Taxpayers Assessed for Political Rant

Sumner County Property Assessor John Isbell, who came under fire last year for irregularities in the assessment process, is now using his taxpayer-funded website to advance his personal political agenda.

Isbell, who is up for re-election in 2016, has been fighting for his political life via social media under the auspices of the "Sumner Sentinel."

Now, he's taken his politics to his Assessor's Office website, which is paid for and maintained with public funds.

At the website sumnerassessor.org, Isbell explains the 2014 reappraisal process and notes:

 So why is a small group of pro tax increase bureaucrats led by Anthony Holt so driven to return to state-controlled property valuation in Sumner County? The answer is politics. Their intent is to manipulate the process to increase the assessment base thus increasing taxes on the citizens who are just now starting to recover from what many called the Great Recession of 2009.

A direct political attack on one of Isbell's detractors -- paid for by Sumner County taxpayers.

The disclaimer at the bottom of the page indicates the page is the property of Sumner County Government. That means it belongs to all taxpayers, not just Mr. Isbell.

Isbell continues his rant by referring to County Executive Anthony Holt simply as Anthony and unleashing a litany of attacks:

Anthony, in a recent meeting with the ladies of the Sumner County Republican Party, accepted full responsibility for the recent tax increase. "…I want you to know today, you can hold me responsible — hold me personally responsible. I do not want to shirk my responsibility." If Anthony accepts full responsibility for the tax increase why does he want to continue to try to blame the reappraisal process which has been validated as accurate and legal on three different occasions? Anthony will tell you that, in Sumner County, revenue-neutral means a tax increase. Unfortunately Anthony misunderstands the very basics of the reappraisal process and through his attempts to speak as an authority on the process only misinforms the public. Unfortunately Sumner County taxpayers have endured five months of uncertainty as Anthony held secret meetings, conspired with state bureaucrats, and wasted taxpayer dollars exceeding $100,000 to politically manipulate the process which resulted in his actions being grounded in general ignorance of the process. While the tax vote may be legal, it was certainly not conducted with any standards of transparency and ethical standing. Anthony stands as the self-appointed leader of this standard of transparency and ethical behavior for the new commission.

So, it's safe to say there's some bad blood between Isbell and Holt. But attacks like this belong on a political website paid for by a politicians supporters -- not on a publicly-funded, taxpayer supported site.

Isbell goes to great lengths on the public site to justify the recent assessment and his actions. He may have some valid arguments to make. The question is: Should John Isbell's political arguments be advanced by Sumner County taxpayers or John Isbell's supporters?

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What are We Paying Them For?

Wes Duenkel, a Goodlettsville resident who chairs the Strong Schools PAC, made the following remarks at the County Commission meeting on Monday night. His basic premise: Those County Commissioners (like Jim Vaughn) who are claiming they didn't know there would be a tax increase vote in November should have been paying attention. Otherwise, what are we paying them for?

Here are Duenkel's comments as delivered:


I would like to take this opportunity to thank the commission for having the courage to put Sumner County in a better financial position for our children. By voting to return our tax rate to what we paid 13 years ago, they put community before politics. In the face of mounting financial challenges, they made an unpopular vote; not because it was easy, but because kicking the can down the road is not how a responsible government behaves.

I understand some of my fellow citizens are angry.

They're angry that those commissioners "raised our taxes" (albeit to a rate we paid a little over a decade ago).

But I think they're angry at the wrong commissioners.

You see, I was at the November budget committee meeting, and the specially called commission meeting on November 3rd. I saw several commissioners gathered in the lobby, outside the budget committee meeting while the County Finance Director delivered a presentation on the dire financial future our county faced, and why he recommended returning the tax rate to $2.50.

Then, I saw the finance director deliver the same presentation to the full commission.

But was flabbergasted with what I heard next: some of the same commissioners who gathered outside those open doors claimed that they were surprised the commission was considering a tax increase!
Those commissioners, after they were notified of the meeting that was called with the “INTENT TO EXCEED THE CERTIFIED TAX RATE” claimed . . . they didn’t know what the meeting was about!

Those commissioners, who were elected, and are paid $500 a month, didn’t know what the meeting was about?

Those commissioners didn’t offer any alternative proposals. Instead, they complained about how long the meeting was lasting!

You bet I’d be angry. I’d be really angry if commissioners I elected, and I paid $500 a month, didn’t take the first step to understand what a meeting was about, and then complained about how long the meeting was lasting.

Rather than be angry with the commissioners that had the courage make this tough decision, I’d be angry with those commissioners who didn’t want to do the most simple aspect of their jobs: KNOW THE PURPOSE OF A MEETING.

Those looking to reduce government waste need to look no further than the salaries paid to commissioners who don't put the slightest effort toward what they were elected...and are paid...to do.

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JOB: Manager, Human Resources

Job Description:

Responsible for developing policy and directing and coordinating human resources activities such as employment, compensation, employee relations, benefits, training, and employee services. Acts as corporate liaison for HR related projects and functions that affect the distribution division.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working Relationships / Communication

Partners with DC Management to identify and prepare staffing forecast and ensure staffing needs and appropriate training is afforded.

Acts as a corporate liaison for HR related projects and functions that affect the distribution division. Represents distribution viewpoint in projects and policy meetings. Communicates the effect of resulting changes to the division.

