Board Meeting- September 8
Mr. Howard called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members in attendance were: Richard Howard, Mike Scott, Shawn Dunmire and Dick Kozlowski. Also in attendance was, Jon Reitz, Larry Bedow, Jean Howard, Paula Clark, Theresa Baldwin, Alice Dunbar, John Day, Paul Sadler and myself.
Paul Plants of Plants & Goodwin brought in a copy of the plans for the gas line he would like to install along the town’s right-of-way from the Drum Road to National Fuel’s line on Zimmer Road.
Theresa Baldwin reported that someone has been driving their dirt bikes and 4-wheelers through the cemeteries. She also stated that Christine Cole requested that she not mow between the town hall and their house. They were concerned with paint chips. Mike Scott requested Jane send them a certified letter requesting they attend the next meeting.
There was discussion that Betty Bartoo would longer be the Town Historian. We will miss you Betty. Mrs. Bartoo suggested that the board appoint Don Cady to the position.
Mr. Kozlowski questioned Curt if he had spoken to anyone from Groveland Correctional Facility concerning the prisoner work program. Curt stated that the way he understood it someone from the Union had to be with the prisoners while they worked. Mr. Kozlowski stated that this was not true and that he would call about the program.
Curt is putting out the bid the hauling of the sand and salt for the winter season.
Estimates from Overhead Doors were received. The quotes for 3 doors were as follows:
- $11,164.52 with automated door openers
- $8,410.52 without automated openers
Curt stated the town should also look into replacing the windows in the highway garage. Mike Scott suggested insulating around the windows for the time being.
No quotes were received for the new coal/wood stove for the shop.
The board received another complaint on the Ann Hampshire property. The board advised Paul Sadler to issue her another ticket. Paul stated that she was in court for the last complaint and was issued a fine.
Mr. Howard has received two letters of interest for the Town Councilman position. They were from Ron Smith and myself. The board is waiting on an official resignation letter from Jeff Harmon before an appointment is made.
Supposedly, the Town was awarded a $17,000.00 grant from the state. Mr. Kozlowski says it was going into the CHIPS fund. This is not possible though. CHIPS funds is only for CHIPS programs. I believe this grant was for the new ceiling in the town barn if this is so then it would be a Capital project.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Assessor Report September 2008
The August 6, 2008 assessor report listed 5 petitions for small claims assessment with the tax payers name, assessed land, total assessment and acres. It also listed each property owners small claim assessment. The Miller’s small claims assessment was incorrect and I requested that the assesors’ correct it. The report also listed SOME SALES INFORMATION. The report listed 3 parcels of land that sold for the following amount per acre: $480.00, $600.00 and $750.00. This is not the $1,000.00 per acre that the assessors tell you what land is selling for. The assessors’ also tell you that all land is assessed the same and if you have more acreage the lower the per acre is. They state that if you have 50 acreas that it would be the same for anyone that has 50 acres. The fact is that if you have 50 acres of timber and someone else has 50 acres of swamp then the assessment should not be the same no matter what they tell you.
This months assessors’ report states that the assessors have been busy filing and doing current sales.
Why didn’t the report indicate anything about the 5 small claims petitions or list the current sales?
If the current sales are not listed each month I will take it upon myself to post all of the sales on this web site. This is valuable information to the taxpayers of The Town of Wirt. It gives them the knowledge of what property is selling for and they can compare it with their assessment to see if they are under or over assessed.
Two things; Firstly, taxpayers are entitled to know exactly what recent sales transactions have taken place in their respective townships. Current (and correct) sales figures absolutely have to be published in any assessor’s report. Once again, we’re told one thing, only to find out it’s not the case.
Secondly, “Land is land”, is what taxpayers in the Town of Wirt were told by the assessors in 2008. Nicholas Jonas, the hearing officer for the small claims petitions, told us that line of thinking is badly flawed.
But, don’t worry, perseverance shall prevail.
I noticed in the September 8, 2008 minutes that the town had received quotes for doors in the town barn from only one vendor. The previous audit states a bid process is to be used for items over $10,000. Also the audit states had the town gone with the county sand hauling contract they would have saved a substantial amount of money. I am only posting this to assist the town board to be in compliance with the audit and save the taxpayers money.
The town board should request bid even if the amount is under $10,000 as they did with the cemetary contract.
The “Quote” for the new Garage doors for the town barn was a rough estimate so the town could see if there was enough money in the budget to then put this out to bid. I am sure the town is well aware of the laws.
Very simply put, we should be looking at a sizable reduction in the budget for 2009, not an increase. (The “do more with less” concept until the worldwide and national economic crisis is over, as opposed to an increase). There is no way in hell this preliminary budget increase can pass. No way. These people need to wake up. Be there Thursday, but just as importantly, get out and vote Tuesday.
Thanks,
The Wirt Watchdogs