legislation passed in the last special session." per the Dallas Morning News
Mr. Snider's story mirrors conversations with local business owners subject to the new franchise tax. One owner stated that last year his franchise tax was $1,800 and this year his franchise tax is going to be $5,900. Another business who just completed the process of incorporating noticed that he would have paid zero last year, but this year he will owe $2600. The fact that businesses were to pay higher franchise taxes was one of the reasons for the reduction in local property taxes associated with schools. The Legislature cut school property taxes by one-third from $1.50 to $1.00. To replace that lost revenue, lawmakers increased the business franchise tax and added additional businesses who had to pay to the list and increased the tax on a pack of cigs by $1.00.
Regardless of the 43 cent are 32.5 cent tax rate local business owners who pay franchise tax will pay triple - enhanced valuations, additional franchise tax, and higher local school property taxes. The consumer will be the ultimate loser for prices will have to rise to compensate for the increased taxes.
Homeowners will pay double - enhanced property valuations and higher local school property tax rates.
Those of you having your nails done look for higher prices in the near future!
Pete Snider, president of Alco Glass Inc. in Mesquite, said his company illustrates the problems with the new tax. If the old franchise tax were still in place, he said, his business would have paid nothing because profits last year were marginal and just below the threshold for taxation. Under the new law, he will have to pay about $6,000. And as far as property tax cuts, he added, increased appraisal values will wipe out the savings his company would have seen in property tax reduction under the new school finance legislation passed in the last special session." per the Dallas Morning News
Mr. Snider's story mirrors conversations with local business owners subject to the new franchise tax. One owner stated that last year his franchise tax was $1,800 and this year his franchise tax is going to be $5,900. Another business who just completed the process of incorporating noticed that he would have paid zero last year, but this year he will owe $2600. The fact that businesses were to pay higher franchise taxes was one of the reasons for the reduction in local property taxes associated with schools. The Legislature cut school property taxes by one-third from $1.50 to $1.00. To replace that lost revenue, lawmakers increased the business franchise tax and added additional businesses who had to pay to the list and increased the tax on a pack of cigs by $1.00.
Regardless of the 43 cent are 32.5 cent tax rate local business owners who pay franchise tax will pay triple - enhanced valuations, additional franchise tax, and higher local school property taxes. The consumer will be the ultimate loser for prices will have to rise to compensate for the increased taxes.
Homeowners will pay double - enhanced property valuations and higher local school property tax rates.
Those of you having your nails done look for higher prices in the near future!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Popular misconception
The construction of a new high school complex will not and does not promote growth in a community. Presenting an argument such as this is called a 'smoothing technique'.
There is one exception and the exception deals with communities that do not have schools. If a new community builds a school then that community can expect growth to follow. An example is the Chapel Hill ISD. They added a high school and this encouraged growth in the CHISD community. This is not the case in the PISD for we already have a high school and thus no net benefit.
Adding a new high school building to a community that already has a high school provides no measureable community growth benefits.
There is one exception and the exception deals with communities that do not have schools. If a new community builds a school then that community can expect growth to follow. An example is the Chapel Hill ISD. They added a high school and this encouraged growth in the CHISD community. This is not the case in the PISD for we already have a high school and thus no net benefit.
Adding a new high school building to a community that already has a high school provides no measureable community growth benefits.
Property tax system in Texas
I have asked an individual to weigh in on how the property tax system is set up in Texas. Look for the upcoming post.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Why is it
Some of the questions being asked are:
Why is it we have never seen any numbers, plans, figures, etc. for updating the middle and intermediate schools? Did the PISD and facilities committee not seek this information from the architect? If not then why? Was the plan for a new high school complex in the works prior to the appointment of the facilities committee and the facilities committee just the rubber stamp?
The number being tossed around on construction cost is $165 a square foot. The intermediate school could use an additional 5000 square feet of classroom space. At $165 a square foot that comes to $825,000. Another 10,000 square foot at the middle school and you are looking at a cost of $1.65 million. Total for classroom space where it is needed is $2.5 million. According to the local paper the PISD has this amount and more in reserves. Why don't they get busy? They did in regards to a new field house and turf for the football field. Total project costs for those items was estimated at $2.5 million.
A new high school complex is not the only answer! Some added space at the critical areas and better space utilization of what the PISD already owns could be a better answer. I eat lunch with my grand children at times and I have noticed that the tables in the lunch rooms fold up and move on wheels. Space available for use for things like PE, etc. Otherwise the space goes unused except for lunch and choir. Of course this idea does not support the need for a new high school complex.
Here is another novel idea that was discussed. All supporters of the bond proposal must have lots of excess money. Join with the school to set up a tax deductible foundation like some other schools in Texas have done. NTCC has one. Contribute all your excess money towards the construction of a new high school complex, and then you don't infringe upon the rights of property owners who oppose this bond proposal. Problem is solved. Those who want it pay for it. Those who do not want it get to exercise their rights to utilize their money as they see fit. After all I am one of those old folks who has no kids in school, and I have paid my dues.
Why is it we have never seen any numbers, plans, figures, etc. for updating the middle and intermediate schools? Did the PISD and facilities committee not seek this information from the architect? If not then why? Was the plan for a new high school complex in the works prior to the appointment of the facilities committee and the facilities committee just the rubber stamp?
The number being tossed around on construction cost is $165 a square foot. The intermediate school could use an additional 5000 square feet of classroom space. At $165 a square foot that comes to $825,000. Another 10,000 square foot at the middle school and you are looking at a cost of $1.65 million. Total for classroom space where it is needed is $2.5 million. According to the local paper the PISD has this amount and more in reserves. Why don't they get busy? They did in regards to a new field house and turf for the football field. Total project costs for those items was estimated at $2.5 million.
A new high school complex is not the only answer! Some added space at the critical areas and better space utilization of what the PISD already owns could be a better answer. I eat lunch with my grand children at times and I have noticed that the tables in the lunch rooms fold up and move on wheels. Space available for use for things like PE, etc. Otherwise the space goes unused except for lunch and choir. Of course this idea does not support the need for a new high school complex.
Here is another novel idea that was discussed. All supporters of the bond proposal must have lots of excess money. Join with the school to set up a tax deductible foundation like some other schools in Texas have done. NTCC has one. Contribute all your excess money towards the construction of a new high school complex, and then you don't infringe upon the rights of property owners who oppose this bond proposal. Problem is solved. Those who want it pay for it. Those who do not want it get to exercise their rights to utilize their money as they see fit. After all I am one of those old folks who has no kids in school, and I have paid my dues.
Sleazy scare tactics
Since some have made accusations in regards to sleazy scare tactics - thought a real scare might be in order.
Sam's Club, Costco Limit Rice Sales reported by AP
The two biggest U.S. warehouse retail chains are limiting how much rice customers can buy because of what Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., called on Wednesday "recent supply and demand trends."
Sam's Club said it will limit customers to four bags at a time of imported jasmine, basmati and long grain white rice.
A limit on the sale of rice! Don't think this has taken place since WW II. World population is growing and it appears the world is running short on food. Price of commodity food items highest since late 70s.
You going to buy food, gas, pay more in property taxes.....................
This is called reality!
Sam's Club, Costco Limit Rice Sales reported by AP
The two biggest U.S. warehouse retail chains are limiting how much rice customers can buy because of what Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., called on Wednesday "recent supply and demand trends."
Sam's Club said it will limit customers to four bags at a time of imported jasmine, basmati and long grain white rice.
