Props to the News and Tribune's Daniel Suddeath, who is tweeting about the city's offer to General Mills.
New Albany City Council to consider $7 million bond package Tuesday to update Pillsbury Plant in hopes of keeping facility open.
The bond incentive resolution for General Mills deal states the Pillsbury plant in New Albany would have to stay open a min. of 5 years.
If resolution approved, New Albany Redevelopment Commission and NA Council would have to take additional votes, same as any bond issue.
According to city, Pillsbury plant paid $661k in property taxes in 2014 and $7 million over last decade.
The financing plan would be a mix of tax-increment financing and possibly EDIT money, per David Duggins, city economic development director.
Showing posts with label EDIT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EDIT. Show all posts
Friday, January 23, 2015
Saturday, January 19, 2013
White bread, skim milk, light beer.
From the safe distance of Jeffersonville, the 'Bune's editor peels away no layers, asks no questions, and accepts a council expenditure at face value. Sounds almost like a corporate policy ... or a council habit.
Here's a clue, albeit it one outside the box of the 'Bune's business as usual: Future site of church steeple viewing zone.
CHEERS
... to the New Albany City Council approving $75,000 to help restore Second Baptist Church, another important part of black history in New Albany.
Commonly called Town Clock Church, the building served as a link in the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.
Preserving it will help tell a vital lesson for the city and its residents and visitors.
— Editor Shea Van Hoy
Here's a clue, albeit it one outside the box of the 'Bune's business as usual: Future site of church steeple viewing zone.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Tribune sez: Just say "Steve Price" to using EDIT, TIF riverboat funds to subsidize sewers.
Or, in the vernacular, "no."
TRIBUNE EDITORIAL: Don’t take from our future to pay down today’s sewer bills
It doesn’t take a genius or an elected official to look around New Albany to see all the needs this city has such as infrastructure.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Comparing police staffing levels.
Due to the Fraternal Order of Police's current request for $1 million in EDIT revenue to temporarily fund an additional 10 officers and 2 crime scene investigators, there have been a lot of figures thrown around concerning proper police officer staffing levels.
Here's a look at some comparative numbers, taken from the FBI's 2007 Crime in the United States:
Officer staffing levels are most often shown as a ratio, the number of officers per 1,000 inhabitants.
New Albany: 1.8 officers per 1,000.
National (for cities with populations between 25,000 and 49,999): 1.8 officers per 1,000.
There are 806 cities reported in this category nationally. The largest group, 283 cities (35.1%), have staffing ranges between 1.5 and 2.0 officers per 1,000 inhabitants. The second largest group, 231 cities (28.7%), have staffing ranges between 1.1 and 1.5 officers per 1,000.
Midwest (for cities with populations between 25,000 and 49,999): 1.7 officers per 1,000.
Nine Indiana cities with populations between 30,000 and 40,000 were reported. They show a broad range of 49 to 114 officers employed. New Albany was reported as having 66 officers for 36,840 inhabitants. The two closest cities in population reported, Portage (36,701) and Richmond (37,129), show 58 and 77 officers employed, respectively.
Jeffersonville: 1.9 officers per 1,000.
Clarksville: 1.6 officers per 1,000.
Have at it.
Here's a look at some comparative numbers, taken from the FBI's 2007 Crime in the United States:
Officer staffing levels are most often shown as a ratio, the number of officers per 1,000 inhabitants.
New Albany: 1.8 officers per 1,000.
National (for cities with populations between 25,000 and 49,999): 1.8 officers per 1,000.
There are 806 cities reported in this category nationally. The largest group, 283 cities (35.1%), have staffing ranges between 1.5 and 2.0 officers per 1,000 inhabitants. The second largest group, 231 cities (28.7%), have staffing ranges between 1.1 and 1.5 officers per 1,000.
Midwest (for cities with populations between 25,000 and 49,999): 1.7 officers per 1,000.
Nine Indiana cities with populations between 30,000 and 40,000 were reported. They show a broad range of 49 to 114 officers employed. New Albany was reported as having 66 officers for 36,840 inhabitants. The two closest cities in population reported, Portage (36,701) and Richmond (37,129), show 58 and 77 officers employed, respectively.
Jeffersonville: 1.9 officers per 1,000.
Clarksville: 1.6 officers per 1,000.
Have at it.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A thing or two about flushing to teach them people in Georgetown.
The city council will hold a work session tonight to discuss the city's default topic of this and all other millennia, the monetary impact of effluence, i.e., the sewers.
In this case, it's all about sewer rates, and what Georgetown should be expected to pay.
Speaking of misspent EDIT monies, does anyone (Dan Coffey? Jeff Gahan?) have a current estimate as to how many economic development dollars are wasted on politically-motivated sewer rate subsidies in New Albany?
Doesn't Georgetown have economic development monies that it might merrily flush downhill in similar fashion? If so, couldn't the town use those funds to subsidize its own rate payers by turning over the cash to New Albany, where these nickels and dimes could join our own misused EDIT proceeds in not being used for economic development, but rather as de facto provender for future mayoral campaigns on the part of current councilmen?
That's a need, not a want -- right, Mr. Price? And we'd be getting twice the non-bang, non-development for our bucks that way, wouldn't we?
It's just a thought.
In this case, it's all about sewer rates, and what Georgetown should be expected to pay.
Speaking of misspent EDIT monies, does anyone (Dan Coffey? Jeff Gahan?) have a current estimate as to how many economic development dollars are wasted on politically-motivated sewer rate subsidies in New Albany?
Doesn't Georgetown have economic development monies that it might merrily flush downhill in similar fashion? If so, couldn't the town use those funds to subsidize its own rate payers by turning over the cash to New Albany, where these nickels and dimes could join our own misused EDIT proceeds in not being used for economic development, but rather as de facto provender for future mayoral campaigns on the part of current councilmen?
That's a need, not a want -- right, Mr. Price? And we'd be getting twice the non-bang, non-development for our bucks that way, wouldn't we?
It's just a thought.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Getting on with it: An appropration of support.
The City Council is the legislative branch of our local government. In essence, they're in charge of the laws on the books and the purse strings.
As many of us have examined our culture of non-enforcement and its causes over the years, we've become aware of the failure of past Councils to repeal certain laws as they've passed new ones pertaining to the same subject areas. For any given situation, there may be two or more laws in effect, making it nearly impossible to know which law to apply in the relevant moment. As a result, enforcement is often more difficult than necessary even if fully attended.
These conflicts have been well known for some time. In my few years of involvement, concerns about their existence have been brought to the attention of the proper legislative branch, our Council, many times by other officials and citizens alike.
Had any Council previously taken up those conflicts of their own volition as a matter of legislative duty, the City Attorney could now be spending more time enforcing the already corrected law instead of rewriting it. Unfortunately, that's not the case and Shane Gibson is wading through ordinance corrections in addition to other duties.
But that brings us back to the purse strings.
As of last week, we have a new code enforcement officer. It's also my understanding that there is some sort of tentative agreement from a local judge or two to make time in their dockets for enforcement cases. There's no doubt we have or soon will have cases aplenty.
What we need is an attorney to prosecute those cases who's not being pulled in myriad directions by several different governmental bodies and their relative spheres of concern. The cases themselves could be lengthy, so we need full legal attention as soon as possible.
Our current Council, in order to show the support for code enforcement they all purport to share, should appropriate at least $50,000 in EDIT funds per year for three years to support the legal prosecution of building and housing code offenses, including violations of historic district guidelines, none of which to my knowledge have been legally pursued in court in at least six years.
Merely stating that one supports code enforcement means little and, given that our building and housing stock (not to mention the people who live in it) is one of our most valuable, irreplaceable resources, $150,000 over three years is a pittance compared to the eventual social and economic returns that consistent enforcement could generate.
Need I remind anyone that we still have over $9 million in EDIT revenue pledged toward subsidizing the sewer bills of entities who don't pay EDIT taxes?
The City Attorney and administration, in turn, should contract with someone forthwith with the understanding that the legal exposure inherent in enforcement (as we'll likely be sued for daring to interrupt decades of lawlessness) is simply a cost of doing business and should be treated not as a disincentive but as a proving ground for any new legislation needed to correct weaknesses in existing code.
For the public's part, efforts to identify obvious and serial violators should be revisited. I know. You've already done that. I'm asking that you do it again. I have two, one old and one new, that I'm already investigating.
As many of us have examined our culture of non-enforcement and its causes over the years, we've become aware of the failure of past Councils to repeal certain laws as they've passed new ones pertaining to the same subject areas. For any given situation, there may be two or more laws in effect, making it nearly impossible to know which law to apply in the relevant moment. As a result, enforcement is often more difficult than necessary even if fully attended.
These conflicts have been well known for some time. In my few years of involvement, concerns about their existence have been brought to the attention of the proper legislative branch, our Council, many times by other officials and citizens alike.
Had any Council previously taken up those conflicts of their own volition as a matter of legislative duty, the City Attorney could now be spending more time enforcing the already corrected law instead of rewriting it. Unfortunately, that's not the case and Shane Gibson is wading through ordinance corrections in addition to other duties.
But that brings us back to the purse strings.
As of last week, we have a new code enforcement officer. It's also my understanding that there is some sort of tentative agreement from a local judge or two to make time in their dockets for enforcement cases. There's no doubt we have or soon will have cases aplenty.
What we need is an attorney to prosecute those cases who's not being pulled in myriad directions by several different governmental bodies and their relative spheres of concern. The cases themselves could be lengthy, so we need full legal attention as soon as possible.
Our current Council, in order to show the support for code enforcement they all purport to share, should appropriate at least $50,000 in EDIT funds per year for three years to support the legal prosecution of building and housing code offenses, including violations of historic district guidelines, none of which to my knowledge have been legally pursued in court in at least six years.
Merely stating that one supports code enforcement means little and, given that our building and housing stock (not to mention the people who live in it) is one of our most valuable, irreplaceable resources, $150,000 over three years is a pittance compared to the eventual social and economic returns that consistent enforcement could generate.
Need I remind anyone that we still have over $9 million in EDIT revenue pledged toward subsidizing the sewer bills of entities who don't pay EDIT taxes?
