That's Tax Increment Financing -- and the suit would be against Fifth Third Bank for their management of funds related to the Indian Lake Village/Streets of Indian Lake Development managed by Halo Properties.
The Committee alleges that millions in taxpayer dollars have been misappropriated due to the financing schemes utilized by Fifth Third.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
What's Not on the Agenda? School Safety!
Yes, the Sumner County Commission meets Monday night. And they have a lot to discuss. One thing they won't be talking about, however, is school safety.
That's because some commissioners want to wait until an "ad hoc committee" on school safety makes recommendations. Never mind that there is an existing proposal from the School Board waiting for County Commission review. Never mind that security experts are reviewing schools and making recommendations. Never mind that every day of delay means another day that security solutions are delayed.
The County Commission would rather have its own recommendations and vote on those than review approve or even vote down the School Board's proposals.
So, you can show up Monday and watch - but school safety is NOT on the agenda. Oh, but proposals have been adopted in Williamson and Rutherford counties. MNPS is moving forward with security efforts. But in Sumner, we have to wait. Until next month ... or beyond?
That's because some commissioners want to wait until an "ad hoc committee" on school safety makes recommendations. Never mind that there is an existing proposal from the School Board waiting for County Commission review. Never mind that security experts are reviewing schools and making recommendations. Never mind that every day of delay means another day that security solutions are delayed.
The County Commission would rather have its own recommendations and vote on those than review approve or even vote down the School Board's proposals.
So, you can show up Monday and watch - but school safety is NOT on the agenda. Oh, but proposals have been adopted in Williamson and Rutherford counties. MNPS is moving forward with security efforts. But in Sumner, we have to wait. Until next month ... or beyond?
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Libraries of Sumner: UNITE!
So, the County Commission is now calling for signs at the libraries around the County indicating that the libraries are funded (in very small part) by the County. It's not about the County actually paying to open the libraries longer hours or improve the book collections. It's about making sure the "right" people get the credit.
Who are the right people? In this case, County Commission Chair Merrol Hyde and County Commissioner Kirk Moser. Here's more.
Specifically, rather than actually creating a unified, better-functioning library system, Hyde has directed County Executive Anthony Holt to create signs. It's not clear what those signs will cost or where the Commission will find the funds.
Hyde: "So far in this county we have gotten no credit, or very little credit for operating the library system ... "
Library Chairman Larry Hinton said he didn't mind the proposed changes ... Hinton: "We will do anything they can afford."
Stay tuned as your next library card may have the smiling face of Merrol Hyde and the libraries may denote the Kirk Moser Unified Book Return.
After all, it's not about whether or not the libraries work. It IS about who gets the credit.
Who are the right people? In this case, County Commission Chair Merrol Hyde and County Commissioner Kirk Moser. Here's more.
Specifically, rather than actually creating a unified, better-functioning library system, Hyde has directed County Executive Anthony Holt to create signs. It's not clear what those signs will cost or where the Commission will find the funds.
Hyde: "So far in this county we have gotten no credit, or very little credit for operating the library system ... "
Library Chairman Larry Hinton said he didn't mind the proposed changes ... Hinton: "We will do anything they can afford."
Stay tuned as your next library card may have the smiling face of Merrol Hyde and the libraries may denote the Kirk Moser Unified Book Return.
After all, it's not about whether or not the libraries work. It IS about who gets the credit.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Towle: County Commission Delaying School Safety
Hendersonville Star News General Manager Mike Towle calls out County Commission Chair Merrol Hyde and members Kirk Moser and Jim Vaughn for their consistently anti-schools stances and the recent delay in action on school safety. While the School Board conducts a security review and requests Commission consideration of upgrades to facilities, Commission leaders (Vaughn, Moser) are putting the brakes on the discussion. Towle takes them to task -- point out that school security is no time for petty bickering and senseless delay.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Technology Woes
When it comes to adequate technology, Sumner County Schools are woefully behind. Years of neglect in the area of technology have now created a crisis. More specifically, next year, all students in grades 3-11 will take a new assessment -- the PARCC -- which replaces TCAPs. The test is administered online. Only. And school systems MUST provide the computers and online systems to connect to PARCC.
District leaders are raising serious concerns about Sumner's ability to be ready for PARCC. State officials say no additional state funding will be provided. So, what's the district to do? Likely, ask the County Commission for an infusion of $7 million or more to get the system up to snuff in time.
Which begs the question: Will this be the crisis that sends Sumner over the edge? Will one of the state's wealthiest counties really NOT be ready for the technology requirements of a new testing system? And how exactly did the entire state of Kentucky complete the Common Core testing regimen in 2012 -- becoming one of the first state's to do so? Can we not plan and prepare as well as Kentuckians?
Will this be a wake-up call to the County Commission -- or another excuse for why we can't adequately fund the teachers and textbooks our system needs?
District leaders are raising serious concerns about Sumner's ability to be ready for PARCC. State officials say no additional state funding will be provided. So, what's the district to do? Likely, ask the County Commission for an infusion of $7 million or more to get the system up to snuff in time.
Which begs the question: Will this be the crisis that sends Sumner over the edge? Will one of the state's wealthiest counties really NOT be ready for the technology requirements of a new testing system? And how exactly did the entire state of Kentucky complete the Common Core testing regimen in 2012 -- becoming one of the first state's to do so? Can we not plan and prepare as well as Kentuckians?
Will this be a wake-up call to the County Commission -- or another excuse for why we can't adequately fund the teachers and textbooks our system needs?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
County Commission Committees Meet Tonight
Here is what they'll be discussing.
Noticeably absent is the School Board's school safety request. That proposal will be heard by the Emergency Services Committee, Chaired by Jim Vaughn. No word on whether that committee will take action prior to the January 28th County Commission meeting.
Noticeably absent is the School Board's school safety request. That proposal will be heard by the Emergency Services Committee, Chaired by Jim Vaughn. No word on whether that committee will take action prior to the January 28th County Commission meeting.
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