A limit on the sale of rice! Don't think this has taken place since WW II. World population is growing and it appears the world is running short on food. Price of commodity food items highest since late 70s.
You going to buy food, gas, pay more in property taxes.....................
This is called reality!
10 Days to move out
For those who think this sub-prime mess is not going to play a part in our great state.................................
Tammy Dayton, 46, of Lewisville, Texas, who works in outside sales, had rented a 2,700-square-foot home for about two years. One day, a sheriff's deputy came to the door, telling her she'd need to leave because the mortgage wasn't being paid. Once the deputy realized she was a renter and not the owner, she was given 10 days to move out.
"I was totally in a bind," Dayton says. "I didn't know what was going on, and I needed to find another arrangement."
In December, she packed her belongings. Along with her Dalmatian, Target, and black Lab, Samson, she moved into a new home to rent. But Dayton says she hasn't received her rental deposit back.
"I was confused and dumbfounded," she says. "I'd paid my rent month to month. I learned to always be prepared for the unexpected. And this time, I checked out the new place first to be sure it wasn't in default."
Tammy Dayton, 46, of Lewisville, Texas, who works in outside sales, had rented a 2,700-square-foot home for about two years. One day, a sheriff's deputy came to the door, telling her she'd need to leave because the mortgage wasn't being paid. Once the deputy realized she was a renter and not the owner, she was given 10 days to move out.
"I was totally in a bind," Dayton says. "I didn't know what was going on, and I needed to find another arrangement."
In December, she packed her belongings. Along with her Dalmatian, Target, and black Lab, Samson, she moved into a new home to rent. But Dayton says she hasn't received her rental deposit back.
"I was confused and dumbfounded," she says. "I'd paid my rent month to month. I learned to always be prepared for the unexpected. And this time, I checked out the new place first to be sure it wasn't in default."
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Student plans to commit mass murder
From the American Family Association
Student planned mass slaughter at his South Carolina school
April 23, 2008
Did you read The Associated Press story about Ryan Schallenberger in Chesterfield, S.C.? Authorities learned of the student’s plans to commit mass murder at his school. Police discovered a hate-filled journal lauding the Columbine High School killers, an audiotape to be played after he perished during his rampage, and a year's worth of plans for the bombing that included a hand-drawn map of the school. Prosecutor Jay Hodge said, "The kid had the intellect and the means and the materials to carry it out."
Several stories of gang fights on school grounds and attacks on teachers and bus drivers have been in the news recently.
Is it time for parents to pull their children out of public schools?
Student planned mass slaughter at his South Carolina school
April 23, 2008
Did you read The Associated Press story about Ryan Schallenberger in Chesterfield, S.C.? Authorities learned of the student’s plans to commit mass murder at his school. Police discovered a hate-filled journal lauding the Columbine High School killers, an audiotape to be played after he perished during his rampage, and a year's worth of plans for the bombing that included a hand-drawn map of the school. Prosecutor Jay Hodge said, "The kid had the intellect and the means and the materials to carry it out."
Several stories of gang fights on school grounds and attacks on teachers and bus drivers have been in the news recently.
Is it time for parents to pull their children out of public schools?
If you have reached this day in 2008
We’ve all just worked the 113 days required in 2008 to pay for our federal taxes. Now you will need to work another 17 days in 2008 to pay for your local property taxes. If the bond election passes you will need to add another 7 days. We all have different wishes and wants each day. You work 137 days out of 365 days for.......................
I forgot the sales tax aspect, but is this not a more equitable way to fund all our needs and wants?
I forgot the sales tax aspect, but is this not a more equitable way to fund all our needs and wants?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
COMPTROLLER GIVES BUSINESSES AN EXTRA
COMPTROLLER GIVES BUSINESSES AN EXTRA MONTH TO FILE NEW FRANCHISE TAX
For all the pro bond folks perhaps you should take a look into this new business franchise tax that was enacted by the legislature to offset the state granted local property tax reductions for school funding. There is no scare in this new franchise tax for this is the real deal and real businesses will be paying this and more if this bond election passes.
Guess most will feel OK for the coffee shop roundtable reports that most of the bond supporters are none business owners. To be fair I am sure there are business owners on both sides of the issue. I must say though that I spoke with one business owner and this business owner does not want folks to know their NO stance on the issue. "Scared it will hurt business. " They also conveyed that if the bond election did pass they may have to close the doors for business has been trending down over the last eight months. Some real estate folks are concerned that this could do more harm than good. Some realize that folks moving into an area judge the success of the local schools upon the product being produced and not the buildings owned by the school district.
Don't get to comfortable for those businesses are going to have to make up the difference if the bond election passes, and they can only do it by raising the prices you pay for goods and services. Then again - it may not since you may or may not buy your goods and services locally! After all, the two highest paid school employees don't pay property taxes in our community for they live outside the boundaries of the PISD.
For all the pro bond folks perhaps you should take a look into this new business franchise tax that was enacted by the legislature to offset the state granted local property tax reductions for school funding. There is no scare in this new franchise tax for this is the real deal and real businesses will be paying this and more if this bond election passes.
Guess most will feel OK for the coffee shop roundtable reports that most of the bond supporters are none business owners. To be fair I am sure there are business owners on both sides of the issue. I must say though that I spoke with one business owner and this business owner does not want folks to know their NO stance on the issue. "Scared it will hurt business. " They also conveyed that if the bond election did pass they may have to close the doors for business has been trending down over the last eight months. Some real estate folks are concerned that this could do more harm than good. Some realize that folks moving into an area judge the success of the local schools upon the product being produced and not the buildings owned by the school district.
Don't get to comfortable for those businesses are going to have to make up the difference if the bond election passes, and they can only do it by raising the prices you pay for goods and services. Then again - it may not since you may or may not buy your goods and services locally! After all, the two highest paid school employees don't pay property taxes in our community for they live outside the boundaries of the PISD.
More is never enough
We must first decide if we are an affluent society/community. An affluent society is defined as one in which all the people's material wants are easily satisfied; however, there are two possible courses to affluence per Marxhall Sahlins. According to Sahlins wants may be easily satisfied either by producing much or desiring little.
Man's wants are infinite just as the wants for the additional 43 cent property tax rate increase for the PISD. Man's means are limited. Are your means of providing for the additional 43 cent property tax increase limited? The average $50,000 house will see a $215 property tax bill increase. The average $100,000 house will see a $430 property tax bill increase. If you don't have the means then you need to vote NO on the PISD bond issue.
Man's wants are infinite just as the wants for the additional 43 cent property tax rate increase for the PISD. Man's means are limited. Are your means of providing for the additional 43 cent property tax increase limited? The average $50,000 house will see a $215 property tax bill increase. The average $100,000 house will see a $430 property tax bill increase. If you don't have the means then you need to vote NO on the PISD bond issue.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Public indebtedness
Anyone know who said "public indebtedness is the greatest danger to be feared."
Thomas Jefferson made this statement after spending $27 million to purchase Louisiana but was frugal enough to reduce the national debt from $83 million to $57 million in eight years. Here we are looking at $72 million over 30 years and I think this qualifies as public indebtedness!
Thomas Jefferson made this statement after spending $27 million to purchase Louisiana but was frugal enough to reduce the national debt from $83 million to $57 million in eight years. Here we are looking at $72 million over 30 years and I think this qualifies as public indebtedness!
Reeves letter
Still 'ciphering' the letter to the editor. It is similar to a Roe letter in that you need something to drink while you read - coffee will do but it is better with a beer!
