Budget shortfall

[curious]

The recent article in the Highlander said the city spent $10 million on the Monzano Mile, leading to the new High School. I thought that the school district was going to pay for that, (and had the funding) but the city volunteered to pay for it. The city could really use $10 million during this recession. What gives? Anyone know the skinny on this? :confused:

[nosefornews]

If I remember correctly the cost of the road was not included in the original bond package. There were several articles about that small but expensive oversight that were printed after the bonds passed, but few paid attention due to the celebration about getting a new stadium.

[Caretaker]

The total cost according to the CIP shown online has it at 9,268,900.. It was NOT included in the bond package.and It was put on the MFs taxpayers backs after the bond election.There was not one word mentioned about it during the bond proposal.

You should ask yourself. Who was at the helm during that time?

[mdarling]

The school board and the city council were at the helm; and as usual not communicating with each other, or so it appears. According to individuals on both the city council and the school board, building roads leading to schools cannot come out of the school budget/funding. Of course, other people tell me this is not true. According to these same school board and city council individuals, the city was not consulted about the road which would have to be built to serve the new elementary school if the bond issue passed. Payment for the road fell on the taxpayers as a result of this "oversight". We probably would have paid for it one way or another--city taxes or school taxes--anyway.

Suggest you hammer on the city council and school board regarding lack of communication.

[curious]

But, there is a lot more folks paying school taxes than city taxes. This is obviously some more "don't ask, don't tell" BS. "They won't know until it's too late to do anything about it." Sounds like Chicago Politics to me.

[countryboy]

But, there is a lot more folks paying school taxes than city taxes. This is obviously some more "don't ask, don't tell" BS. "They won't know until it's too late to do anything about it." Sounds like Chicago Politics to me.


You are correct. There are many more who pay the school taxes but It was only the MFs residents who had to pay for the road.. Its no different then the Hospital deal.It is supposed to cover or support a 50 miles radius. And who paid to put the water lines in.The MFs residents.And who benefits the most.The land developers in that area.

[mdarling]

This is what comes from annexation. By annexing all that land Marble Falls became responsible for providing water lines, and who knows what else. The developers should be responsible for paying, and pass the cost on to the people who purchase property and/or buy houses in the development. I don't mind helping pay for the hospital lines; it will benefit the whole community.

[meeka]

That is so true mdarling. I guess what I wonder is why MFISD schools are adding high dollar positions and changing reporting systems which I understand cost a quarter million dollars to start with when we are over budget. Texas schools will be short next year to the tune of 16 billion dollars is what I am hearing. So I guess they will just raise school taxes to cover bad choices?

[curious]

That is so true mdarling. I guess what I wonder is why MFISD schools are adding high dollar positions and changing reporting systems which I understand cost a quarter million dollars to start with when we are over budget. Texas schools will be short next year to the tune of 16 billion dollars is what I am hearing. So I guess they will just raise school taxes to cover bad choices?

It's because of the people YOU elect to the school board. They make these decisions. They spend YOUR money.:banghead:

[mdarling]

curious--Don't you vote, too? And, isn't it your money, also?

[fellowtownsperson]

Back to the Manzano Mile. I'm curious to know who owns the land on both sides of the 4-lane road and will be benefiting from the $10 million that MF taxpayers are struggling to pay for. Follow the money. Does anyone have an answer?

[Reapp]

Are there really that many conspiracy theorists out there?

[bobbypuccio]

yes, reapp, conspiracies,
In Fort Worth, Texas, a school construction scandal ended in June with the former executive director of maintenance for the Fort Worth School District, Tommy Ingram, and contractor Ray Brooks being sentenced to eight years in prison each for a kickback scheme in which they defrauded the school district of an estimated $15.9 million.
Ronnie Gene DeShon, Superintendent of the Pattonsburg, Missouri
School District, pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $844,000 from the school
district. The court released DeShon on his own recognizance. He claimed to have a
gambling problem.

The Realtor and developers involved in a derailed deal to sell land to the Wake schools at twice the property's appraised value said Wednesday they think elected officials passed on a good deal. "We still think it was a very fair transaction, an advantageous transaction," said Billie Redmond of Coldwell Banker Commercial Trademark Properties, the school system's broker.
Apex Olive bought the land for $3.25 million in April 2006, less than 10 months before agreeing to sell it for $8.7 million -- 168 percent appreciation in value
Douglas A. Benit, aka J.D. Howen, aka D.J. Howen, aka Jack Howen, a former Michigan school official and his wife, Mary Ann Elam Benit, were arrested for their alleged role in a fraudulent scheme to obtain almost $7.3 million from Ecorse public schools and the federal E-Rate program

just to name a few

[meeka]

not all operation cost have to be board approved as this wasnt taken to the board. And yes I do vote! And encourage all to do so!