The City Attorney and administration, in turn, should contract with someone forthwith with the understanding that the legal exposure inherent in enforcement (as we'll likely be sued for daring to interrupt decades of lawlessness) is simply a cost of doing business and should be treated not as a disincentive but as a proving ground for any new legislation needed to correct weaknesses in existing code.
For the public's part, efforts to identify obvious and serial violators should be revisited. I know. You've already done that. I'm asking that you do it again. I have two, one old and one new, that I'm already investigating.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Ladd: Community Development Course and Tribune column.
From Mike Ladd, Executive Director of the New Albany Urban Enterprise Association, comes this notification of interest to more than a few readers:
There are so many people interested in community development in New Albany, I thought you might like to post this: Community Development Course at Ball State University, June 1 - 3. They'll need to get registered fast. I'm going to try to go.
Mike also had a column in the Tribune on Tuesday:
If the question is "why not?", the answer is easy: Because destructive, short-sighted city council/Coffey/reactionary politics comes first -- always and forever.
That's why not.
There are so many people interested in community development in New Albany, I thought you might like to post this: Community Development Course at Ball State University, June 1 - 3. They'll need to get registered fast. I'm going to try to go.
Mike also had a column in the Tribune on Tuesday:
Mike Ladd offers New Albany ideas for using EDIT funds
Models abound across Indiana for the successful use of EDIT funds. Why not consider borrowing one or more of those models and implementing them here?Don't worry, Mike. NAC can help clear up your confusion.
If the question is "why not?", the answer is easy: Because destructive, short-sighted city council/Coffey/reactionary politics comes first -- always and forever.
That's why not.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Of paving "bond"-age, pot holes and power struggles.
The print edition depicts council president Dan Coffey in full-grandstand, with the heading "Power Play."
Well, of course it is. When Coffey's involved, when hasn't it been a power play?
The obvious aside, has anyone noticed that the streets need paving?
This week, New Albany City Council President Dan Coffey removed a measure from next Monday’s meeting agenda that included a $10 million bond issue for street repair.
It was one of many decisions, rifts and accusations against Mayor Doug England’s administration mooted by council members and their attorney during a work session Wednesday.Random question: How many of the insurgent council persons currently proposing EDIT monies to be used for paving previously voted in favor of flushing the same EDIT monies down city sewers as a form of Luddite subsidy?
By the way, has anyone noticed that our streets need paving?
Well, of course it is. When Coffey's involved, when hasn't it been a power play?
The obvious aside, has anyone noticed that the streets need paving?
New Albany City Council questions Doug England’s hires, street paving plan, by Daniel Suddeath (Tribune).
This week, New Albany City Council President Dan Coffey removed a measure from next Monday’s meeting agenda that included a $10 million bond issue for street repair.
It was one of many decisions, rifts and accusations against Mayor Doug England’s administration mooted by council members and their attorney during a work session Wednesday.Random question: How many of the insurgent council persons currently proposing EDIT monies to be used for paving previously voted in favor of flushing the same EDIT monies down city sewers as a form of Luddite subsidy?
By the way, has anyone noticed that our streets need paving?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Pretense, foolish optimism and the ascendancy of New Albany’s “Destructive Class.”
The times are tough now
Just getting tougher
This old world is rough
It's just getting rougher
Cover me
Come on baby cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
-- “Cover Me,” by Bruce Springsteen
As a prelude to the evening’s council follies, here are four commentaries of significance at NA Shadow Council. I recommend you visit the site and read each in its entirety.
At Root, This is Our Goal
As a matter of fact, by stripping New Albany's income tax revenues to "save" ratepayers from a sewer rate increase, a council majority is handing your tax dollars to businesses and outsiders who don't even pay taxes. Why, we ask, should that be treated as some type of "salvation?"
Logical Conclusions
By all logical interpretation, the current regime (administrative or legislative) desires to use at least a portion of those revenues to prop up the sewer utility.Why not, then, go all the way?Let's divert 100% of taxes to keeping sewer rates artificially low. Let's abandon 100% of city services. Building inspection? Zero it out. Police protection? Zero it out? Fire protection? Forget about it.
Dump It in the Sewers!
There is a rational solution to making our sewer utility permanently viable. But demagoguery is blocking it. By appealing to the least common denominator in the populace, the regrettably naive and ignorant (ignorant=unknowledgeable, which is not to say that they are stupid, just gullible and susceptible to the machinations of politicians who prosper at their expense), the entrenched regressive majority of the council is both pandering and insulting the constituency it purports to represent.
A June Week of Consequence
Our illustrious Sewer Board, purportedly not under the direction of our current chief executive, is prepared to continue a policy designed to further degrade New Albany, and by extension, the prosperity of all New Albanians.
Hmm, so I’m not the only one surmising that the longer the England administration waits to expend the slightest farthing of political capital, the more it is likely that it doesn’t have any. Is it just me, or are we witnessing retreat on every front?
Is it just me, or is watching this dysfunctional entity called New Albany meander yet again down a path of self-mutilation and sheer nuttiness goes far beyond the titillation of NASCAR wrecks and Hollywood rehab breakdowns into the realm of the purely psychotic?
Is the England team ever going to go for the jugular – damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead – or not?
While we ponder the answers to these questions, which would have been familiar to a New Albanian of fifty years ago, such is our perennial level of dysfunction, let’s keep it fair and balanced. Council president Gahan, this one’s for you:
Does the bizarre council alliance that continues to endorse the use of economic development monies to subsidize sewer rates -- a collection of strange bedfellows that seemingly unites good and thoughtful people with the most self-aggrandizing, doltish ward heelers this city has to offer -- intend to offer something of an alternative to throwing EDIT money down the drain pipe, or do we spend another three years fighting the lost battles of the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, oblivious to the opportunities that finally are landing on our doorsteps?
Is it really worth allying with the likes of Dan Coffey and Steve Price to reward the incapable and to stymie the city’s progress?
For that matter, can any elected official in this city step outside the box – just once would be appreciated -- and eschew the politics of anti-this and anti-that and anti-them people, and present a coherent program to accomplish something?
Anything?
Will there ever be an end to the passive-aggressive tug of turf war that consumes all the time and most of the resources while the remainder of the planet shrugs, turns the pages of the calendar and gets on with the business of planning for the future?
I hate to be the one to tell you this, but it’s not a chicken-and-egg argument, or some encrypted ancient code that can’t be fathomed by New Albanian eyes. Pre-schoolers can figure it out. The city’s future depends on a bigger pie, and a bigger pie can be achieved with new blood and new money. Quite a few people spend their months working toward this end, and when the city’s political leaders play their time-encrusted games and take their “against it” cues from embittered troglodytes like Dan Coffey, it’s not just comical.
It’s deadly. It’s leprosy and Ebola rolled into one. It sends investors fleeing for more sensible places like Chad and Bolivia. It takes every principle of successful urban reinvention and sacrifices it on an altar of class-conscious spite. Pat Robertson on the board of Atheists International makes more sense than Dan Coffey at Redevelopment, and so it goes.
Other cities extend a hand. We trot out Coffey with a nail-studded board, warning newcomers that they're not welcomed. Understandably, they take their money and spend it elsewhere, leaving Coffey to beam with pride at how, once again, he saved his constituents from a better life.
And, council president, whatever your seeming good intentions in allying with the lunatics for whatever short-term political gain there is to be derived from expediency, make no mistake: You lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas. You have the information? You envision a plan to use it and solve the sewer fixation once and for all? For God’s sake, man, use it. Offer an alternative. Tell us how we get it done, because time is running out. Quit communicating in code. Be a leader.
But maybe failure is a foregone conclusion in a city where ignorance has been elevated to a virtual religion and education is regarded as a Scarlet Letter to be subjected to the derision of those whose only contribution is to jeer at things they don’t understand. If anyone can explain the source of these resentments against the modern world, we're all ears.
So tell me, council president and fellow factionalists: What do we say to those people who see New Albany not for what it has been, but for what it might be, the ones with money in their hands, but with Dan Coffey and Steve Price blocking their way?
They look at New Albany, and they see a place oozing with potential. All they’re asking is for the city to keep its end of the deal and address infrastructure, so tell me, how do we pave the streets? How do we bring down the tradition of starving the city of investment to appease that segment of the population least capable of contributing to its necessary reinvention?
Is New Albany’s birthright perpetual squalor, and the diminished expectations of the conjoined councilmen, or can we hope for something more?
Yes, I’m being harsh, and it’s purely intentional, but I know for a fact that there are members of the current council who have the brains to address these questions and perhaps even to prove me wrong by explaining the answers. And yet, so far, these same council members are busy pandering to those among them who have nothing to offer except venom.
Why is this? Any of you?
Just getting tougher
This old world is rough
It's just getting rougher
Cover me
Come on baby cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
-- “Cover Me,” by Bruce Springsteen
As a prelude to the evening’s council follies, here are four commentaries of significance at NA Shadow Council. I recommend you visit the site and read each in its entirety.
At Root, This is Our Goal
As a matter of fact, by stripping New Albany's income tax revenues to "save" ratepayers from a sewer rate increase, a council majority is handing your tax dollars to businesses and outsiders who don't even pay taxes. Why, we ask, should that be treated as some type of "salvation?"
Logical Conclusions
By all logical interpretation, the current regime (administrative or legislative) desires to use at least a portion of those revenues to prop up the sewer utility.Why not, then, go all the way?Let's divert 100% of taxes to keeping sewer rates artificially low. Let's abandon 100% of city services. Building inspection? Zero it out. Police protection? Zero it out? Fire protection? Forget about it.
Dump It in the Sewers!
There is a rational solution to making our sewer utility permanently viable. But demagoguery is blocking it. By appealing to the least common denominator in the populace, the regrettably naive and ignorant (ignorant=unknowledgeable, which is not to say that they are stupid, just gullible and susceptible to the machinations of politicians who prosper at their expense), the entrenched regressive majority of the council is both pandering and insulting the constituency it purports to represent.
A June Week of Consequence
Our illustrious Sewer Board, purportedly not under the direction of our current chief executive, is prepared to continue a policy designed to further degrade New Albany, and by extension, the prosperity of all New Albanians.