Ms. Reeves has great credentials and wordmanship (I am not even sure this is a real word, but it fits the letter to the editor). Now I ask, if the PISD has personnel who submits federal reports due to federal funds received then why would someone risk the threat of perjury?
The disclaimer is disclaiming the difference in state and federal numbers. So, once again we are back to square one in that we have three sets of numbers. Numbers provided by PISD, numbers on the TEA website, and numbers on the Dept. of Education website. Your task - decide which set you want to believe.
Evidently Ms. Reeves has not been listening to the news of late. We have been paying our taxes to make sure our food is inspected and safe, but someone has been taking our money and not inspecting our food! I don't think anyone is arguing the point that we will be paying taxes. The argument is how our taxes are being utilized. Schools seem to want to hog all the money. Cut their funding and they might start doing their job more efficiently!
How terrible is it to have lunch at 10:30 a.m.? Most students have had an early breakfast so they are most likely hungry at 10:30 a.m. Then students are released from school at 3:20 p.m. and I am sure a snack is in the plan before dinner. No student appears to go without for more than three and a half hours. Most adults have to wait five hours! This appears to be proper training on how to be an adult.
"a new auditorium is needed." Lighting and acoustics are simple issues to fix. New lights and a new light set-up that lowers from the ceiling is cheaper and it will solve the problem. Acoustic panels properly placed will do wonders. These items are less costly than a new $4 million auditorium!
Ms. Reeves must not have heard the news from the firm that presented the bond plan. The state has no money and with no money there is NO potential for the state to help with the bond issue. Folks need to quit leading other folks down the wrong path in regards to this issue. Folks need to get the facts straight on this issue for no one should be voting YES on this issue in hopes the state may/might help. Property owners who pay the bills will be footing the full 43 cent amount and this will make your total PISD tax rate $1.54. This is 10 cents higher than it was two years ago.
On the issue of growth. The US Census has shown growth in this area for the last 50 years. 50 years has gone by and our growth has been minimal (if you add an additional 43 cents on the PISD tax rate then those who may come will probably find a cheaper school tax rate elsewhere). Several demographic studies have been completed for this area by several different organizations and none show EXCESSIVE growth as you are being led to believe.
The sleazy scare tactics - you will have to decide as to which if any side is using such ................................
Ms. Reeves has great credentials and wordmanship (I am not even sure this is a real word, but it fits the letter to the editor). Now I ask, if the PISD has personnel who submits federal reports due to federal funds received then why would someone risk the threat of perjury?
The disclaimer is disclaiming the difference in state and federal numbers. So, once again we are back to square one in that we have three sets of numbers. Numbers provided by PISD, numbers on the TEA website, and numbers on the Dept. of Education website. Your task - decide which set you want to believe.
Evidently Ms. Reeves has not been listening to the news of late. We have been paying our taxes to make sure our food is inspected and safe, but someone has been taking our money and not inspecting our food! I don't think anyone is arguing the point that we will be paying taxes. The argument is how our taxes are being utilized. Schools seem to want to hog all the money. Cut their funding and they might start doing their job more efficiently!
How terrible is it to have lunch at 10:30 a.m.? Most students have had an early breakfast so they are most likely hungry at 10:30 a.m. Then students are released from school at 3:20 p.m. and I am sure a snack is in the plan before dinner. No student appears to go without for more than three and a half hours. Most adults have to wait five hours! This appears to be proper training on how to be an adult.
"a new auditorium is needed." Lighting and acoustics are simple issues to fix. New lights and a new light set-up that lowers from the ceiling is cheaper and it will solve the problem. Acoustic panels properly placed will do wonders. These items are less costly than a new $4 million auditorium!
Ms. Reeves must not have heard the news from the firm that presented the bond plan. The state has no money and with no money there is NO potential for the state to help with the bond issue. Folks need to quit leading other folks down the wrong path in regards to this issue. Folks need to get the facts straight on this issue for no one should be voting YES on this issue in hopes the state may/might help. Property owners who pay the bills will be footing the full 43 cent amount and this will make your total PISD tax rate $1.54. This is 10 cents higher than it was two years ago.
On the issue of growth. The US Census has shown growth in this area for the last 50 years. 50 years has gone by and our growth has been minimal (if you add an additional 43 cents on the PISD tax rate then those who may come will probably find a cheaper school tax rate elsewhere). Several demographic studies have been completed for this area by several different organizations and none show EXCESSIVE growth as you are being led to believe.
The sleazy scare tactics - you will have to decide as to which if any side is using such ................................
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Random thoughts
I followed the directions from the coffee shop round table and read the local paper and I must say the Richardson individual sure has some spunk. Not often you find someone taking on the local establishment.
Read the letter from Reeves and I am still trying to decipher its meaning. Stay tuned as I will put on my 'cipher hat' and do some research on some of the input provided.
In the latest update from the State Comptroller's office and the Texas Workforce Commission our area of the state shows an increase in the number of folks now unemployed. Looks like all the growth is in and around the Austin area of our state. This pokes a hole in one of the arguments presented in the letter to the editor from Reeves about area growth. Realize this number could change soon for I understand that Pilgrim's Pride now has some job openings at the processing plants!
On the issue of the immigration raids, if I heard right the spokesman for LULAC was on KLTV news and he said "80% of the workers in the Pilgrim's Pride processing plants were most likely illegal immigrants." The number reported at the coffee shop round table was 50%. Folks, if this is correct and the INS continues to raid and forward these individuals back home this most likely will relieve the so called school overcrowding problem that some seemed to be concerned enough about to spend $36.5 million dollars to try and correct. This also brings up another problem in that who is going to pluck the chickens and get them ready for processing?
Who is a part of the middle class? It has now been reported that Senator Obama and spouse earned$4.2 million in 2007, Senator Clinton and spouse earned $20.4 million in 2007, and Senator McCain earned $405,409.00 in 2007. Evidently Senator McCain does not get to share in his spouse's fortunes due to a
pre-nup agreement (if I had thought of one of those I might have made it into the new middle class). How do you represent someone in the middle class if you are not a part of the middle class? Guess they figure $4.2 million, $20.4 million and $405,000 is middle class. We sure do have a lot more poor and economically disadvantaged than what I anticipated!
It has now been reported that the older we become our contentment grows. Older people learn to be content with what they have. Sounds like good advice in regards to a new PISD school auditorium, etc. So let's all act old and content and say NO to the upcoming bond issue and send the PISD back to the drawing board to come forth with the real needs.
In a recently released survey by Sam Houston State University it states that an average 44-year old female who teaches school earns $47,545.00 a year. This is one of the reasons given for 44% of the teaching corp in Texas to seriously consider quitting. Guess this would be right considering they are no longer part of the NEW middle class. Another was working conditions. If you dig deep into the study you see that working conditions is not defined by the facility in which they work. Working conditions is defined as safety, lack of proper leadership, amount of paper work, and the politics that goes along with the job. One of the key reasons for enjoying the job - summers off.
Read the letter from Reeves and I am still trying to decipher its meaning. Stay tuned as I will put on my 'cipher hat' and do some research on some of the input provided.
In the latest update from the State Comptroller's office and the Texas Workforce Commission our area of the state shows an increase in the number of folks now unemployed. Looks like all the growth is in and around the Austin area of our state. This pokes a hole in one of the arguments presented in the letter to the editor from Reeves about area growth. Realize this number could change soon for I understand that Pilgrim's Pride now has some job openings at the processing plants!