[curious]

curious--Don't you vote, too? And, isn't it your money, also?
Nope! I cannot afford to live in the City or even in the school district. Wish I had that kind of money to blow, but I work for a living and get paid by the hour.

[kwesterman]

I would like to try to shed a little light on the decision process and MFISD and City of MF communication that led to the construction of the Manzano Mile. Before, during and after MFISD’s decision to propose a bond issue for construction of the new Colt Elementary and the new athletic complex, the superintendent had several meetings with the MF mayor and city manager to discuss location for these facilities and the need for access (roads). The location for the new Colt elementary school was chosen after the bonds passed and was based on the land the district purchased behind the high school with bond proceeds as outlined in the bond package.

Once the bonds were set by the voters, the MFISD School Board had several joint open meetings with the MF City Council regarding the need for a road to the new elementary school and the new athletic complex. These meetings were held to make sure the district and city were communicating their needs and constraints and plans clearly and that both organizations were on the same page. The road the city built and named the “Manzano Mile” was a road the city had platted and planned for some time prior to the school district inquiring about the need for a road to the new MFISD facilities. The school district (administration and board) did make the city keenly aware of the need for roads and received assurances from the city that roads could and would be built to accommodate the school district needs. This was all done in joint open meetings with the press in attendance prior to the commencement of construction of the new school facilities. This being said, the school district had no say and no input over the design of the road.

There is no question the Manzano Mile is way overbuilt for the traffic needs of the school district but it was never designed just for school traffic, even if that is how it is currently being used. The school district was told by City leaders the “Manzano Mile” was designed and built based on the city’s future plans for that area of town, not just for school traffic. Had it not been for the construction of the school facilities in that area the city likely would not have built that road prior to other road projects. This maybe would have made more sense to those not so closely involved in the planning process and with insight into future city expansion plans.

Please also understand, school districts don’t typically pass bonds or spend bond money to build roads unless they are wholly contained on district property and for the exclusive use of school related traffic. The Manzano Mile is a city road built for the city’s needs. I don’t pretend to understand the planning the city is doing that led them to build a road of this magnitude, my best guess is that the city didn’t want to waste money having to rebuild the road in the not too distant future because it was underbuilt to begin with.

Any civic leader should always welcome questions regarding decisions made on the community’s behalf. I welcome these questions. I do not know who owns the property adjacent to the new road other than for the property between the new athletic complex and the new Colt Elementary. That land was purchased by the school district as stipulated in the bond package for future expansion needs. The decisions regarding building new school facilities and the new city roads related to those facilities were made with a great deal of communication between the two civic bodies and with a great deal of openness.

Karl Westerman
MFISD Trustee

[kwesterman]

Here is an article published in The Highlander prior to the MFISD School Board even voting for the bond that references the communication between the school district and then City Manager George Russell regarding preparation for the needed roads should the school bonds pass.

http://www.highlandernews.com/view/full_story/262389/article-Bond-committee-makes-recommendation?

Karl Westerman
MFISD School Board Trustee

[mdarling]

This road was named in honor of a wonderful athlete from Marble Falls. Please learn how to spell the name. It's Manzano.
It appears that the residents of this town can't trust the word of anyone. What is laid out above is not what I was told by city council and school board members. No wonder we don't believe anything politicians tell us any more.

[kwesterman]

mdarling, you are correct, Leonel is an amazing athlete but an even more amazing role model. He is more than deserving to have both the track at the high school and the road named in his honor. My bad on the spelling... I have corrected it.

Meeting minutes are available at both the city offices and MFISD administrative offices if anyone so cares to go dig up the facts.

Karl

[curious]

Odd, indeed. The City is crying over sales tax slump, slashing employee benefits, talking furloughs/layoffs, etc. But, at the same time, they are building a new Public Works Building where the old recycling center used to be. Who pays for that? The employees, through slashed insurance coverages? The (thrown away) revenue from the warrant officer program sure would be handy, right now.

[curious]

Well, it's been a week. Apparently nobody cares (or knew).