Hmm, so I’m not the only one surmising that the longer the England administration waits to expend the slightest farthing of political capital, the more it is likely that it doesn’t have any. Is it just me, or are we witnessing retreat on every front?
Is it just me, or is watching this dysfunctional entity called New Albany meander yet again down a path of self-mutilation and sheer nuttiness goes far beyond the titillation of NASCAR wrecks and Hollywood rehab breakdowns into the realm of the purely psychotic?
Is the England team ever going to go for the jugular – damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead – or not?
While we ponder the answers to these questions, which would have been familiar to a New Albanian of fifty years ago, such is our perennial level of dysfunction, let’s keep it fair and balanced. Council president Gahan, this one’s for you:
Does the bizarre council alliance that continues to endorse the use of economic development monies to subsidize sewer rates -- a collection of strange bedfellows that seemingly unites good and thoughtful people with the most self-aggrandizing, doltish ward heelers this city has to offer -- intend to offer something of an alternative to throwing EDIT money down the drain pipe, or do we spend another three years fighting the lost battles of the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, oblivious to the opportunities that finally are landing on our doorsteps?
Is it really worth allying with the likes of Dan Coffey and Steve Price to reward the incapable and to stymie the city’s progress?
For that matter, can any elected official in this city step outside the box – just once would be appreciated -- and eschew the politics of anti-this and anti-that and anti-them people, and present a coherent program to accomplish something?
Anything?
Will there ever be an end to the passive-aggressive tug of turf war that consumes all the time and most of the resources while the remainder of the planet shrugs, turns the pages of the calendar and gets on with the business of planning for the future?
I hate to be the one to tell you this, but it’s not a chicken-and-egg argument, or some encrypted ancient code that can’t be fathomed by New Albanian eyes. Pre-schoolers can figure it out. The city’s future depends on a bigger pie, and a bigger pie can be achieved with new blood and new money. Quite a few people spend their months working toward this end, and when the city’s political leaders play their time-encrusted games and take their “against it” cues from embittered troglodytes like Dan Coffey, it’s not just comical.
It’s deadly. It’s leprosy and Ebola rolled into one. It sends investors fleeing for more sensible places like Chad and Bolivia. It takes every principle of successful urban reinvention and sacrifices it on an altar of class-conscious spite. Pat Robertson on the board of Atheists International makes more sense than Dan Coffey at Redevelopment, and so it goes.
Other cities extend a hand. We trot out Coffey with a nail-studded board, warning newcomers that they're not welcomed. Understandably, they take their money and spend it elsewhere, leaving Coffey to beam with pride at how, once again, he saved his constituents from a better life.
And, council president, whatever your seeming good intentions in allying with the lunatics for whatever short-term political gain there is to be derived from expediency, make no mistake: You lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas. You have the information? You envision a plan to use it and solve the sewer fixation once and for all? For God’s sake, man, use it. Offer an alternative. Tell us how we get it done, because time is running out. Quit communicating in code. Be a leader.
But maybe failure is a foregone conclusion in a city where ignorance has been elevated to a virtual religion and education is regarded as a Scarlet Letter to be subjected to the derision of those whose only contribution is to jeer at things they don’t understand. If anyone can explain the source of these resentments against the modern world, we're all ears.
So tell me, council president and fellow factionalists: What do we say to those people who see New Albany not for what it has been, but for what it might be, the ones with money in their hands, but with Dan Coffey and Steve Price blocking their way?
They look at New Albany, and they see a place oozing with potential. All they’re asking is for the city to keep its end of the deal and address infrastructure, so tell me, how do we pave the streets? How do we bring down the tradition of starving the city of investment to appease that segment of the population least capable of contributing to its necessary reinvention?
Is New Albany’s birthright perpetual squalor, and the diminished expectations of the conjoined councilmen, or can we hope for something more?
Yes, I’m being harsh, and it’s purely intentional, but I know for a fact that there are members of the current council who have the brains to address these questions and perhaps even to prove me wrong by explaining the answers. And yet, so far, these same council members are busy pandering to those among them who have nothing to offer except venom.
Why is this? Any of you?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
NA Shadow Council: "It takes more than $13 in EDIT money to knock $1 off the sewer rate."
Why are we pouring EDIT money down the sewers?
At NA Shadow Council: Triskadekaphobia: We're For It
One local blogger coined the appelation of "Open Air Museum of Superstition and Ignorance" for our fair city. It couldn't be more appropriate, then, that Friday the 13th approaches, a day when triskadekaphobia (fear of the number 13) reaches its pinnacle.
For once, the progressive movement in New Albany needs to cultivate, foster, and nurture a fear of the number 13. But unlike the forces of regress, we aren't trying to grow an unreasoned fear.
For 13 is how many times more expensive it is to the taxpayers of this city to use edit funds to subsidize sewer rates. It takes more than $13 in EDIT money to knock $1 off the sewer rate. That's right.
Go to NA Shadow Council to finish reading.
At NA Shadow Council: Triskadekaphobia: We're For It
One local blogger coined the appelation of "Open Air Museum of Superstition and Ignorance" for our fair city. It couldn't be more appropriate, then, that Friday the 13th approaches, a day when triskadekaphobia (fear of the number 13) reaches its pinnacle.
For once, the progressive movement in New Albany needs to cultivate, foster, and nurture a fear of the number 13. But unlike the forces of regress, we aren't trying to grow an unreasoned fear.
For 13 is how many times more expensive it is to the taxpayers of this city to use edit funds to subsidize sewer rates. It takes more than $13 in EDIT money to knock $1 off the sewer rate. That's right.
Go to NA Shadow Council to finish reading.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Six degrees of separation: Passive-aggressive potty training and the city’s genetic (political) defecation dysfunction.
Sigmund Freud would have had a field day with the city of New Albany.
No matter the topic – NASCAR, apple pie recipes, “American Idol,” science fiction novels, quantum physics or the sex life of 17-year cicadas -- residents can rest easy, safe in the knowledge that some one, somewhere, will find a creative way of linking the topic at hand to the sewer utility.
Forever and always, we return like pre-programmed lemmings to the waste products of the citizenry, coursing lazily through a system that numerous generations of local politicians seeking reelection above all else intentionally neglected, refusing to expend dollars and political capital, and inevitably transferring the day of reckoning to future generations.
As recently as 2006, an woefully inept and plainly malicious city council chose to deploy economic development funds (EDIT – see the preceding reposted “REWIND” articles for more) to keep necessary sewer rate increases to a minimum, all the while cravenly ignoring inconvenient facts: (a) misusing EDIT funds in such a way ensures a higher ultimate tax burden on the very people the council vows to protect from modern times, and (b) if New Albany’s economic pie were made bigger through development, there would be better ways of providing assistance to the “fixed income” segment of the population whose plight is constantly referenced by the likes of Steve Price to – that’s right – preclude economic development.
Why there is anything resembling admiration, or even tolerance, for politicians like these is well beyond my comprehension as owner and user of a garden variety human brain. They wouldn’t make the same decisions if it were their own families at risk, but when it has come to the future of the city itself, the numbingly predictable hand is almost always played. It’s enough to make a person cynical.
And so, here we go again. Yesterday’s C-J scooped the Tribune with this article:
New Albany mayor wants sewer rate hike
New Albany Mayor Doug England's administration is pursuing a sewer rate increase of about 22 percent to pay for construction that officials view as essential to stay in compliance with federal environmental laws.
Of course, this number lies roughly in line with the Garner administration’s 19% increase proposal of 2006, which was averted through the council’s ill-considered EDIT fund pillage. But we already told you that ... and two years ago.
Here is the England administration’s side of the story, as detailed in this e-mail transmission from Carl Malysz, Deputy Mayor/Director of Community Development:
There will be a Common Council Workshop at 6:00 PM on Monday, June 2, 2008 in the 3rd Floor Assembly Room to hear the England Administration's proposals for sanitary sewer and street and alley improvements (pavements restoration plan and major thoroughfare plan). In addition to identifying the proposed projects, the England Administration will discuss how the respective programs should be funded.
There were ordinances placed on the agenda that have now been "pulled", i.e., they will not be introduced at the regular Common Council meeting that same evening at 7:30 PM. Apparently, the Common Council leadership wants to conduct the work session and then give the England Administration ample time (days) to answer questions and present additional information before the bills are introduced, heard and voted upon.
I have to assume that this is approach is being taken so that there is a clear understanding of what is at stake with the future of New Albany. There has been so much "spin" and misinformation given to Common Council members in the past about the sanitary sewer system that the Common Council leadership wants to be able to create some distance between the past and the present and future.
Attendance at the Workshop is VERY IMPORTANT because citizens will be able to hear the same information that the Common Council will hear and use in making its decisions. Citizens will then be able to hear and speak the same language as the England Administration and the Common Council.
While the bills regarding sanitary sewers and street and alley restoration will not be considered at 7:30 PM, there are several other Resolutions on the Common Council agenda that deal with the CDBG Program and Tax Increment Financing. These financial tools are a significant piece of the financial puzzle. Therefore, citizen attendance and support at the 7:30 PM meeting is encouraged and welcomed.
I’m well aware that there is another side to this story, one that I’ll gladly publish in this space once I receive it straight from an informant willing to put his or her name alongside the text (are you reading, Even Deeper Throat?)
Better yet, perhaps the alternative version might for once come to me directly from the politician responsible for its perpetuation, because I’m rather bored with cryptic e-mail transmissions from confederates, when the original source might deign to pick up the the phone and call me, or send the e-mail himself.
That’s because as the clock ticks, I’m thoroughly sick of local politicians who are allergic to coherent platforms and can’t bring themselves to offer some clue as to what they really believe and are seeking as our representatives. Who are you ... and what do you want? Is that so difficult?
I’m also sick of congenital oppositionists who can vote “no” until the end of time but have no alternative plan whatsoever beyond huddling in their hovels and cursing the advent of the millennium.
And, I’m sick of “experts” with little more education (and toilet training) than my household cats, pontificating and bloviating like Italian opera singers, but at the end of the day having nothing whatsoever creative or constructive to offer a 21st century human society.