On the issue of the immigration raids, if I heard right the spokesman for LULAC was on KLTV news and he said "80% of the workers in the Pilgrim's Pride processing plants were most likely illegal immigrants." The number reported at the coffee shop round table was 50%. Folks, if this is correct and the INS continues to raid and forward these individuals back home this most likely will relieve the so called school overcrowding problem that some seemed to be concerned enough about to spend $36.5 million dollars to try and correct. This also brings up another problem in that who is going to pluck the chickens and get them ready for processing?
Who is a part of the middle class? It has now been reported that Senator Obama and spouse earned$4.2 million in 2007, Senator Clinton and spouse earned $20.4 million in 2007, and Senator McCain earned $405,409.00 in 2007. Evidently Senator McCain does not get to share in his spouse's fortunes due to a
pre-nup agreement (if I had thought of one of those I might have made it into the new middle class). How do you represent someone in the middle class if you are not a part of the middle class? Guess they figure $4.2 million, $20.4 million and $405,000 is middle class. We sure do have a lot more poor and economically disadvantaged than what I anticipated!
It has now been reported that the older we become our contentment grows. Older people learn to be content with what they have. Sounds like good advice in regards to a new PISD school auditorium, etc. So let's all act old and content and say NO to the upcoming bond issue and send the PISD back to the drawing board to come forth with the real needs.
In a recently released survey by Sam Houston State University it states that an average 44-year old female who teaches school earns $47,545.00 a year. This is one of the reasons given for 44% of the teaching corp in Texas to seriously consider quitting. Guess this would be right considering they are no longer part of the NEW middle class. Another was working conditions. If you dig deep into the study you see that working conditions is not defined by the facility in which they work. Working conditions is defined as safety, lack of proper leadership, amount of paper work, and the politics that goes along with the job. One of the key reasons for enjoying the job - summers off.
Friday, April 18, 2008
How bad is the new business tax going to be
After returning from Utah this week on Friday AM I attended one of the local coffee shop round table meetings and I must say things are abuzz. I have been instructed to read the local paper, so I will tackle that task over the weekend.
The renegade sect of the LDS sure has the conversation flowing among the folks in Utah. Blame it on Texas was the theme! I am not sure what they were trying to blame on us here in Texas. I have to go back in a few weeks so I will try to find out what Texas has done wrong.
According to an associate Mr. Sullivan it appears businesses are trying to determine how bad the new business tax is going to be....................................................
"Small businesses around the state are figuring out how much they have to fork over under the state’s new business tax, which is due May 15; they aren’t happy. No one is or should be. The gross (margins) tax was sold as a way to off-set property tax rate reductions (which happened), but most homeowners haven’t seen their tax burdens decline. And won’t.
The new tax is confusing, it’s frustrating and it’s simply bad economics no matter how you slice it. Businesses don’t pay taxes, businesses remit taxes. Only people pay taxes. Tax burdens placed on business are shared by business owners, shareholders and investors, employees, customers and the community at large.
Business taxes are attractive to politicians seeking to hide the cost of government without too many people actually seeing the bill. As a weapon in the arsenal of class warfare, business tax casualties are always lower-tier/entry-level employees and families struggling to start new businesses.
In short, the collateral damage of any business tax is the goose laying the golden egg of economic growth. In this latest iteration, the new business tax was designed to allow government to keep spending money while pretending property taxes were being cut.
Sure, some property owners might have seen a minor reduction in their property tax bill – but not enough to off-set the new tax, and everyone knows the unreformed appraisal system means property taxes will only rise. Republicans legislators gave Texas this new tax, and it’s in their political interest to end it."
"The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin." -- Mark Twain
Want be much skin left if this bond election passes. State just cut us some slack and now the local taxing PISD wants to take it away. Just don't seem fair!
The renegade sect of the LDS sure has the conversation flowing among the folks in Utah. Blame it on Texas was the theme! I am not sure what they were trying to blame on us here in Texas. I have to go back in a few weeks so I will try to find out what Texas has done wrong.
According to an associate Mr. Sullivan it appears businesses are trying to determine how bad the new business tax is going to be....................................................
"Small businesses around the state are figuring out how much they have to fork over under the state’s new business tax, which is due May 15; they aren’t happy. No one is or should be. The gross (margins) tax was sold as a way to off-set property tax rate reductions (which happened), but most homeowners haven’t seen their tax burdens decline. And won’t.
The new tax is confusing, it’s frustrating and it’s simply bad economics no matter how you slice it. Businesses don’t pay taxes, businesses remit taxes. Only people pay taxes. Tax burdens placed on business are shared by business owners, shareholders and investors, employees, customers and the community at large.
Business taxes are attractive to politicians seeking to hide the cost of government without too many people actually seeing the bill. As a weapon in the arsenal of class warfare, business tax casualties are always lower-tier/entry-level employees and families struggling to start new businesses.
In short, the collateral damage of any business tax is the goose laying the golden egg of economic growth. In this latest iteration, the new business tax was designed to allow government to keep spending money while pretending property taxes were being cut.
Sure, some property owners might have seen a minor reduction in their property tax bill – but not enough to off-set the new tax, and everyone knows the unreformed appraisal system means property taxes will only rise. Republicans legislators gave Texas this new tax, and it’s in their political interest to end it."
"The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin." -- Mark Twain
Want be much skin left if this bond election passes. State just cut us some slack and now the local taxing PISD wants to take it away. Just don't seem fair!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Our lesson
Our lesson is this: they’re using OUR money so we have every right to oversee its use and ask how it is used.
Their money comes from property taxes you pay, sales taxes you pay, business taxes you pay, federal income taxes you pay, etc.
Don't be shy about asking questions and holding them accountable. If you don't then you will find your little piggy bank empty one day!
Why do I write this, the PISD has now crossed the boundary line in regards to solicitation. Sending children home to tell their parents that they must come to the school to see why they need a new school. This crosses the line! This is a vote solicitation and not an impartial data sheet. It has been reported that a student in the younger grades reported home to his parents and said "the teacher says you have to come to the school to see the reason why we need the bond to pass." This is a strong arm tactic for a Pro vote, and this is not allowed under the laws of this state in regards to bond elections. This might be an over zealous teacher, regardless the PISD administration needs to step in and remind all school employees what they can and cannot do in regards to a bond election. If they don't then they put this bond election in jeopardy and subject a Pro outcome to an overturn through the judicial system.
The ironic thing about this child - he is a young child and will only repeat what he is told, and the child does not attend high school. What building is proposed to be new - a high school. The educrats need not use the young children as their mouthpiece, and are prohibited by law from doing so.
Their money comes from property taxes you pay, sales taxes you pay, business taxes you pay, federal income taxes you pay, etc.
Don't be shy about asking questions and holding them accountable. If you don't then you will find your little piggy bank empty one day!
Why do I write this, the PISD has now crossed the boundary line in regards to solicitation. Sending children home to tell their parents that they must come to the school to see why they need a new school. This crosses the line! This is a vote solicitation and not an impartial data sheet. It has been reported that a student in the younger grades reported home to his parents and said "the teacher says you have to come to the school to see the reason why we need the bond to pass." This is a strong arm tactic for a Pro vote, and this is not allowed under the laws of this state in regards to bond elections. This might be an over zealous teacher, regardless the PISD administration needs to step in and remind all school employees what they can and cannot do in regards to a bond election. If they don't then they put this bond election in jeopardy and subject a Pro outcome to an overturn through the judicial system.