[curious]

I see how the budget crunch works. Let's build a new public works building. AND, lets blow another $55,000 for a skate park. Forget the essentials, such as gasoline, training, etc. Let's decrease the insurance coverage for the employees that make this city what it is, and give it to a handful of kids, who couldn't care less. How utterly irresponsible of the powers that be!

[Caretaker]

I see how the budget crunch works. Let's build a new public works building. AND, lets blow another $55,000 for a skate park. Forget the essentials, such as gasoline, training, etc. Let's decrease the insurance coverage for the employees that make this city what it is, and give it to a handful of kids, who couldn't care less. How utterly irresponsible of the powers that be!


Its OK curious. Havent you seen the article in the paper. They are gonna raise TAXES AGAIN.:banghead:. Maybe they will give the employees a pay raise;). Maybe they will build a larger park for the corporations kids.:confused:

[butchkemper]

I see how the budget crunch works. Let's build a new public works building. AND, lets blow another $55,000 for a skate park. Forget the essentials, such as gasoline, training, etc. Let's decrease the insurance coverage for the employees that make this city what it is, and give it to a handful of kids, who couldn't care less. How utterly irresponsible of the powers that be!
I was at the meeting last night and the report on the skate park noted that the funding came from two sources:


$55,000 raised by the Skaters association.
$50,000 from a grant by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Butch

[curious]

I was at the meeting last night and the report on the skate park noted that the funding came from two sources:


$55,000 raised by the Skaters association.
$50,000 from a grant by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Butch
Odd, indeed. The sign at the skate park says $50,000 from TP&W and $55,000 from The City of Marble Falls/Skate assn.

On another note, I saw in the local paper that the County was able to absorb any increase in the employees' insurance. And the Burnet School Dist kept Blue Cross and only has a $500 deductible, with no increase to the employees. Hmmmm. But Marble Falls is building all kinds of new things and their employees are paying for it! :banghead:

[curious]

Another curious note: everybody is crying about lost tax revenue, but they switch to Scott & White so the employees have to go out of town for doctors and hospitals. Another Marble Falls Catch 22!

[butchkemper]

Another curious note: everybody is crying about lost tax revenue, but they switch to Scott & White so the employees have to go out of town for doctors and hospitals. Another Marble Falls Catch 22!

The City of Marble Falls reported during the budget hearings that they had two bidders for the city staff health insurance coverage:


Scott and White - the cost was 32% more than the current insurance.
Blue Cross - the cost was 60% more than the current insurance.

Many of the local doctors take Scott & White Insurance.

There are two "local" hospitals:


Burnet which is a part of the Seaton Hospital system.
Llano which is becoming part of the SW Hospital system.

Anyone needing specialized hospital care already goes to Austin, Temple, or San Antonio.

I do not recall ever seeing any sales tax on a doctor or hospital bill that I have received.

So what is your point?

Butch

[countryboy]

Another curious note: everybody is crying about lost tax revenue, but they switch to Scott & White so the employees have to go out of town for doctors and hospitals. Another Marble Falls Catch 22!


Maybe that catch 22 is this. Could it be that S&W blew that original deal with that 1st Developer and then maybe continued the hula balu about coming to the area only if mfs agreed to use S&W insurance??:rolleyes: Sounds like the typical good ole boy back room BS to me. Or is it just another Conspiracy??;)

[AllyMay]

Maybe that catch 22 is this. Could it be that S&W blew that original deal with that 1st Developer and then maybe continued the hula balu about coming to the area only if mfs agreed to use S&W insurance??:rolleyes: Sounds like the typical good ole boy back room BS to me. Or is it just another Conspiracy??;)


Really because it looks to me like if you have 2 proposals and one is a 32% increase and the other is a 60% increase. It would be a no brainer which one to choose. I think you really need to learn how the bidding process works before you start making accusations.

[countryboy]

Really because it looks to me like if you have 2 proposals and one is a 32% increase and the other is a 60% increase. It would be a no brainer which one to choose. I think you really need to learn how the bidding process works before you start making accusations.

I can assure you I KNOW how the bidding process works.. My statement was NOT an accusation but merely a could be. Anyone who says these things dont GO on is keeping their heads in the sand..

[Reapp]

Since we are going to all one up each other and correct each other's statements I shall remind you that it is "Seton" not "Seaton." :D

[AllyMay]

I can assure you I KNOW how the bidding process works.. My statement was NOT an accusation but merely a could be. Anyone who says these things dont GO on is keeping their heads in the sand..
Do give details if you know how the bidding process works and can be manipulated.