All the preceding are symptoms of a recurring, perverse, passive-aggressive approach to a Swiss cheese pastiche that only approximates governance, an enduring dysfunction that hinders every manifestation of human progress, makes this city a laughing stock, but of course ensures the continued pre-eminence of conspiratorial, pompous and self-importantly bloated fish in a perpetually small pond that is kept petite for a reason.
Speaking personally, I’m for charging whatever sewer fees it takes to (a) end the crippling EDIT subsidy and run the sewer system the way the EPA says, and (b) get the EDIT funds back where they should be, to be used for economic development, not political grandstanding. While we’re at it, we should float whatever bonds are necessary to pave and redirect the streets, and repair infrastructure.
You may disagree, but for me, doing these things is the city’s basic matching tithe (along with enforcing its own laws) for the numerous entrepreneurs who are already investing in New Albany and will invest even greater sums in the city if it is a functional place in which to do business.
And one last thing: Right now, it isn't functional. Some of you should seriously consider psychotherapy. Look how much it’s helped me conquer my own anger …
---
The following 2006 articles have been freshly reposted, and precede this one in chronological order. Just scroll down or view the listings to the right.
08/08/06
Objects in Rearview Mirror May Appear Larger (because they actually are)
08/23/06
Do the funky Kochert: Sewer rates all about how the “voters are going to feel about it.”
08/24/06
Boner and Jethro: Sewer – heal thyself!
08/29/06
What to do when the City Council wastes all your EDIT money
08/30/06
UPDATED: Opportunity rings door bell, City locks door
No matter the topic – NASCAR, apple pie recipes, “American Idol,” science fiction novels, quantum physics or the sex life of 17-year cicadas -- residents can rest easy, safe in the knowledge that some one, somewhere, will find a creative way of linking the topic at hand to the sewer utility.
Forever and always, we return like pre-programmed lemmings to the waste products of the citizenry, coursing lazily through a system that numerous generations of local politicians seeking reelection above all else intentionally neglected, refusing to expend dollars and political capital, and inevitably transferring the day of reckoning to future generations.
As recently as 2006, an woefully inept and plainly malicious city council chose to deploy economic development funds (EDIT – see the preceding reposted “REWIND” articles for more) to keep necessary sewer rate increases to a minimum, all the while cravenly ignoring inconvenient facts: (a) misusing EDIT funds in such a way ensures a higher ultimate tax burden on the very people the council vows to protect from modern times, and (b) if New Albany’s economic pie were made bigger through development, there would be better ways of providing assistance to the “fixed income” segment of the population whose plight is constantly referenced by the likes of Steve Price to – that’s right – preclude economic development.
Why there is anything resembling admiration, or even tolerance, for politicians like these is well beyond my comprehension as owner and user of a garden variety human brain. They wouldn’t make the same decisions if it were their own families at risk, but when it has come to the future of the city itself, the numbingly predictable hand is almost always played. It’s enough to make a person cynical.
And so, here we go again. Yesterday’s C-J scooped the Tribune with this article:
New Albany mayor wants sewer rate hike
New Albany Mayor Doug England's administration is pursuing a sewer rate increase of about 22 percent to pay for construction that officials view as essential to stay in compliance with federal environmental laws.
Of course, this number lies roughly in line with the Garner administration’s 19% increase proposal of 2006, which was averted through the council’s ill-considered EDIT fund pillage. But we already told you that ... and two years ago.
Here is the England administration’s side of the story, as detailed in this e-mail transmission from Carl Malysz, Deputy Mayor/Director of Community Development:
There will be a Common Council Workshop at 6:00 PM on Monday, June 2, 2008 in the 3rd Floor Assembly Room to hear the England Administration's proposals for sanitary sewer and street and alley improvements (pavements restoration plan and major thoroughfare plan). In addition to identifying the proposed projects, the England Administration will discuss how the respective programs should be funded.
There were ordinances placed on the agenda that have now been "pulled", i.e., they will not be introduced at the regular Common Council meeting that same evening at 7:30 PM. Apparently, the Common Council leadership wants to conduct the work session and then give the England Administration ample time (days) to answer questions and present additional information before the bills are introduced, heard and voted upon.
I have to assume that this is approach is being taken so that there is a clear understanding of what is at stake with the future of New Albany. There has been so much "spin" and misinformation given to Common Council members in the past about the sanitary sewer system that the Common Council leadership wants to be able to create some distance between the past and the present and future.
Attendance at the Workshop is VERY IMPORTANT because citizens will be able to hear the same information that the Common Council will hear and use in making its decisions. Citizens will then be able to hear and speak the same language as the England Administration and the Common Council.
While the bills regarding sanitary sewers and street and alley restoration will not be considered at 7:30 PM, there are several other Resolutions on the Common Council agenda that deal with the CDBG Program and Tax Increment Financing. These financial tools are a significant piece of the financial puzzle. Therefore, citizen attendance and support at the 7:30 PM meeting is encouraged and welcomed.
I’m well aware that there is another side to this story, one that I’ll gladly publish in this space once I receive it straight from an informant willing to put his or her name alongside the text (are you reading, Even Deeper Throat?)
Better yet, perhaps the alternative version might for once come to me directly from the politician responsible for its perpetuation, because I’m rather bored with cryptic e-mail transmissions from confederates, when the original source might deign to pick up the the phone and call me, or send the e-mail himself.
That’s because as the clock ticks, I’m thoroughly sick of local politicians who are allergic to coherent platforms and can’t bring themselves to offer some clue as to what they really believe and are seeking as our representatives. Who are you ... and what do you want? Is that so difficult?
I’m also sick of congenital oppositionists who can vote “no” until the end of time but have no alternative plan whatsoever beyond huddling in their hovels and cursing the advent of the millennium.
And, I’m sick of “experts” with little more education (and toilet training) than my household cats, pontificating and bloviating like Italian opera singers, but at the end of the day having nothing whatsoever creative or constructive to offer a 21st century human society.
All the preceding are symptoms of a recurring, perverse, passive-aggressive approach to a Swiss cheese pastiche that only approximates governance, an enduring dysfunction that hinders every manifestation of human progress, makes this city a laughing stock, but of course ensures the continued pre-eminence of conspiratorial, pompous and self-importantly bloated fish in a perpetually small pond that is kept petite for a reason.
Speaking personally, I’m for charging whatever sewer fees it takes to (a) end the crippling EDIT subsidy and run the sewer system the way the EPA says, and (b) get the EDIT funds back where they should be, to be used for economic development, not political grandstanding. While we’re at it, we should float whatever bonds are necessary to pave and redirect the streets, and repair infrastructure.
You may disagree, but for me, doing these things is the city’s basic matching tithe (along with enforcing its own laws) for the numerous entrepreneurs who are already investing in New Albany and will invest even greater sums in the city if it is a functional place in which to do business.
And one last thing: Right now, it isn't functional. Some of you should seriously consider psychotherapy. Look how much it’s helped me conquer my own anger …
---
The following 2006 articles have been freshly reposted, and precede this one in chronological order. Just scroll down or view the listings to the right.
08/08/06
Objects in Rearview Mirror May Appear Larger (because they actually are)
08/23/06
Do the funky Kochert: Sewer rates all about how the “voters are going to feel about it.”
08/24/06
Boner and Jethro: Sewer – heal thyself!
08/29/06
What to do when the City Council wastes all your EDIT money
08/30/06
UPDATED: Opportunity rings door bell, City locks door
REWIND: Objects in Rearview Mirror May Appear Larger (because they actually are)
Published on 08/08/06
Objects in Rearview Mirror May Appear Larger (because they actually are) (by Bluegill)
----
At the very beginning of the Council’s sewer discussion last evening, it was clearly explained that passing the rate increase on first reading only would send a message to the State Revolving Fund that the city is serious about working with them on their offer to refinance our bond at a reduced interest rate, saving us millions. The SRF has a board meeting this evening and New Albany is on the agenda.
Having passed the first reading, the Council could then schedule the legally required public hearing and any other meetings or information sessions necessary to discuss a rate increase, leaving the remainder of the month to make a final decision before the SRF refinancing deadline. It was also pointed out that, with two more rate increase readings remaining, no one can force the Council to do anything they wouldn’t vote to do. Two hours later, after some of the most asinine Coffey/Price/Schmidt commentary I’ve ever heard--and yes I mean even in relation to other Council meetings, they decided to do just that.
Unfortunately, the major issue at hand wasn’t discussed in those two hours. It’s the issue I brought up yesterday in the comments section of NAC. It’s the issue I mentioned to the Mayor, City Controller Garry, one of the financial consultants and anyone else that would listen to me at the meeting last night. It’s the issue the financial consultants alluded to when they presented a chart showing that inserting over $5 million of EDIT funds into the sewer coffers would only reduce the average monthly sewer bill by a little over a dollar as the concept zoomed over CM's heads. What issue is that? The issue is which plan to pay the sewer bond is the least expensive for citizens.
That’s right. Despite all the grandstanding about saving the poor citizens money, not a single person actually asked which payment strategy cost the least per person. The big picture take is that the Council often doesn’t get good information because they don’t ask good questions. The reality of the situation is much simpler than that.
Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funds are just that—taxes paid by those who live and work in New Albany to be used for economic development. While the Council seems to assume that it’s somehow free money, it’s real dollars coming from the same pockets that pay sewer bills. The Council has repeatedly called for calculations showing how much the sewer rate increase could be reduced per monthly bill if certain amounts of EDIT funds were applied to the situation. What they’ve failed to ask is how much, per person, the EDIT expenditure would cost.
So…I asked.
--------------------
The average monthly sewer bill is currently $31.15
The proposed sewer rate increase is 19%, to be phased in over three years.
When the rate increase is fully realized in year three, the average sewer bill increase will be $5.92 monthly, $71.04 per year.
As explained by the financial consultants, the rate increase would be reduced by one percentage point for every $1.5 million of EDIT funds applied.
It’s difficult to determine exactly how many people pay into the EDIT fund at a given time. As of the 2000 census, there were 29,263 citizens over the age of 16 in New Albany. The best-case scenario would be to assume that every one of them is employed and sharing the EDIT burden. That’s clearly not the case since the same 2000 census showed only a little over 18,000 people were employed. I used the larger number, though, to ensure calculations were conservative.