The ironic thing about this child - he is a young child and will only repeat what he is told, and the child does not attend high school. What building is proposed to be new - a high school. The educrats need not use the young children as their mouthpiece, and are prohibited by law from doing so.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Trust in trustees
$36.5 million who do you trust with your money?
The public faith is at a new all time low for all levels of government in the State of Texas per a public opinion poll.
In speaking with a gentleman last week in another community of our state who does economic forecasting he said "school districts were going to be the 'straw that breaks the camels back' with regards to tax burden in this state. If someone does not get a hold on their lack of checkbook control, look for the education ship to experience a mutiny. I don't think the TEA, TCTA, TSTA, TASB, TASA, etc. will be able to hold it back."
Based upon their economic forecasting "it appears that Texas will head in the tank with the rest of the nation. Texas should start to see its downturn in all areas by mid-summer. The lone exception was the petro industry. Hotel rooms are already recording less advance reservations than in past years, amusement park season pass sales were lower, and retail appeared to be heading toward a slump. Church and charitable contributions appear to be lagging over previous years as well. Home foreclosures appear to be increasing across the state except in the Houston area." Guess it is a good time to be employed in the petro industry in Houston, Texas!
Back to the $36.5 million dollars. If this bond election is passed everyone knows that the PISD does not have to use the money as proposed. The way I read the law, once the PISD gets the money they may do with it as they please. One of the issues I see at the PISD as I have seen at other ISDs is that the board has lost focus with the taxpayers. They have sided with the administration, and have stopped asking the hard questions (this issue goes deeper than the bond issue). Thus, one of the reasons for the lack of public faith.
Here is the question - Do property owners and property taxpayers trust the current administration and PISD board of TRUSTEES with $36.5 million?
As always you will have to draw your on conclusions on the issue of trust.........................................
The public faith is at a new all time low for all levels of government in the State of Texas per a public opinion poll.
In speaking with a gentleman last week in another community of our state who does economic forecasting he said "school districts were going to be the 'straw that breaks the camels back' with regards to tax burden in this state. If someone does not get a hold on their lack of checkbook control, look for the education ship to experience a mutiny. I don't think the TEA, TCTA, TSTA, TASB, TASA, etc. will be able to hold it back."
Based upon their economic forecasting "it appears that Texas will head in the tank with the rest of the nation. Texas should start to see its downturn in all areas by mid-summer. The lone exception was the petro industry. Hotel rooms are already recording less advance reservations than in past years, amusement park season pass sales were lower, and retail appeared to be heading toward a slump. Church and charitable contributions appear to be lagging over previous years as well. Home foreclosures appear to be increasing across the state except in the Houston area." Guess it is a good time to be employed in the petro industry in Houston, Texas!
Back to the $36.5 million dollars. If this bond election is passed everyone knows that the PISD does not have to use the money as proposed. The way I read the law, once the PISD gets the money they may do with it as they please. One of the issues I see at the PISD as I have seen at other ISDs is that the board has lost focus with the taxpayers. They have sided with the administration, and have stopped asking the hard questions (this issue goes deeper than the bond issue). Thus, one of the reasons for the lack of public faith.
Here is the question - Do property owners and property taxpayers trust the current administration and PISD board of TRUSTEES with $36.5 million?
As always you will have to draw your on conclusions on the issue of trust.........................................
Southern comfort
Do you realize that if this bond election passes - unborn children will inherit this debt! A 1st grader will be 36 years old when this debt is finalized.
Is this the legacy we want to pass on to our children? This is a mighty big burden for such a small place.
On a trip last week I got a call from a friend who informed me that our largest employer may have to start evictions from the main office if things don't pick up.
I find no southern comfort in passing a burden on to the unborn.
Is this the legacy we want to pass on to our children? This is a mighty big burden for such a small place.
On a trip last week I got a call from a friend who informed me that our largest employer may have to start evictions from the main office if things don't pick up.
I find no southern comfort in passing a burden on to the unborn.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
All Quiet on the East Texas Front
Has anyone noticed how quiet the pro-bond people have been on this blog. I haven't seen any new postings or comments from them for some time. I wonder if this means that they have said all they have to say, i.e., we want your tax dollars to build out new school and we want them now regardless of how you feel about being over taxed. Perhaps they are just confident that they have won the battle and feel that nothing else needs to be said.
Do we need a re-newed campaign?
Do we need a re-newed campaign?
Fishing on Lake Fork
On Monday I was fishing at Fork and picked up one of those weekly swap meet trade rags and in it I found an interesting letter from the Superintendent of Lone Oak ISD to Lone Oak ISD Taxpayers. The superintendent was trying to justify to taxpayers that they would actually be paying a lower tax rate than last year if they approved the vote on the tax increase. He completely left out the fact that the state legislature granted the lower tax rate when it approved the new school finance package. He was trying to make the property taxpayer feel good about paying less. Only problem the actual rate was a rate higher than the legislature put in place under the school finance property tax reduction plan.
It appears the previous year Lone Oak ISD tax rate was $1.515 and he was seeking approval for a rate of $1.375. The legislature set a maximum rate of $1.04. If taxpayers voted to approve they would actually be increasing their taxable amount by .335 cents in place of getting the tax rate approved by the state legislature.
Interesting how these guys try to spin for more money.
Caught a couple nice fish for the dinner table.
It appears the previous year Lone Oak ISD tax rate was $1.515 and he was seeking approval for a rate of $1.375. The legislature set a maximum rate of $1.04. If taxpayers voted to approve they would actually be increasing their taxable amount by .335 cents in place of getting the tax rate approved by the state legislature.
Interesting how these guys try to spin for more money.
Caught a couple nice fish for the dinner table.
Local government spending
From 1990 to 2005, adjusted for inflation, Texas state government spending per person grew 56% while the state’s per-person economic production grew at half that rate, 28%.Between 1980 and 2005, local government spending, adjusted for inflation, increased 158%.
We pay among the highest property taxes in the nation. Our local governments are in debt beyond their means, and keep asking for more (school districts have begun asking for record amounts in bonds, more than $800 million in some cases).
We pay among the highest property taxes in the nation. Our local governments are in debt beyond their means, and keep asking for more (school districts have begun asking for record amounts in bonds, more than $800 million in some cases).
Arguments about the right time
There is no real right time for a tax increase, but this seems like a terrible time to pursue an increase. If you are fortunate enough to have health insurance you have probably seen a premium increase. The average increase has been 34% the past few years. Others such as homeowners, auto, and commercial liability insurance have also seen an increase.
Along with the premium increase more than likely your deductible has seen an increase. All have experienced the new price in fuel and food since 2007.
Readers will have to draw their own conclusions as to if they can afford the additional tax rate increase of 43 cents.
Along with the premium increase more than likely your deductible has seen an increase. All have experienced the new price in fuel and food since 2007.
Readers will have to draw their own conclusions as to if they can afford the additional tax rate increase of 43 cents.
Tax rate research
Another poster here on the blog made the statement that PISD has had a low tax rate for years, so I decided to check some of my property tax statements and make some phone calls.
Mt. Vernon ISD appears to be 99 cents ( I don't have a rate on my statement, but a total amount owed, so I did some math)
Winnsboro ISD = $1.04
PISD = $1.11
These rates were for 2007. I still have calls out to MPISD, DISD, and Gilmer ISD. I will let readers draw their own conclusions.
I have been seeing all the signs supporting the election, wonder if a campaign finance report has been completed?