[curious]

Funny how all the local gov'ts are going to Scott & White, and now, the new hospital is going to be Scott & White. Coincidence? Was the S&W bid a low-ball to set the plan in motion? Hmmmmm.

[countryboy]

Do give details if you know how the bidding process works and can be manipulated.

I teach myself not others. But I will give you a hint. (requests for bids.Bid packets can be obtained by)). You learn the rest.
As far as the process being manipulated. I dont recall using that term.

[countryboy]

Funny how all the local gov'ts are going to Scott & White, and now, the new hospital is going to be Scott & White. Coincidence? Was the S&W bid a low-ball to set the plan in motion? Hmmmmm.


ALL the local govs are using S&W now.Now that is interesting.

[AllyMay]

ALL the local govs are using S&W now.Now that is interesting.
The county has bcbs.

[AllyMay]

I teach myself not others. But I will give you a hint. (requests for bids.Bid packets can be obtained by)). You learn the rest.
As far as the process being manipulated. I dont recall using that term.
I really don't need to "learn" the rest. I know the process well. It used to be my job. In the sealed bid process, how would one insurance company know what the rest are bidding? They would only know the current rate or history. Bid packets contain only the bid parameters. Check out the purchasing code of LGC 262 for more information.

[butchkemper]

Arguing with some people is like wrestling with a pig. It is hard work and after a while, you realize the pig is enjoying it.

Butch

[Webmaster]

ALL the local govs are using S&W now.Now that is interesting.
That's simply not the case. Burnet County is sticking with Blue Cross after changing from Scott & White last year.

[countryboy]

That's simply not the case. Burnet County is sticking with Blue Cross after changing from Scott & White last year.


I,m not saying it is. I should have started my sentence with a (What do ya mean All) I was responding to the post before me.

[countryboy]

Arguing with some people is like wrestling with a pig. It is hard work and after a while, you realize the pig is enjoying it.

Butch


Nows that just too funny. But the only way to know about wrestling with pigs is to have some experience at it.:rolleyes:

[Caretaker]

There wont be a Budget shortfall when they raise the tax rate again.;)

[curious]

I was at the meeting last night and the report on the skate park noted that the funding came from two sources:


$55,000 raised by the Skaters association.
$50,000 from a grant by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Butch
$105,000 and for what? I just drove by there today, and guess what. They ran out of money and didn't finish the job. Superior planning and management at it's best! :banghead:

[Reapp]

That's odd, they were working on it when I was by there earlier today...

[Caretaker]

Being out some money is something they faced but the weather had something to do with them not working on it.

[curious]

Speaking of tightening our belts, how much money is wasted on the catering for the City Council and EDC meetings. Tremendous amount of food goes, untouched, into the trash can, EVERYTIME! Someone has to pay for all the sandwiches, veggies, dip, etc, but more than half goes in the dumpster. I believe they can eat on their own time and money, not ours!

[countryboy]

Speaking of tightening our belts, how much money is wasted on the catering for the City Council and EDC meetings. Tremendous amount of food goes, untouched, into the trash can, EVERYTIME! Someone has to pay for all the sandwiches, veggies, dip, etc, but more than half goes in the dumpster. I believe they can eat on their own time and money, not ours!

They dont eat it all so They can tighten their belts. :laughing:

But seriously. What they should do is let the visiting public have a plate too.At least if they did that you would fill up the council chambers everytime.Maybe throw in some popcorn for the exciting moments.

[combatpilot]

Thank you Karl Westerman for your earlier post that indicated the location of Colt Elementary was unknown before the 2005-2006 MFISD Bond Election. I voted for the new schools and upgrades, but I would not have voted for the location of the new Colt Elementary if I had know the location would cost City of Marble Falls property tax payers $9.2 million to build a road at city expense. I voted against the new stadium and if the MFISD had indicated the true cost to access the stadium in their bond proposal, I believe that bond section would have failed. The city may have a throughfare plan, but that is a plan and is easily adjusted based upon priorities. The Manzano Mile was not a priority! Even former Mayor Raymond Whitman indicated that any access loop that directs US 281 traffic around Marble Falls would be over his dead body.

Here is where the MFISD was "penny wise and pound foolish". The land purchased by the MFISD (ten acres up in the hills behind the high school) was probably acquired pretty cheap. Throw in a $9.2 million dollar road and it became expensive. Not for the MFISD taxpayers, but stick it to the city taxpayers. A pretty good plan by ole Ryder.