The true cost of a sewer increase to citizens includes not only the percentage increase that appears on the monthly sewer bill but the initial, upfront cost of any EDIT expenditure applied to the bond payments as well.
--------------------
With no EDIT expenditure, the cost per citizen is $71.04 per year as mentioned above. If we apply $1.5 million in EDIT, the rate increase is reduced to 18%. That would result in an average monthly increase of $5.61 on each bill. That amount is $0.31 less than if we apply no EDIT. Each citizen would save $3.72 per year. However, the cost of the EDIT investment must be included. $1.5 million in EDIT, divided by the 29,263 possible taxpayers, amounts to $51.26 dollars per person. In short, each person would spend $51.26 up front to save $3.72 per year. It would take 13.8 years to realize enough in annual sewer bill savings to break even, let alone to justify the initial EDIT investment as a savings tool. Even that only remains true if the sewer rate doesn’t increase at all for the entire 13.8-year period. Given the realities of our economy, that’s not a realistic assumption. If the sewer rate is increased even one percent during that time, the break even point will take even longer to reach.
Below is a chart showing how the application of various amounts of EDIT funds would affect the situation. You’ll see the amount of EDIT pledged, the resulting sewer rate increase, the average increase per bill, the amount of monthly and yearly savings generated, the cost of the EDIT investment per person, and the number of years necessary to recoup the EDIT cost before any real savings would actually occur. It’s not pretty.
Unfortunately, for many households, the situation would be even worse. Those households with dual incomes and a single sewer connection would effectively see their EDIT investment double while their savings amount would remain the same. The chart below shows the doubled EDIT cost and the doubled amount of time necessary to justify that cost.
____________________
It’s clear that when the Council members say “I don’t want to be responsible for a sewer rate increase”, what they're actually saying is that “I haven’t thought this through well enough to realize that, in my zeal to keep voters from associating my name with a rate increase, I haven’t realized that I’m actually advocating that citizens pay much more than necessary for the same result”.
I may decide to donate to someone’s political campaign in the future, but I hope to do so voluntarily. Ask better questions, Council, before being saved is worse than the alternative.
Objects in Rearview Mirror May Appear Larger (because they actually are) (by Bluegill)
----
At the very beginning of the Council’s sewer discussion last evening, it was clearly explained that passing the rate increase on first reading only would send a message to the State Revolving Fund that the city is serious about working with them on their offer to refinance our bond at a reduced interest rate, saving us millions. The SRF has a board meeting this evening and New Albany is on the agenda.
Having passed the first reading, the Council could then schedule the legally required public hearing and any other meetings or information sessions necessary to discuss a rate increase, leaving the remainder of the month to make a final decision before the SRF refinancing deadline. It was also pointed out that, with two more rate increase readings remaining, no one can force the Council to do anything they wouldn’t vote to do. Two hours later, after some of the most asinine Coffey/Price/Schmidt commentary I’ve ever heard--and yes I mean even in relation to other Council meetings, they decided to do just that.
Unfortunately, the major issue at hand wasn’t discussed in those two hours. It’s the issue I brought up yesterday in the comments section of NAC. It’s the issue I mentioned to the Mayor, City Controller Garry, one of the financial consultants and anyone else that would listen to me at the meeting last night. It’s the issue the financial consultants alluded to when they presented a chart showing that inserting over $5 million of EDIT funds into the sewer coffers would only reduce the average monthly sewer bill by a little over a dollar as the concept zoomed over CM's heads. What issue is that? The issue is which plan to pay the sewer bond is the least expensive for citizens.
That’s right. Despite all the grandstanding about saving the poor citizens money, not a single person actually asked which payment strategy cost the least per person. The big picture take is that the Council often doesn’t get good information because they don’t ask good questions. The reality of the situation is much simpler than that.
Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funds are just that—taxes paid by those who live and work in New Albany to be used for economic development. While the Council seems to assume that it’s somehow free money, it’s real dollars coming from the same pockets that pay sewer bills. The Council has repeatedly called for calculations showing how much the sewer rate increase could be reduced per monthly bill if certain amounts of EDIT funds were applied to the situation. What they’ve failed to ask is how much, per person, the EDIT expenditure would cost.
So…I asked.
--------------------
The average monthly sewer bill is currently $31.15
The proposed sewer rate increase is 19%, to be phased in over three years.
When the rate increase is fully realized in year three, the average sewer bill increase will be $5.92 monthly, $71.04 per year.
As explained by the financial consultants, the rate increase would be reduced by one percentage point for every $1.5 million of EDIT funds applied.
It’s difficult to determine exactly how many people pay into the EDIT fund at a given time. As of the 2000 census, there were 29,263 citizens over the age of 16 in New Albany. The best-case scenario would be to assume that every one of them is employed and sharing the EDIT burden. That’s clearly not the case since the same 2000 census showed only a little over 18,000 people were employed. I used the larger number, though, to ensure calculations were conservative.
The true cost of a sewer increase to citizens includes not only the percentage increase that appears on the monthly sewer bill but the initial, upfront cost of any EDIT expenditure applied to the bond payments as well.
--------------------
With no EDIT expenditure, the cost per citizen is $71.04 per year as mentioned above. If we apply $1.5 million in EDIT, the rate increase is reduced to 18%. That would result in an average monthly increase of $5.61 on each bill. That amount is $0.31 less than if we apply no EDIT. Each citizen would save $3.72 per year. However, the cost of the EDIT investment must be included. $1.5 million in EDIT, divided by the 29,263 possible taxpayers, amounts to $51.26 dollars per person. In short, each person would spend $51.26 up front to save $3.72 per year. It would take 13.8 years to realize enough in annual sewer bill savings to break even, let alone to justify the initial EDIT investment as a savings tool. Even that only remains true if the sewer rate doesn’t increase at all for the entire 13.8-year period. Given the realities of our economy, that’s not a realistic assumption. If the sewer rate is increased even one percent during that time, the break even point will take even longer to reach.
Below is a chart showing how the application of various amounts of EDIT funds would affect the situation. You’ll see the amount of EDIT pledged, the resulting sewer rate increase, the average increase per bill, the amount of monthly and yearly savings generated, the cost of the EDIT investment per person, and the number of years necessary to recoup the EDIT cost before any real savings would actually occur. It’s not pretty.
Unfortunately, for many households, the situation would be even worse. Those households with dual incomes and a single sewer connection would effectively see their EDIT investment double while their savings amount would remain the same. The chart below shows the doubled EDIT cost and the doubled amount of time necessary to justify that cost.
____________________
It’s clear that when the Council members say “I don’t want to be responsible for a sewer rate increase”, what they're actually saying is that “I haven’t thought this through well enough to realize that, in my zeal to keep voters from associating my name with a rate increase, I haven’t realized that I’m actually advocating that citizens pay much more than necessary for the same result”.
I may decide to donate to someone’s political campaign in the future, but I hope to do so voluntarily. Ask better questions, Council, before being saved is worse than the alternative.
REWIND: Do the funky Kochert: Sewer rates all about how the “voters are going to feel about it.”
Published on 08/23/06
Do the funky Kochert: Sewer rates all about how the “voters are going to feel about it.” (by the New Albanian)
----
With former hostage (and hostage negotiator) Terry Waite coming to town soon, it occurred to me that it might be time to extend the olive branch and parley with the folks across the aisle.
Recently at the spitwa … uh, well, at one of the “other” blogs, one of their lynchpins provocatively wrote:
“It sounds to me like someone who has pointed out the problems that Roger has with HIS ego, and THAT is perhaps the greatest reason we as common citizens could never come together and work in tandem.”
Having not previously realized that my ego is an impediment to anything – with the possible exception of permitting Budweiser sales at my pub – it’s humbling to suddenly be told that community unity is impossible because of me.
In fact, I’m positively chastened, and to make amends, I’ve advanced a ceasefire proposal through the good offices of a local double-naught spy.
Essentially, I have promised to spare the attendees at the next neighborhood forum meeting (August 31, Calumet Club) the blunt force of my ego … if the Lauras, Shirleys and Erikas of New Albany do attend and commence riding tandem in the manner customarily rendered inert by my presence.
Good deal, huh?
The fact that I’ll be in Europe at the time should not intrude on the warm fuzzies sure to be generated by this sincere and unprecedented offer. After all, I’m not the sort to talk just to hear the sound of my own voice.
But 1st district councilman Dan Coffey surely does hear numerous voices, prime among them fellow conjoined 3rd District councilman Steve Price whispering to ask him whether it’s okay to vote "no" again, and of course both of the Siamese Councilmen will be there in the Gang of Four's playpen on Wednesday night during the public hearing on sewer rates.
New Albany sewer-hike plans in single digits; Raises between 7% and 9.3% to be the talk of Wednesday’s public hearing, by Eric Scott Campbell (News-Tribune).
The reporter Campbell is becoming a sly master at extending his interview subjects sufficient rope to candidly reveal their own entanglements, as 4th District councilman Larry Kochert’s comments amusingly indicate.
The mayor said he considered the proposals to be responsible alternatives to the 19 percent plan, but cautioned that “we’ve got to be careful that we don’t turn the utility into a tax-based system” with economic-development tax revenue replacing user-fee revenue.
Kochert is skeptical of that line of reasoning. He said several of the utility’s needed projects can be funded with development revenue specifically from their areas of New Albany, which he considers a solid option.
Since most residents pay sewer fees and economic development taxes, Kochert was asked if it made a difference where the money came from.
“I guess that comes down to how you feel the voters are going to feel about it,” Kochert replied. “The constituency out here is saying, no more (rate) raises.”
Not exactly, Larry.
NA Confidential has consistently advocated reality-based sewer rate decisions in accordance with a sentiment expressed by Mayor Garner in the same Tribune article:
“Over the years, it’s been, ‘What’s the minimum amount needed?’ We’ve got to quit looking like that and start looking to the future.”
Of course, we’re just an ego-driven blog, with no need to patronize voters and grandstand publicly for the sake of ineffectual careers in politics.
Larry's in limbo ... and I’m laughing all the way to the mirror.