Mt. Vernon ISD appears to be 99 cents ( I don't have a rate on my statement, but a total amount owed, so I did some math)
Winnsboro ISD = $1.04
PISD = $1.11
These rates were for 2007. I still have calls out to MPISD, DISD, and Gilmer ISD. I will let readers draw their own conclusions.
I have been seeing all the signs supporting the election, wonder if a campaign finance report has been completed?
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Interesting letters to the editor this week
Three years in Camp County I guess I am still considered a new comer (non-native)..............
I read the letters this week with interest. Two of the letters pleaded for new space not a new high school. I found this interesting! I am still a bit confused about the bond election. I was visiting with a neighbor and I was questioning him about the naysayers (STOP group) to which one of the writers referred. My neighbor told me that he visited with a gentleman two years ago and this individual helped him with his property valuation. He said this gentleman could probably answer questions about the group. I called the gentleman on the phone. I asked if he was related to the individual who wrote the letter to the editor. He informed me that he had not picked up a copy of the paper yet so he did not know who wrote the letter. I stated that he had the same last name. He informed me that he was not related. I asked if I could ask some questions about STOP. Sure, was his reply.
The first question I asked is what is STOP. He informed me that the informal group started about four years ago in response to excessive property valuations. "The state had came in and informed the local CAD that the PVS showed that some commercial and residential property in Camp County was extremely undervalued. A meeting was held at the local winery to help educate property owners as to what they could and could not do in regards to protesting their property valuations." He said the group was a little radical in the beginning in order to get officials attention. He referred to the Boston Tea Party being radical and leading to change. The group started in similar fashion, but over the past three years had mainly worked on educating property owners on how to protest their valuations. "The group brought State Rep. Bryan Hughes in for a town hall meeting to give property owners a chance to share their opinions with their state rep." I got the impression the group has made presentations in several locations across the state.
He went on to say that the group had joined with several other similar groups across the state in regards to property appraisal reform efforts. He said several members of the group had spent a lot of their personal time, money, energy, effort, etc. appearing before committee hearings in Austin in regards to appraisal reform and school finance issues. He said he worked as a grassroots coordinator for the governor appointed task force on appraisal reforms two years ago. He said the group had worked with Americans for Prosperity on issues in regards to appraisal reform and school finance issues. He mentioned that after Susan Combs was elected as Comptroller the group met in Austin with her Property Tax Division staff and her chief of staff on issues regarding property valuations and the property value study. He went on to say that he and others had worked with property owners in Camp, Titus, Franklin, Bowie, Lamar, Red River, Comal, Morris, Upshur, Ellis and Wood counties in regards to educating on the information needed to protest and the procedures on how to protest and what to expect from CAD staff and appraisal review boards.
He said that the group is still active with other groups across the state on appraisal reforms. He expressed disappointment with the last legislative session in that they got so close, but Rep. Fred Hill blocked all appraisal reform proposals. He was more positive on the upcoming legislative session since Rep. Hill had chosen to retire from the legislature.
The group offered testimony during the special session on school finance. "The group along with others across the state worked to get the property tax lowered, and we did. The school property tax was lowered from $1.50 to $1.33 the first year and then this last year is was lowered to $1.00. Each local district had the option to add an additional 4 cents without the consent of voters. He said the PISD elected to adopted the additional 4 cents to give PISD a tax rate of $1.04 last year. What we were unhappy about was the shift in the local property taxes to businesses. This year any incorporated, LLC, LLP, etc. will be paying more in franchise tax. The group along with the other groups we work with will be back in Austin in 2009 to work on the franchise tax." Sounds like the STOP group has been active in a good way for taxpayers.
He went on to say that he remembers the meeting at the winery, and that several of those there that night could be supporters of the bond issue today. He said he saw nothing wrong with this in that most are educated individuals and they are entitled to what they want and do not want to support. I asked him if STOP was endorsing a NO vote on the bond issue. He responded, "To his knowledge STOP had never endorsed a candidate, position, etc. We are more concerned with revamping the system statewide; however, we have to remain active on the local level in order to be heard in Austin. As to the issue on the school bond - individuals associated with the group are entitled to their own opinions and will do their own homework." He said a few of the members had talked about some of the differences in data and information, but each would draw his/her own conclusions. I asked him how he sided on the issue and he responded that at this time he had not made up his mind. He understands there are some needs, and he has kids in the school system, but he had not come to a conclusion. He said he was a little disappointed in the anonymous letters being sent. He understands that some can become emotional about such an issue, but the name calling, etc. was not a good thing for such a small community.
I informed him that the writer of the letter felt that the group was unthankful that just a few years ago the tax rate went down. His response, "the STOP group and other groups across the state worked to get the tax rate lowered and we did accomplish this two years ago. No one on the local level had anything to do with the lowering of the tax rates. This was part of the new school finance reform package that came out of the special session. So, I don't think we are unthankful for working to get the tax rate lowered for all property owners of this state. This goes back to the individuals spending their own time and money to attend these hearings and provide testimony to the legislative committees. We never asked for any thanks, and we never expected any thanks."
I asked him about the history of the tax rates for the PISD. I informed him that the writer of the letter stated "when the bond election passes, the tax rate will only increase to what it was a few years back." His response, "evidently they don't know what the PISD tax rates have been the past few years. The rate three years ago was $1.44 with 7 cents being a payoff for a previous bond debt. The rate two years ago I believe was a $1.40, but I would have to confirm that. I know the state dropped the rate to $1.33 and I am not sure if the PISD dropped the rate to a $1.26 and then added the 7 cents for bond debt are not. In 2007 the PISD tax rate was $1.04 plus .07 for bond debt for a total rate of $1.11. If you add the new bond debt rate of 43 cents to the current rate then the rate for 2008 will be $1.54. This is 10 cents higher than it was before the state lowered the rate. The writer of the letter must be confused on the numbers." Based upon the coffee shop roundtables I have been attending there appears to be a lot of confused numbers floating around!
The gentleman was extremely polite and seemed very knowledgeable on the property valuation process, central appraisal districts, appraisal district boards, property value studies, and the property tax division of the comptroller's office. I got lost on the property value study and how it applies to school funding. Each will have to draw their own conclusions and how they cast their vote in the coming PISD bond election.
I read the letters this week with interest. Two of the letters pleaded for new space not a new high school. I found this interesting! I am still a bit confused about the bond election. I was visiting with a neighbor and I was questioning him about the naysayers (STOP group) to which one of the writers referred. My neighbor told me that he visited with a gentleman two years ago and this individual helped him with his property valuation. He said this gentleman could probably answer questions about the group. I called the gentleman on the phone. I asked if he was related to the individual who wrote the letter to the editor. He informed me that he had not picked up a copy of the paper yet so he did not know who wrote the letter. I stated that he had the same last name. He informed me that he was not related. I asked if I could ask some questions about STOP. Sure, was his reply.
The first question I asked is what is STOP. He informed me that the informal group started about four years ago in response to excessive property valuations. "The state had came in and informed the local CAD that the PVS showed that some commercial and residential property in Camp County was extremely undervalued. A meeting was held at the local winery to help educate property owners as to what they could and could not do in regards to protesting their property valuations." He said the group was a little radical in the beginning in order to get officials attention. He referred to the Boston Tea Party being radical and leading to change. The group started in similar fashion, but over the past three years had mainly worked on educating property owners on how to protest their valuations. "The group brought State Rep. Bryan Hughes in for a town hall meeting to give property owners a chance to share their opinions with their state rep." I got the impression the group has made presentations in several locations across the state.
