Liquor Money to Flow to Schools

After a mini-controversy involving Aldermen and the ability or willingness to read audits, it seems that a mistake is being corrected and Hendersonville will make payments over 5 years to the Sumner County Schools to make up for liquor-by-the-drink revenue not previously paid to the school system.

The agreement was reached by Mayor Foster and Director of Schools Del Phillips.  Some on the Board of Aldermen initially expressed skepticism or opposition (Matt Stamper, Mark Skidmore), but the final vote showed broad approval for the negotiated repayment plan. 

Going forward, the City of Hendersonville will pay the money to the schools as it comes in.  The agreement means the schools will receive $200,000 a year from Hendersonville for the next 5 years.

Aldermen Regret Not Reading Audit

Two Hendersonville Aldermen are frustrated about their own ability to read printed documents.  That's the bottom line as Mark Skidmore and Rosa Long threw tantrums at a recent Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting because the City owes the school system over $1 million in back liquor-by-the-drink taxes. 

Long and Skidmore, the lone dissenters among the BOMA, were provided with the city's financial audit in February of this year -- well before a final vote on the budget.  That document included detail regarding a state law requiring Hendersonville to pay a portion of liquor-by-the-drink taxes to the school system.

While the issue was not discussed publicly, that's not for a lack of meetings on the budget and AFTER the audit document was distributed.  The fact that they did not read the document or form questions during committee and full BOMA meetings does not mean the issue is a surprise. 

Perhaps now, the two will read documents handed to them by city employees related to issues as important as the city's financial situation and upcoming budget.