Do the funky Kochert: Sewer rates all about how the “voters are going to feel about it.” (by the New Albanian)
----
With former hostage (and hostage negotiator) Terry Waite coming to town soon, it occurred to me that it might be time to extend the olive branch and parley with the folks across the aisle.Recently at the spitwa … uh, well, at one of the “other” blogs, one of their lynchpins provocatively wrote:
“It sounds to me like someone who has pointed out the problems that Roger has with HIS ego, and THAT is perhaps the greatest reason we as common citizens could never come together and work in tandem.”
Having not previously realized that my ego is an impediment to anything – with the possible exception of permitting Budweiser sales at my pub – it’s humbling to suddenly be told that community unity is impossible because of me.
In fact, I’m positively chastened, and to make amends, I’ve advanced a ceasefire proposal through the good offices of a local double-naught spy.
Essentially, I have promised to spare the attendees at the next neighborhood forum meeting (August 31, Calumet Club) the blunt force of my ego … if the Lauras, Shirleys and Erikas of New Albany do attend and commence riding tandem in the manner customarily rendered inert by my presence.
Good deal, huh?
The fact that I’ll be in Europe at the time should not intrude on the warm fuzzies sure to be generated by this sincere and unprecedented offer. After all, I’m not the sort to talk just to hear the sound of my own voice.
But 1st district councilman Dan Coffey surely does hear numerous voices, prime among them fellow conjoined 3rd District councilman Steve Price whispering to ask him whether it’s okay to vote "no" again, and of course both of the Siamese Councilmen will be there in the Gang of Four's playpen on Wednesday night during the public hearing on sewer rates.
New Albany sewer-hike plans in single digits; Raises between 7% and 9.3% to be the talk of Wednesday’s public hearing, by Eric Scott Campbell (News-Tribune).
The reporter Campbell is becoming a sly master at extending his interview subjects sufficient rope to candidly reveal their own entanglements, as 4th District councilman Larry Kochert’s comments amusingly indicate.
The mayor said he considered the proposals to be responsible alternatives to the 19 percent plan, but cautioned that “we’ve got to be careful that we don’t turn the utility into a tax-based system” with economic-development tax revenue replacing user-fee revenue.
Kochert is skeptical of that line of reasoning. He said several of the utility’s needed projects can be funded with development revenue specifically from their areas of New Albany, which he considers a solid option.Since most residents pay sewer fees and economic development taxes, Kochert was asked if it made a difference where the money came from.
“I guess that comes down to how you feel the voters are going to feel about it,” Kochert replied. “The constituency out here is saying, no more (rate) raises.”
Not exactly, Larry.
NA Confidential has consistently advocated reality-based sewer rate decisions in accordance with a sentiment expressed by Mayor Garner in the same Tribune article:
“Over the years, it’s been, ‘What’s the minimum amount needed?’ We’ve got to quit looking like that and start looking to the future.”
Of course, we’re just an ego-driven blog, with no need to patronize voters and grandstand publicly for the sake of ineffectual careers in politics.
Larry's in limbo ... and I’m laughing all the way to the mirror.
REWIND: Boner and Jethro: Sewer – heal thyself!
Published on 08/24/08
Boner and Jethro: Sewer – heal thyself! (by the New Albanian)
----
There was a predictably contentious public hearing last evening on the topic of various plans to continue gently nudging New Albany’s sewer utility into the 21st century.
NAC’s senior editor was busy packing (sorry, it isn’t a one-way ticket) and could not attend the latest in a series of entertaining mob rule spectacles, but judging from the testimony of Gordy Gant, our intrepid volunteer mole – who admittedly departed the skull session early in an effort to avoid “further brain damage” – the hearing offered more of the same old Luddite song and dance in a minor (league) key:
(According to numerous attendees) this administration is a group of hapless bumbling, irresponsible idiots, the mayor is just short of being an outright thief & liar, and the sewer board, minus the two unpaid volunteer councilmen who are unlucky enough to have to sit on it, are single handedly responsible for the financial woes of New Albany dating back at least to the last ice age.
As if that weren’t bad enough, all of the lawyers, accountants, engineers, bond writers, and financial Phd’s on the planet are not as up to date and well versed in such matters as is our own illustrious gang of 4 & ½.
(Dan) Coffey was so impressed with the fact that the boys from Umbaugh had whittled the original 19% increase down to just over 7% in less than two weeks, that he reckoned if we give ‘um two more weeks they can get it down to 0%.
Perhaps the esteemed (and with CM Steve Price, thoroughly conjoined) master of pettifoggery also believes that if we wait long enough, the sewers will dramatically cure themselves, just like in that old Superman flick when the Man of Steel flew backward and made time move in reverse. The Wizard of Westside is nothing if not operatic in his grandstand flailings … and pathetically consistent in his big picture failings.
Meanwhile, the C-J’s new man reports from the sewer rate hearing:
Residents object to sewer rate hike; New Albany studies proposed increases, by Matt Batcheldor (short shelf life for Courier-Journal links).
Those of us who live in New Albany’s 3rd Council District, which under the guidance of pathological oppositionist and Dave Ramsey disciple CM Price increasingly has come to resemble one of the chaotic pocket “ – stans” in the former Soviet Union (without the colorful prayer rugs or redemptive oil wealth), look forward to our scentless leader’s bi-monthly council proclamations on creeping Nazism at the American Legion, digressions into hot-bed issues, and breathtakingly errant analogies pertaining to violent sexual assault.
According to the C-J, last evening, further proof of CM Price’s prescient financial acumen oozed to the surface.
"I'm not going to vote for anything," council member Steve Price said. "I don't borrow to pay debts."
But financial adviser Douglas Baldessari said that using economic-development money would cause the city to exceed its state debt limit and would require a timely scheme to restructure the payments to get around the requirement.
Here’s another quote guaranteed to arouse the righteous indignation of the taxpayers, this time from one of the uncouncilman’s most prominent constituents:
"It is all waste and mismanagement," said Valla Ann Bolovschak, innkeeper at the Admiral Bicknell Inn on Main Street. "This administration is costing the taxpayers millions of dollars."
But unlike her council representative, the non-blogging Ms. Bolovschak has released a detailed sewer relief plan, which can be read in its entirety at Professor Erika’s romper room blog. It’s called “The Admiral Bicknell-Meets-Illiterate Non-College Professor Sewer Relief Plan.”
Indeed, these are wretched and degrading times for those locals who stubbornly persist in touting the future tense. New Albany’s political landscape remains littered with the bloated carcasses of past political battles, and although we certainly have an ordinance requiring the bodies to be properly buried, you can bet it isn’t being enforced.
After all, in the immortal words of Councilman Larry “Limbo” Kochert – and unfailingly seconded in absentia by a Democratic party apparatus without visible rudders, a coherent platform or the discipline to keep party members in line – you just keep losing votes that way.
Boner and Jethro: Sewer – heal thyself! (by the New Albanian)
----
There was a predictably contentious public hearing last evening on the topic of various plans to continue gently nudging New Albany’s sewer utility into the 21st century.
NAC’s senior editor was busy packing (sorry, it isn’t a one-way ticket) and could not attend the latest in a series of entertaining mob rule spectacles, but judging from the testimony of Gordy Gant, our intrepid volunteer mole – who admittedly departed the skull session early in an effort to avoid “further brain damage” – the hearing offered more of the same old Luddite song and dance in a minor (league) key:
(According to numerous attendees) this administration is a group of hapless bumbling, irresponsible idiots, the mayor is just short of being an outright thief & liar, and the sewer board, minus the two unpaid volunteer councilmen who are unlucky enough to have to sit on it, are single handedly responsible for the financial woes of New Albany dating back at least to the last ice age.
As if that weren’t bad enough, all of the lawyers, accountants, engineers, bond writers, and financial Phd’s on the planet are not as up to date and well versed in such matters as is our own illustrious gang of 4 & ½.
(Dan) Coffey was so impressed with the fact that the boys from Umbaugh had whittled the original 19% increase down to just over 7% in less than two weeks, that he reckoned if we give ‘um two more weeks they can get it down to 0%.
Perhaps the esteemed (and with CM Steve Price, thoroughly conjoined) master of pettifoggery also believes that if we wait long enough, the sewers will dramatically cure themselves, just like in that old Superman flick when the Man of Steel flew backward and made time move in reverse. The Wizard of Westside is nothing if not operatic in his grandstand flailings … and pathetically consistent in his big picture failings.
Meanwhile, the C-J’s new man reports from the sewer rate hearing:
Residents object to sewer rate hike; New Albany studies proposed increases, by Matt Batcheldor (short shelf life for Courier-Journal links).
Those of us who live in New Albany’s 3rd Council District, which under the guidance of pathological oppositionist and Dave Ramsey disciple CM Price increasingly has come to resemble one of the chaotic pocket “ – stans” in the former Soviet Union (without the colorful prayer rugs or redemptive oil wealth), look forward to our scentless leader’s bi-monthly council proclamations on creeping Nazism at the American Legion, digressions into hot-bed issues, and breathtakingly errant analogies pertaining to violent sexual assault.
According to the C-J, last evening, further proof of CM Price’s prescient financial acumen oozed to the surface.
"I'm not going to vote for anything," council member Steve Price said. "I don't borrow to pay debts."
But financial adviser Douglas Baldessari said that using economic-development money would cause the city to exceed its state debt limit and would require a timely scheme to restructure the payments to get around the requirement.
Here’s another quote guaranteed to arouse the righteous indignation of the taxpayers, this time from one of the uncouncilman’s most prominent constituents:
"It is all waste and mismanagement," said Valla Ann Bolovschak, innkeeper at the Admiral Bicknell Inn on Main Street. "This administration is costing the taxpayers millions of dollars."
But unlike her council representative, the non-blogging Ms. Bolovschak has released a detailed sewer relief plan, which can be read in its entirety at Professor Erika’s romper room blog. It’s called “The Admiral Bicknell-Meets-Illiterate Non-College Professor Sewer Relief Plan.”
Indeed, these are wretched and degrading times for those locals who stubbornly persist in touting the future tense. New Albany’s political landscape remains littered with the bloated carcasses of past political battles, and although we certainly have an ordinance requiring the bodies to be properly buried, you can bet it isn’t being enforced.
After all, in the immortal words of Councilman Larry “Limbo” Kochert – and unfailingly seconded in absentia by a Democratic party apparatus without visible rudders, a coherent platform or the discipline to keep party members in line – you just keep losing votes that way.