He went on to say that the group had joined with several other similar groups across the state in regards to property appraisal reform efforts. He said several members of the group had spent a lot of their personal time, money, energy, effort, etc. appearing before committee hearings in Austin in regards to appraisal reform and school finance issues. He said he worked as a grassroots coordinator for the governor appointed task force on appraisal reforms two years ago. He said the group had worked with Americans for Prosperity on issues in regards to appraisal reform and school finance issues. He mentioned that after Susan Combs was elected as Comptroller the group met in Austin with her Property Tax Division staff and her chief of staff on issues regarding property valuations and the property value study. He went on to say that he and others had worked with property owners in Camp, Titus, Franklin, Bowie, Lamar, Red River, Comal, Morris, Upshur, Ellis and Wood counties in regards to educating on the information needed to protest and the procedures on how to protest and what to expect from CAD staff and appraisal review boards.
He said that the group is still active with other groups across the state on appraisal reforms. He expressed disappointment with the last legislative session in that they got so close, but Rep. Fred Hill blocked all appraisal reform proposals. He was more positive on the upcoming legislative session since Rep. Hill had chosen to retire from the legislature.
The group offered testimony during the special session on school finance. "The group along with others across the state worked to get the property tax lowered, and we did. The school property tax was lowered from $1.50 to $1.33 the first year and then this last year is was lowered to $1.00. Each local district had the option to add an additional 4 cents without the consent of voters. He said the PISD elected to adopted the additional 4 cents to give PISD a tax rate of $1.04 last year. What we were unhappy about was the shift in the local property taxes to businesses. This year any incorporated, LLC, LLP, etc. will be paying more in franchise tax. The group along with the other groups we work with will be back in Austin in 2009 to work on the franchise tax." Sounds like the STOP group has been active in a good way for taxpayers.
He went on to say that he remembers the meeting at the winery, and that several of those there that night could be supporters of the bond issue today. He said he saw nothing wrong with this in that most are educated individuals and they are entitled to what they want and do not want to support. I asked him if STOP was endorsing a NO vote on the bond issue. He responded, "To his knowledge STOP had never endorsed a candidate, position, etc. We are more concerned with revamping the system statewide; however, we have to remain active on the local level in order to be heard in Austin. As to the issue on the school bond - individuals associated with the group are entitled to their own opinions and will do their own homework." He said a few of the members had talked about some of the differences in data and information, but each would draw his/her own conclusions. I asked him how he sided on the issue and he responded that at this time he had not made up his mind. He understands there are some needs, and he has kids in the school system, but he had not come to a conclusion. He said he was a little disappointed in the anonymous letters being sent. He understands that some can become emotional about such an issue, but the name calling, etc. was not a good thing for such a small community.
I informed him that the writer of the letter felt that the group was unthankful that just a few years ago the tax rate went down. His response, "the STOP group and other groups across the state worked to get the tax rate lowered and we did accomplish this two years ago. No one on the local level had anything to do with the lowering of the tax rates. This was part of the new school finance reform package that came out of the special session. So, I don't think we are unthankful for working to get the tax rate lowered for all property owners of this state. This goes back to the individuals spending their own time and money to attend these hearings and provide testimony to the legislative committees. We never asked for any thanks, and we never expected any thanks."
I asked him about the history of the tax rates for the PISD. I informed him that the writer of the letter stated "when the bond election passes, the tax rate will only increase to what it was a few years back." His response, "evidently they don't know what the PISD tax rates have been the past few years. The rate three years ago was $1.44 with 7 cents being a payoff for a previous bond debt. The rate two years ago I believe was a $1.40, but I would have to confirm that. I know the state dropped the rate to $1.33 and I am not sure if the PISD dropped the rate to a $1.26 and then added the 7 cents for bond debt are not. In 2007 the PISD tax rate was $1.04 plus .07 for bond debt for a total rate of $1.11. If you add the new bond debt rate of 43 cents to the current rate then the rate for 2008 will be $1.54. This is 10 cents higher than it was before the state lowered the rate. The writer of the letter must be confused on the numbers." Based upon the coffee shop roundtables I have been attending there appears to be a lot of confused numbers floating around!
The gentleman was extremely polite and seemed very knowledgeable on the property valuation process, central appraisal districts, appraisal district boards, property value studies, and the property tax division of the comptroller's office. I got lost on the property value study and how it applies to school funding. Each will have to draw their own conclusions and how they cast their vote in the coming PISD bond election.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Consider challenging property tax increase
"Camp County has always had lower taxes than the surrounding area" something to that effect was from a previous poster on this site. I decided to do a little homework on school tax rates and what I found was PISD tax rates have always been higher than the surrounding area. If this bond passes we will have the highest school tax rate in the area.
You owe it to your pocket book to vote "NO" in the upcoming bond election.
If the PISD is serious about facilities improvements then let them appoint an unbiased committee of non-school personnel (and related spouses) to take a serious look at the facility issues. No doubt there are some facility needs; however, building a new high school does not solve the problem. Read the list of needs on the handout sent home by the Primary School on Wednesday. Very little on the handout addresses issues at the high school. According to that handout the Intermediate and Jr. High are the campuses with the most needs, but you are being led to believe that a new high school with a new gym and auditorium will solve all the problems. $15 million would solve most if not all the problems associated with the PISD projected (questionable) growth numbers.
Whatever amount of money you provide to bureaucrats it will never be enough. In the last few years the PISD has received additional tax money with the addition of a new HQ and Distribution Facility for Pilgrim's, Fred's, Family Dollar, Pizza Inn, etc. What did the PISD spend the additional money on? New athletic field house and a rug for the football field! And we are suppose to provide them an additional $36 million. It would be a bad business decision to provide an additional $36 million to an irresponsible operation.
It is your money and your pocketbook.
You owe it to your pocket book to vote "NO" in the upcoming bond election.
If the PISD is serious about facilities improvements then let them appoint an unbiased committee of non-school personnel (and related spouses) to take a serious look at the facility issues. No doubt there are some facility needs; however, building a new high school does not solve the problem. Read the list of needs on the handout sent home by the Primary School on Wednesday. Very little on the handout addresses issues at the high school. According to that handout the Intermediate and Jr. High are the campuses with the most needs, but you are being led to believe that a new high school with a new gym and auditorium will solve all the problems. $15 million would solve most if not all the problems associated with the PISD projected (questionable) growth numbers.
Whatever amount of money you provide to bureaucrats it will never be enough. In the last few years the PISD has received additional tax money with the addition of a new HQ and Distribution Facility for Pilgrim's, Fred's, Family Dollar, Pizza Inn, etc. What did the PISD spend the additional money on? New athletic field house and a rug for the football field! And we are suppose to provide them an additional $36 million. It would be a bad business decision to provide an additional $36 million to an irresponsible operation.
It is your money and your pocketbook.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Impulsive and impatience
"We are impulsive, we are impatient and, most important of all, we fund our impulsiveness and impatience with lots and lots of spending."
You know who else knows this? Stores. There's a very good and profitable reason why tabloids and candy bars are at the checkout aisles. Anywhere you go, you'll also likely see small items by the register like trinkets or votive candles or whatever.
Frugal spending is an art that requires practice.
Governmental entities have access to a piggy bank that is filled by the taxpayers. It gets filled anytime they feel it is necessary to raise additional money in the form of a tax rate increase. This takes money out of your piggy bank and puts it into their piggy bank. The taxpayer will go without before a taxing entity goes without. How is this practicing frugal spending? Living within one's means is a difficult task when one has a bottomless piggy bank.