Consults legal counsel to interpret policies and procedures to ensure DC’s management teams are consistent with disciplinary action and overall decision making particularly in areas where state or international regulations provide distinct guidelines.

Writes and delivers presentations to DC Management, employees, corporate officers, and/or government officials regarding human resources policies and practices.

Stays abreast of all changing employment and regulatory information and communicates these changes to division personnel. Develops strategies / tactics for division to address these changes.

Location: Gallatin

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County Commission Meets Tonight at 7 PM

The Sumner County Commission will meet tonight at 7 PM at the County Commission Chambers in Gallatin.

The meeting will include a presentation on the budget and likely public discussion regarding the recently adopted tax rate.

A group of commissioners, led by former Chair Merrol Hyde and Commissioner Jim Vaughn, are seeking to delay progress on investments in schools and other county services.

Ironically, these two commissioners led the county to the brink of financial collapse while they were in charge. Now, they want to set aside any new revenue from the tax rate and delay by a year projects to improve schools and address other pressing needs.

Hyde and Vaughn led the past commission in an unprecedented raid on the County's reserve funds, acting as if the money was coming from a credit card that never had to be repaid. Hyde has also conveniently failed to mention his past support for tax increases to meet his budget needs.

While Vaughn now says he doesn't know what was going on back in October and November and wants to delay needed school projects for further debate, it seems he simply missed key meetings in August and September.

If Vaughn and Hyde are successful tonight, key building projects will not start on time. Here's a graphic showing the projects slated to begin if a bond is approved tonight:

 

 

 

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JOB: EHS Safety Engineer

This position requires a candidate who can effectively 1) design and deliver a professional and comprehensive annual safety plan; 2) promote a positive safety culture; 3) coordinate work of existing in-house safety, health and environmental programs; and 4) maintain good working relationships with Unipres employees and contractors. The successful candidate will be strategic, but practical and hands-on in his/her approach.

Through effective leadership and communication at all levels of the organization, this individual will have the proven ability to partner effectively with operating and support functions, building and developing a strong commitment to, as well as strong support for, safety, health and environmental throughout their location and/or functions.

Located in Portland, TN

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JOB: Human Resources Manager, Macy's Logistics

Macy's Logistics in Portland is seeking a 2nd Shift Human Resources Manager:

Job Overview:
This position offers a complex blend of recruitment, organizational development, and employee relations for a population of executives & associates. Strong organizational and coaching skills are critical for this position. This role interacts with senior management on a daily basis on a wide variety of topics providing assistance and support. Creates a culture that values retention, coaching, career development and succession planning.

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Education Forum on Thursday

Station Camp High School teacher and America Achieves Fellow James Dittes will lead a seminar on the importance of high standards. The seminar will be guided by an excerpt from Amanda Ripley's book: The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got that Way. Strong Schools is proud to co-host this event.
Thursday, January 22nd - Hendersonville Library at 5:30
Tuesday, January 27th - Portland Library at 5:30
Thursday, January 29th - Gallatin Library at 5:00
You can read more from Mr. Dittes in his recent article published in The Tennessean here.

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JOB: Macy's Logistics

Macy's Logistics in Portland, TN is hiring a Vice President:


Oversee, communicate, and direct the day-to-day balance and cadence of fulfillment operations by translating strategic goals into daily tactical plans to create an optimal process flow; ensuring building customer service objectives and productivity goals are achieved.

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League of Women Voters to Host Education Event Monday

The Hendersonville League of Women Voters will host an event focused on Sumner County Schools on Monday, January12th at 6:00 PM at the Hendersonville Public Library.

The event will feature Dr. Gary Kaufman presenting a program comparing the performance of Sumner County Schools to the other eight Nashville metropolitan area school systems.

The presentation will cover student performance for 2013 and 2014 for grades 3-8 and high school. It will also provide comparisons for district operational data such as staffing levels and finance.

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JOB: HIM Coordinator

 HIM Coordinator



Education:
RHIA or RHIT and CCS credential required
Job Qualifications:
The Corporate HIM Coordinator will serve as a Health Information Management support resource for the hospitals and special projects for the corporate HIM team
This position will focus on Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) coordination, auditing and communication between departments
RHIA or RHIT and CCS credential required
HPF and STAR experience preferred
5 or more years experience as an HIM Director or Coding Director

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JOB: Implementation Manager, Smith Travel Research

Smith Travel Research in Hendersonville is seeking an Implementation Manager:

The implementation Manager is responsible for the new or returning client on-boarding experience. She/he will ensure that service delivery meets quality requirements reflective of client needs and on schedule. This position determines the appropriate resources, tools, and systems to be employed in order to successfully and appropriately implement and manage a customer program.

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JOB: Travel Nurse

MedStaff has an opportunity in Nashville, TN for a Operating Room Travel Nurse. For over 21 years, MedStaff has been placing travel nurses and healthcare professionals across the USA, offering the best travel nursing jobs. Our recruiters aid you by identifying personal and professional goals followed up with advice, guidance, and support.

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JOB: Director of Development at Vol State

Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin is seeking a Director of Development:

Job Summary:
To increase income for the foundation and improve internal and external relations for the college by soliciting major gifts, coordinating Alumni Activities and designing, organizing, and/or implementing various fundraising and programmatic events, activities and projects for the department and the college.

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