REWIND: What to do when the City Council wastes all your EDIT money
Published on 08/29/06
What to do when the City Council wastes all your EDIT money (by Bluegill)
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Think about how much money you have in your retirement fund. Then think about how much of that money is invested in locally owned businesses. Now ask yourself why. Then ask your financial advisor why.
----
For those of you with an aversion to thinking, there’s a special City Council meeting tonight to figure out how best to squander millions dollars so a few low-skilled workers can keep their part-time jobs.
It’s at 6:00 p.m. in the third floor assembly room of the City-County building.
What to do when the City Council wastes all your EDIT money (by Bluegill)
----
Think about how much money you have in your retirement fund. Then think about how much of that money is invested in locally owned businesses. Now ask yourself why. Then ask your financial advisor why.
----
For those of you with an aversion to thinking, there’s a special City Council meeting tonight to figure out how best to squander millions dollars so a few low-skilled workers can keep their part-time jobs.
It’s at 6:00 p.m. in the third floor assembly room of the City-County building.
REWIND: Opportunity rings door bell, City locks door
Published on 08/30/06
UPDATED: Opportunity rings door bell, City locks door (by Bluegill)
----
Opportunity Cost:
1. The cost of an alternative that must be forgone in order to pursue a certain action. Put another way, the benefits you could have received by taking an alternative action.
Investopedia
----
New Albany’s City Council last night voted to increase the sewer rate 8%. Your cost, however, will be much greater. In terms of pure dollars, the average sewer bill will increase around 81 cents per year for three years, roughly totaling $2.50 when fully realized. Economic development moneys pledged to the sewer utility, however, will cost each user $4.20 per month. In other words, the average user is out $6.70 a month.
Readers will note that NAC has pointed out that a full 19% rate increase as originally proposed would’ve cost the average user a little over $6.00 per month with no EDIT expenditure. With a much smaller suggested EDIT pledge of $275,000 for five years, users would have spent about $7.15 per month total.
For the amount of EDIT money pledged to save citizens less than half a dollar a month, the city could have totally paid off its portion of the Scribner Place project, turned Market, Spring, and Elm back to two-way streets, and fully funded a code enforcement regime for a number of years. Alternatively, we could have purchased and rehabbed several downtown buildings, provided low interest small business loans and other financial incentives, or built a technology infrastructure downtown to better facilitate the service based businesses that dominate today’s economy.
Instead, meeting attendees were treated to a prewritten statement by CM Bill Schmidt detailing his plan of spending even more EDIT funds on sewers to the tune of $25 million. His reasoning was that, since we were already spending a large sum of EDIT funds on the jail each year, we wouldn’t miss it. Coffey continued his doublespeak assault on the past, insisting at one point that certain parking lots that were supposed to be repaired after sewer work were not, even though he went on to critique the methodology used to repair them. And yes, Price again returned to the home finance paradigm, insisting that one shouldn’t borrow money to pay off one’s debts while conveniently failing to mention the consequences of not generating the funds to pay one’s debts at all, as he has continually advocated.
These uneducated, unprofessional and unimaginative men are simply grasping at whatever straws they find convenient owing to their inability to articulate even a partial vision of what New Albany could and should be. For years, Coffey has stated that things will never get better until we attract a factory to town. While mountains of economic evidence suggest that manufacturing jobs are probably not the wisest of investments these days, suffice it to say that in almost seven years on the Council, Coffey has yet to make suggestion one as to how to attract that mythical factory.
For all the blather that our city government has put forth in the past few years, not a single elected official has produced even an inkling of an economic development plan. Most have simply rehashed our failures and voted to subsidize them with the very tax dollars meant to correct them. We are a welfare state with no commonweal and a citizenry who, thus far, lacks sufficient interest in pursuing one.
If you have a different vision, please share it. We’ve got about 45 cents each a month to pay for it.
Courier-Journal coverage from Matt Batcheldor:
New Albany sewer bills to rise 8%
Tribune coverage from Eric Scott Campbell
New Albany's sewer rate rises
UPDATED: Opportunity rings door bell, City locks door (by Bluegill)
----
Opportunity Cost:
1. The cost of an alternative that must be forgone in order to pursue a certain action. Put another way, the benefits you could have received by taking an alternative action.
Investopedia
----
New Albany’s City Council last night voted to increase the sewer rate 8%. Your cost, however, will be much greater. In terms of pure dollars, the average sewer bill will increase around 81 cents per year for three years, roughly totaling $2.50 when fully realized. Economic development moneys pledged to the sewer utility, however, will cost each user $4.20 per month. In other words, the average user is out $6.70 a month.
Readers will note that NAC has pointed out that a full 19% rate increase as originally proposed would’ve cost the average user a little over $6.00 per month with no EDIT expenditure. With a much smaller suggested EDIT pledge of $275,000 for five years, users would have spent about $7.15 per month total.
For the amount of EDIT money pledged to save citizens less than half a dollar a month, the city could have totally paid off its portion of the Scribner Place project, turned Market, Spring, and Elm back to two-way streets, and fully funded a code enforcement regime for a number of years. Alternatively, we could have purchased and rehabbed several downtown buildings, provided low interest small business loans and other financial incentives, or built a technology infrastructure downtown to better facilitate the service based businesses that dominate today’s economy.
Instead, meeting attendees were treated to a prewritten statement by CM Bill Schmidt detailing his plan of spending even more EDIT funds on sewers to the tune of $25 million. His reasoning was that, since we were already spending a large sum of EDIT funds on the jail each year, we wouldn’t miss it. Coffey continued his doublespeak assault on the past, insisting at one point that certain parking lots that were supposed to be repaired after sewer work were not, even though he went on to critique the methodology used to repair them. And yes, Price again returned to the home finance paradigm, insisting that one shouldn’t borrow money to pay off one’s debts while conveniently failing to mention the consequences of not generating the funds to pay one’s debts at all, as he has continually advocated.
These uneducated, unprofessional and unimaginative men are simply grasping at whatever straws they find convenient owing to their inability to articulate even a partial vision of what New Albany could and should be. For years, Coffey has stated that things will never get better until we attract a factory to town. While mountains of economic evidence suggest that manufacturing jobs are probably not the wisest of investments these days, suffice it to say that in almost seven years on the Council, Coffey has yet to make suggestion one as to how to attract that mythical factory.
For all the blather that our city government has put forth in the past few years, not a single elected official has produced even an inkling of an economic development plan. Most have simply rehashed our failures and voted to subsidize them with the very tax dollars meant to correct them. We are a welfare state with no commonweal and a citizenry who, thus far, lacks sufficient interest in pursuing one.
If you have a different vision, please share it. We’ve got about 45 cents each a month to pay for it.
Courier-Journal coverage from Matt Batcheldor:
New Albany sewer bills to rise 8%
Tribune coverage from Eric Scott Campbell
New Albany's sewer rate rises
Monday, October 01, 2007
Rewriting history: It's "them people," not the Devil, that makes Coffey do it.
In the following passage, which I've edited from two e-mails this morning, NAC's Bluegill clearly explains this evening's proposed council chicanery. The text of 1st district councilman Dan Coffey's parking garage/TIF ordinance appears afterward. See also our earlier posting today: City Council love-fest 2-nite: And the magic number is six.
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Dan Coffey is trying to rewrite history.
CM Coffey's ordinance seeks to force the use of over 3 million downtown TIF dollars to repay EDIT funds used on the State Street Parking garage.
The city originally set it up so that bond payments for the State Street garage, which is now paid off in full, were funded 2/3 by EDIT funds and 1/3 by TIF funds. Because a small portion of extra EDIT dollars was used during the life of the bond to make up a TIF shortfall, Coffey is now trying to claim that TIF has to repay the entire amount of EDIT dollars used on the project, which is not only incorrect based on the original agreement but also probably illegal as state law mandates that TIF funds can only be used on infrastructure improvements.
If this passes, all downtown TIF funds collected will be used towards repaying EDIT funds from the old project rather than on continued infrastructure improvements like the new parking garage. Since Coffey is insisting that *all* downtown TIF funds go towards his faulty repayment scheme, the city wouldn't be able to do any TIF financing downtown for years.
Again, it was understood at the time of bond issuance that TIF would not be enough to cover the bond payment and that a majority of the bond payment would come from EDIT. It was purposely and knowingly set up and voted on that way.
To repeat: Coffey is trying to rewrite history.
----
Dan Coffey is trying to rewrite history.
CM Coffey's ordinance seeks to force the use of over 3 million downtown TIF dollars to repay EDIT funds used on the State Street Parking garage.
The city originally set it up so that bond payments for the State Street garage, which is now paid off in full, were funded 2/3 by EDIT funds and 1/3 by TIF funds. Because a small portion of extra EDIT dollars was used during the life of the bond to make up a TIF shortfall, Coffey is now trying to claim that TIF has to repay the entire amount of EDIT dollars used on the project, which is not only incorrect based on the original agreement but also probably illegal as state law mandates that TIF funds can only be used on infrastructure improvements.
If this passes, all downtown TIF funds collected will be used towards repaying EDIT funds from the old project rather than on continued infrastructure improvements like the new parking garage. Since Coffey is insisting that *all* downtown TIF funds go towards his faulty repayment scheme, the city wouldn't be able to do any TIF financing downtown for years.
Again, it was understood at the time of bond issuance that TIF would not be enough to cover the bond payment and that a majority of the bond payment would come from EDIT. It was purposely and knowingly set up and voted on that way.
To repeat: Coffey is trying to rewrite history.
City Council love-fest 2-nite: And the magic number is six.
First, the good news: Any combination of city council meetings remaining in the year 2007 that total six, and the Gang of Four is reduced to the Dunderhead Duo at the stroke of midnight on December 31, when progressives will take to the streets and cheap champagne will be flowing by virtue of Larry Kochert’s voluntary step down, and Bill Schmidt’s rejection by the voters back in May.
Then again, by then, their replacements might include superannuated relics like James Hollis. But that’s okay. (Most of) our collective hair is sure to grow back even after pulling out by the roots.