Don't let this new high school complex become the replacement for the tabloids and candy bars at the checkout aisle!
You know who else knows this? Stores. There's a very good and profitable reason why tabloids and candy bars are at the checkout aisles. Anywhere you go, you'll also likely see small items by the register like trinkets or votive candles or whatever.
Frugal spending is an art that requires practice.
Governmental entities have access to a piggy bank that is filled by the taxpayers. It gets filled anytime they feel it is necessary to raise additional money in the form of a tax rate increase. This takes money out of your piggy bank and puts it into their piggy bank. The taxpayer will go without before a taxing entity goes without. How is this practicing frugal spending? Living within one's means is a difficult task when one has a bottomless piggy bank.
Don't let this new high school complex become the replacement for the tabloids and candy bars at the checkout aisle!
Advertisers scare you
Advertisers scare you by showing a burglar breaking into a home and then flashing a telephone number for a security-system company. They show you beer and snack commercials during football season, and pizza-delivery commercials late in the evening. They know they can take advantage of your need for instant gratification and bypass your normal decision-making patterns.
They're smart, but you're smarter. Make sure you know all the facts before you vote on a bond that will end up being a tax lien on your private property for the next 30 years. Regardless of who's numbers you believe, don't let them scare you into something that could be of great cost to your pocket book. Truth be told neither side probably has the right numbers. Don't let instant gratification bypass your normal decision-making abilities.
They're smart, but you're smarter. Make sure you know all the facts before you vote on a bond that will end up being a tax lien on your private property for the next 30 years. Regardless of who's numbers you believe, don't let them scare you into something that could be of great cost to your pocket book. Truth be told neither side probably has the right numbers. Don't let instant gratification bypass your normal decision-making abilities.
More is better mentality
becoming 'knowledgeable and sophisticated' does mean learning enough so that you can free yourself from the fear and confusion (or pride and prejudice) that pervade the realm of personal involvement
The biggest unknown is the future
"Waste not, want not" used to be mainstays of early-childhood education, but now days we teach how to waste, we teach convience, we teach that there will always be a safety blanket, we teach it is alright not to do without, we teach there will always be someone to pay your bills if you can't, we teach the government will always be there to get you through your mishaps,
I had rather go back to the one room school house for kids sure seemed to want less, behave better, respect authority more than they do these days, displayed better manners, etc. Kids (and many adults) don't even know how to respect the country in which they live by the removing of the hat while the playing of the national anthem, become still and quiet and face the flag, etc. However, these will be some of the students you will find in the city courtroom for not respecting authority and not respecting the freedoms given to them by the fathers who founded the country. Don't give me this crap the kids deserve it, the kids don't deserve anything. They earn privilidges and it is a privilidge to go to school no matter what the conditions. Individuals are responsible for making it on their own and children are accountable to their parents. Call out to the college and see if you can find out how many of PISD students are in remedial classes before they can attend the real thing. The blame is not with the teachers at the PISD school system. The blame rests solely on the shoulders of the students and their parents for not taking advantage of the freedoms afforded to them by the taxpayers to have the opportunity to learn! Hardships have a way of helping one appreciate what one has and not what one does not have.
Once, we were well-to-do if we didn't have to borrow our neighbor's push mover; now we feel poor if we don't have a riding mower. John Stuart Mill's once said "we don't want to be rich, just richer than others." By building a new high school campus who are we trying to be richer than? Atlanta, Pleasant Grove, Gilmer, Mt. Pleasant, all of these have a larger tax base than the PISD.
Our desire for more is due to unconscious and automatic habits as well as to our chosen life-style. Separate the habit from the real need and I think you will find that a new high school campus is not the real answer to the space problem. A new high school campus represents a choice not a necessity.
You want to do the kids a favor then help them by letting them experience hardship not favored status. This is a "new" world and these kids are going to have to compete in a global economy for jobs. Tech jobs of today are being done by 13 year olds in Indonesia that live in a two room shack (most likely a dirt floor) with a family of six plus. Are perhaps they live in the dorm living quarters provided by the employer where they sleep on the floor and are charged for the space they occupy. They work 13 hour days seven days a week for a wage up to $5.00 a day (most are lucky to earn a $1.00 per day). They take their money home and combine it with what the other members of the household and they manage to get by. They respect the fact they have the job and the opportunity to learn and work. Don't pamper these kids today, help them to learn the art of appreciation through hardship and tough love. The student and the country will be better off in the long-run. We have already tried "I want my children to have it better than I did when I grew up" and it failed! No respect, no manners, no appreciation, and medocrie learning.
The biggest unknown is the future
"Waste not, want not" used to be mainstays of early-childhood education, but now days we teach how to waste, we teach convience, we teach that there will always be a safety blanket, we teach it is alright not to do without, we teach there will always be someone to pay your bills if you can't, we teach the government will always be there to get you through your mishaps,
I had rather go back to the one room school house for kids sure seemed to want less, behave better, respect authority more than they do these days, displayed better manners, etc. Kids (and many adults) don't even know how to respect the country in which they live by the removing of the hat while the playing of the national anthem, become still and quiet and face the flag, etc. However, these will be some of the students you will find in the city courtroom for not respecting authority and not respecting the freedoms given to them by the fathers who founded the country. Don't give me this crap the kids deserve it, the kids don't deserve anything. They earn privilidges and it is a privilidge to go to school no matter what the conditions. Individuals are responsible for making it on their own and children are accountable to their parents. Call out to the college and see if you can find out how many of PISD students are in remedial classes before they can attend the real thing. The blame is not with the teachers at the PISD school system. The blame rests solely on the shoulders of the students and their parents for not taking advantage of the freedoms afforded to them by the taxpayers to have the opportunity to learn! Hardships have a way of helping one appreciate what one has and not what one does not have.
Once, we were well-to-do if we didn't have to borrow our neighbor's push mover; now we feel poor if we don't have a riding mower. John Stuart Mill's once said "we don't want to be rich, just richer than others." By building a new high school campus who are we trying to be richer than? Atlanta, Pleasant Grove, Gilmer, Mt. Pleasant, all of these have a larger tax base than the PISD.
Our desire for more is due to unconscious and automatic habits as well as to our chosen life-style. Separate the habit from the real need and I think you will find that a new high school campus is not the real answer to the space problem. A new high school campus represents a choice not a necessity.
You want to do the kids a favor then help them by letting them experience hardship not favored status. This is a "new" world and these kids are going to have to compete in a global economy for jobs. Tech jobs of today are being done by 13 year olds in Indonesia that live in a two room shack (most likely a dirt floor) with a family of six plus. Are perhaps they live in the dorm living quarters provided by the employer where they sleep on the floor and are charged for the space they occupy. They work 13 hour days seven days a week for a wage up to $5.00 a day (most are lucky to earn a $1.00 per day). They take their money home and combine it with what the other members of the household and they manage to get by. They respect the fact they have the job and the opportunity to learn and work. Don't pamper these kids today, help them to learn the art of appreciation through hardship and tough love. The student and the country will be better off in the long-run. We have already tried "I want my children to have it better than I did when I grew up" and it failed! No respect, no manners, no appreciation, and medocrie learning.
Double Wide trailers
Those buildings behind the Intermediate school are not double wide trailers, nor portable buildings. They are manufactured institutional buildings by http://www.comarkbuilding.com
Check out the site to help educate on different types of institutional construction. If you are open minded you will check it out.
Check out the site to help educate on different types of institutional construction. If you are open minded you will check it out.
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