The land at the intersection of Mustang Way and FM 1431, on the south side (approximately 40-50 acres) could have been acquired by the MFISD at around $3 to $5 per square foot. There are 43,560 square feet in an acre. Ten acres at the maximum price would have cost the MFISD $2,178,000. There would have been no need for road development as access to the school site would have been immediate off FM 1431 @ Mustang Way. The TXDoT would have also provided signal lighting at their expense for the intersection, and parents would save a ton of money on gas by not having to drive a mile up and a mile back down the Manzano Mile every day. So the MFISD saves $2.1 million in land cost and the City of Marble Falls property tax payers get stuck with a bill for $9.2 million. Real good move folks.

[ohcuriousone]

Where, pray tell, is Mustang Way? :confused:

[Reapp]

I assume they mean Mustang Drive.

[butchkemper]

Where, pray tell, is Mustang Way? :confused:

Go to http://www.mapquest.com (http://www.mapquest.com/) and enter "mustang way marble falls texas".

Butch

[Reapp]

Go to http://www.mapquest.com (http://www.mapquest.com/) and enter "mustang way marble falls texas".

Butch

Which attempts to correct the address to Mustang Drive, you get a different result Butch?

[butchkemper]

Nope, you gave the correct answer.

I was just demonstrating how Mapquest would understand the information request and provide the correct answer by substituting Mustang Drive for Mustang Way.

However, I am continually amazed how people who have the technology available to quickly find an answer but persist in asking someone else to do the work for them.

Butch

[curious]

Unfortunately, the City of Marble Falls employees are in-line to take another cut in pay/benefits. Word has it that the "powers-that-be" are planning to take away the employees' longevity pay that they receive every year. This has been a part of the Employee Benefit Package for years, and is what many of the families relied on for their Christmas. The City has the audacity to demand loyalty and top-notch performance; yet, every year, they cut more out of the employees' pay checks. And then, they have the "nads" to ask why people are leaving the city. It is written, Folks, you get what you pay for. . . . . .

[butchkemper]

Unfortunately, the City of Marble Falls employees are in-line to take another cut in pay/benefits. Word has it that the "powers-that-be" are planning to take away the employees' longevity pay that they receive every year. This has been a part of the Employee Benefit Package for years, and is what many of the families relied on for their Christmas. The City has the audacity to demand loyalty and top-notch performance; yet, every year, they cut more out of the employees' pay checks. And then, they have the "nads" to ask why people are leaving the city. It is written, Folks, you get what you pay for. . . . . .
Please provide some specifics instead of "word has it".

Butch

[countryboy]

Unfortunately, the City of Marble Falls employees are in-line to take another cut in pay/benefits. Word has it that the "powers-that-be" are planning to take away the employees' longevity pay that they receive every year. This has been a part of the Employee Benefit Package for years, and is what many of the families relied on for their Christmas. The City has the audacity to demand loyalty and top-notch performance; yet, every year, they cut more out of the employees' pay checks. And then, they have the "nads" to ask why people are leaving the city. It is written, Folks, you get what you pay for. . . . . .

While it is the pits to have to face Cuts by the city. Its also about time.But I personally think they should cut the pay or benefits of the upper eschelon..The CAs way over paid IMO..

People are also Leaving MFs due to the high tax rate and are heading to Horseshoebay because tax rates are lower.

Is longevity pay a compensation for putting up with all the BS??

[Reapp]

Please provide some specifics instead of "word has it".

Butch

There usually are no specifics, it's easier to sensationalize that way.

[mdarling]

Maybe they will be happy with the $250 that Social Security is going to send everyone because nobody received a cost-of-living increase! What a joke that is. As if $250 is going to make up for the rise in the cost of groceries and other necessities.

[Caretaker]

Maybe they will be happy with the $250 that Social Security is going to send everyone because nobody received a cost-of-living increase! What a joke that is. As if $250 is going to make up for the rise in the cost of groceries and other necessities.

All they have to do is stretch that 250.00 by an additional 100.00 or more to help make ends meet. Theres an old saying. Its not how much you make but what you do with it.Folks need to learn how to manage what they have.People have forgotten what it means to be Frugal.
Learn How to shop for food on a Budget. If one cant afford all the so called necessitys then cut out what one does not need/want. Folks need to get the entitlement mentality out of their heads.

[curious]

Folks need to get the entitlement mentality out of their heads.

That includes Washington DC! They are the one fostering said mentality. It's what keeps democrats elected.