In the interim, much havoc remains for wreaking by the bile-infused Neanderthal bloc, beginning tonight, when the spotlight shifts away from redistricting (I might buy myself a mohair suit for the approaching court date) and comes to rest squarely on the latest exciting plan to revitalize downtown, one to be submitted by investors this evening, and one, of course, that is certain to be opposed by the very councilmen representing the areas that stand to benefit the most from it.
Whih, in a nutshell, is New Albanian socio-cultural dysfunction at its very finest.
Previously at NAC: Luddite obstructionists mobilize to fight parking garages -- the latest atheist Commie threat.
Given the intimate link between rental properties and "Re-elect Steve Price to City Council" yard signs, perhaps the best way for the city to approach the new parking garage would be to pretend it is a massive slumlord empowerment property.
Predictably, at the Gang of Four’s semi-official news agency (Six Flags over Screechia), the professorial-pretend duo of Dork and Mindy are having a cow over the looming prospect of downtown infrastructure improvements.
Taxpayers -- we are being screwed by the parking garage project and the request to spend millions of dollars to build another downtown parking garage.
Sadly, half of Freedom of Speech’s "brain" trust knows better, but prefers fomenting self-serving chicanery to putting the muzzle on her decidedly junior partner in trognonymous slime.
Meanwhile, I had breakfast this morning with another of NAC’s friendly confidants, D.T. Redux, and here are excerpts from his comments, as recorded with my favorite Sharpie on a bacon-grease-stained napkin:
The bond issue for the downtown parking garage was always intended to be paid for by a combination of TIF funds and economic development taxes. All the parties to the building and financing of the project decided that it was important to economic development and all understood that the incremental taxes gained could not and would not be sufficient to pay off the bond.
About 2/3 of the annual debt service was always intended to be paid from EDIT tax funds (that's why they called it "economic development). That would be about $400K per year. New taxes generated by the infrastructure improvement were to have paid about $200K. When TIF revenues came up short and late, the debt service still had to be paid. So, the redevelopment commission gained approval from all concerned to use EDIT to make up the shortfall.
Now Mr. Coffey and Erika are pretending to believe (or, delusion being a New Albanian birth right, perhaps they really do believe) that all of the EDIT funds dedicated to retire the bonded indebtedness were somehow a robbery from the taxpayers that must be made good.
First of all, EDIT taxes were until a couple of summers ago restricted to use for economic development projects, which the garage surely was. Second, anyone who opposed the use of EDIT funds to service the garage debt was either silent or could not garner the votes to stop it.
Accordingly, any effort to reclaim every penny of EDIT taxes used for garage debt service is an attempt to cheat the system, to declare a do-over, to repeal the acts of previous administrations and councils who lawfully chose to use those funds as they determined. The only EDIT funds even remotely subject to any "promise" to repay were those used to round out the TIF shortfall. There's no way that the $400K expended each year should even be part of a conversation in this council.
The ordinance and resolution before the city council, however, seeks to reclaim every penny of EDIT money spent to build and pay for the garage. It does not limit itself to recouping the shortfall that EDIT covered, but asks that TIF become a new "riverboat" fund instead of the means to improve and provide incentives for downtown revitalization through infrastructure improvements.
To say that the TIF "owes" $3.6 million to EDIT is grossly inaccurate. Aren’t we all tired of listening to certain members of council denigrating all economic development while trying to fool people into believing every TIF and every incentive is a conspiracy to rob the taxpayers? In fact, a TIF is exactly the opposite of what Mr. Coffey and his allies would have us believe.
What did I do with that damned flower pot?
Then again, by then, their replacements might include superannuated relics like James Hollis. But that’s okay. (Most of) our collective hair is sure to grow back even after pulling out by the roots.
In the interim, much havoc remains for wreaking by the bile-infused Neanderthal bloc, beginning tonight, when the spotlight shifts away from redistricting (I might buy myself a mohair suit for the approaching court date) and comes to rest squarely on the latest exciting plan to revitalize downtown, one to be submitted by investors this evening, and one, of course, that is certain to be opposed by the very councilmen representing the areas that stand to benefit the most from it.
Whih, in a nutshell, is New Albanian socio-cultural dysfunction at its very finest.
Previously at NAC: Luddite obstructionists mobilize to fight parking garages -- the latest atheist Commie threat.
Given the intimate link between rental properties and "Re-elect Steve Price to City Council" yard signs, perhaps the best way for the city to approach the new parking garage would be to pretend it is a massive slumlord empowerment property.
Predictably, at the Gang of Four’s semi-official news agency (Six Flags over Screechia), the professorial-pretend duo of Dork and Mindy are having a cow over the looming prospect of downtown infrastructure improvements.
Taxpayers -- we are being screwed by the parking garage project and the request to spend millions of dollars to build another downtown parking garage.
Sadly, half of Freedom of Speech’s "brain" trust knows better, but prefers fomenting self-serving chicanery to putting the muzzle on her decidedly junior partner in trognonymous slime.
Meanwhile, I had breakfast this morning with another of NAC’s friendly confidants, D.T. Redux, and here are excerpts from his comments, as recorded with my favorite Sharpie on a bacon-grease-stained napkin:
The bond issue for the downtown parking garage was always intended to be paid for by a combination of TIF funds and economic development taxes. All the parties to the building and financing of the project decided that it was important to economic development and all understood that the incremental taxes gained could not and would not be sufficient to pay off the bond.
About 2/3 of the annual debt service was always intended to be paid from EDIT tax funds (that's why they called it "economic development). That would be about $400K per year. New taxes generated by the infrastructure improvement were to have paid about $200K. When TIF revenues came up short and late, the debt service still had to be paid. So, the redevelopment commission gained approval from all concerned to use EDIT to make up the shortfall.
Now Mr. Coffey and Erika are pretending to believe (or, delusion being a New Albanian birth right, perhaps they really do believe) that all of the EDIT funds dedicated to retire the bonded indebtedness were somehow a robbery from the taxpayers that must be made good.
First of all, EDIT taxes were until a couple of summers ago restricted to use for economic development projects, which the garage surely was. Second, anyone who opposed the use of EDIT funds to service the garage debt was either silent or could not garner the votes to stop it.
Accordingly, any effort to reclaim every penny of EDIT taxes used for garage debt service is an attempt to cheat the system, to declare a do-over, to repeal the acts of previous administrations and councils who lawfully chose to use those funds as they determined. The only EDIT funds even remotely subject to any "promise" to repay were those used to round out the TIF shortfall. There's no way that the $400K expended each year should even be part of a conversation in this council.
The ordinance and resolution before the city council, however, seeks to reclaim every penny of EDIT money spent to build and pay for the garage. It does not limit itself to recouping the shortfall that EDIT covered, but asks that TIF become a new "riverboat" fund instead of the means to improve and provide incentives for downtown revitalization through infrastructure improvements.
To say that the TIF "owes" $3.6 million to EDIT is grossly inaccurate. Aren’t we all tired of listening to certain members of council denigrating all economic development while trying to fool people into believing every TIF and every incentive is a conspiracy to rob the taxpayers? In fact, a TIF is exactly the opposite of what Mr. Coffey and his allies would have us believe.
What did I do with that damned flower pot?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
New Albany is Broke (with plenty of money)
While 3rd district obstructionist Steve Price is busy holding up efforts to use an EDIT fund surplus to pave streets, The Tribune asked how much New Albany could pave if CM Jeff Gahan's proposal to add $500,000 of that surplus to existing funds were enacted. The answer: an estimated 18 miles.
The City receives approximately $1.5 million in EDIT funds each year. Outside of the small Scribner Place payment of $137,500, the pittance used to set Economic Development Director Paul Wheatley up for failure, and a tiny $20,000 committment to the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency, New Albany has over $1.2 million in economic development funds at its disposal per annum, outside of the current surplus. One drain on those funds, debt service on a downtown parking garage, will end soon. The misguided jail bond is paid off already.
Mr. Wheatley has at various times provided some solid thinking on the subject of how the money might be used only to have the Council respond to his well-researched ideas with a sucking force normally saved for rare earth magnets.
In addition to Wheatley's sensible requests for funds last year to be used as a match from the City to fund a downtown low interest loan pool in coordination with local banks and the Urban Enterprise Zone and to provide preliminary design studies on vacant or deteriorating historic buildings in our downtown in an effort to encourage their rehabilitation, there are a host of other ways the money could be used.
For perspective, here's how $1.2 million might be used in a given year:
• Pay for Scribner Place eight more times
• Pave about 20 miles of streets
• Buy a city block of houses and give them away for rehabilitation
• Provide 240 years of education at IU Southeast
• Pour roughly 5 miles of sidewalks
• Award 120 historic rehabilitation grants of $10,000 each
• Subsidize the total annual interest on $18 million in home mortgages at 6.5%
We have or will soon have the money without raising taxes one cent. All we have to do is pick one and pay for it.
Other ideas?
The City receives approximately $1.5 million in EDIT funds each year. Outside of the small Scribner Place payment of $137,500, the pittance used to set Economic Development Director Paul Wheatley up for failure, and a tiny $20,000 committment to the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency, New Albany has over $1.2 million in economic development funds at its disposal per annum, outside of the current surplus. One drain on those funds, debt service on a downtown parking garage, will end soon. The misguided jail bond is paid off already.
Mr. Wheatley has at various times provided some solid thinking on the subject of how the money might be used only to have the Council respond to his well-researched ideas with a sucking force normally saved for rare earth magnets.
In addition to Wheatley's sensible requests for funds last year to be used as a match from the City to fund a downtown low interest loan pool in coordination with local banks and the Urban Enterprise Zone and to provide preliminary design studies on vacant or deteriorating historic buildings in our downtown in an effort to encourage their rehabilitation, there are a host of other ways the money could be used.
For perspective, here's how $1.2 million might be used in a given year:
• Pay for Scribner Place eight more times
• Pave about 20 miles of streets
• Buy a city block of houses and give them away for rehabilitation
• Provide 240 years of education at IU Southeast
• Pour roughly 5 miles of sidewalks
• Award 120 historic rehabilitation grants of $10,000 each
• Subsidize the total annual interest on $18 million in home mortgages at 6.5%
We have or will soon have the money without raising taxes one cent. All we have to do is pick one and pay for it.
Other ideas?
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