City considering rate hikes to offset losses in revenue

Newsbot · 07-20-2010, 04:10 AM

By Jami RashHighland Lakes NewspapersIncreases in taxes and utility rates are inevitable, according to numbers presented to the Marble Falls City Council during a two-day budget workshop last week."This is Marble Falls' first city budget in a down economy," Marble Falls Mayor George Russell said Friday.An estimated deficit of $1.2 million looms in the face [...]
More...

Webmaster · 07-20-2010, 05:13 PM

Hmmm. Maybe you should have a warrant officer to collect all the outstanding fines that are owed to the city?

Reapp · 07-20-2010, 06:42 PM

Yay, my taxes could possibly go up again so that I can pay my own salary!

Edit: Does that make me self-employed?

KINGCHIP · 07-21-2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reapp

Yay, my taxes could possibly go up again so that I can pay my own salary!

Edit: Does that make me self-employed?

You don't want to go there. Taxes get really fun.....

Just what the businesses need right now. The city must be taking lessons from D.C.

Nomos · 07-21-2010, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newsbot

By Jami RashHighland Lakes NewspapersIncreases in taxes and utility rates are inevitable, according to numbers presented to the Marble Falls City Council during a two-day budget workshop last week."This is Marble Falls' first city budget in a down economy," Marble Falls Mayor George Russell said Friday.An estimated deficit of $1.2 million looms in the face [...]
More...

I think all of us can live with "some" tax/utility increases as long as expenses are also cut -- just meet us at least 1/2 way, ok? -- and as long as we're convinced that waste is minimized.

Some PR work is needed from the City on that last point.

clanmaddern · 07-21-2010, 01:26 PM

Several thughts - so how are those new councilmen working out? What happened to the Tea Party representative on council? Utility increases - how much is going to pay off the hospital extension and its debts? Interesting how the RR crossing for Meadowlakes entrance gets attention with a Huber representative on Council. How about looking a Broadway east of Hwy 281?

By the way, what's the status of the hospital site search that was supposed to be locked up "very soon"?

mdarling · 07-21-2010, 03:57 PM

You all seemed to have missed the other tax increases they are considering (according to the article).

(1) An increase of around one cent on property (after increasing last year by about 28 percent!). This one really ticks me off!!

(2) A sales tax increase. I find this one very puzzling since the city is already at its limit of two percent. Is the city considering asking the state for a waiver on the maximum a city can charge for sales tax?

This town has over-extended itself on putting in infrastructure for nonexistent developments--Flat Rock, Scott & White, Manzano Mile. They were much too hasty in annexing some of the outlying areas. Someone needs to take a page from Granite Shoals' ten year plan. The developers are paying for some of the infrastructure, instead of the residents. Maybe if these developers had to pay some of this, they would get moving on these developments or never consider them in the first place. With the economy the way it is, I don't see much in the way of real development starting for some time.

By the time the council gets finished everyone who can will move out of Marble Falls. My only comment to the council is "get off the taxpayers' backs and out of their pockets".

carvet44 · 07-21-2010, 07:55 PM

The council has zero imagination. They're too busy trying to make us "pay" for passing that over 65 tax exemption, so they have no intention of doing anything else but showing us (taxpayers) pain with a large dose of "told you so." They sold us a phony bill of goods with the 28% hike for the boondoggle projects mentioned above and they can't clean their "skirts" any other way than make us pay more for their mistakes. Y'all didn't mention the 13% hike on water and sewer coming also. I like your comment, Reapp, about being self-employed. We just need people on the council who can THINK!

curious · 07-22-2010, 09:06 AM

Now, the "council" is going to royally screw the employees (again) on their health insurance. They, just like Congress, can do this because they are not dependent on the city insurance. Are we noticing a pattern here? Tax and spend, tax and spend. Socialism is great until you run out of other people's money. Why are they building a new Public Works building when they don't have enough revenue to operate?!!!

countryboy · 07-22-2010, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clanmaddern

Several thughts - so how are those new councilmen working out? What happened to the Tea Party representative on council? Utility increases - how much is going to pay off the hospital extension and its debts? Interesting how the RR crossing for Meadowlakes entrance gets attention with a Huber representative on Council. How about looking a Broadway east of Hwy 281?

By the way, what's the status of the hospital site search that was supposed to be locked up "very soon"?

Whats the status for the Hospital site. Well its almost a done deal and its somewhere on the southside and it will be here soon.

countryboy · 07-22-2010, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomos

I think all of us can live with "some" tax/utility increases as long as expenses are also cut -- just meet us at least 1/2 way, ok? -- and as long as we're convinced that waste is minimized.

Some PR work is needed from the City on that last point.

How about NO tax increases or rate hikes. Then more people can survive this Depression..

The Last time someone mentioned meeting Half way with the previous council they were ingnored.As we all know the taxes jumped how high??. Best to stand ones ground and just say NO.

countryboy · 07-22-2010, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curious

Now, the "council" is going to royally screw the employees (again) on their health insurance. They, just like Congress, can do this because they are not dependent on the city insurance. Are we noticing a pattern here? Tax and spend, tax and spend. Socialism is great until you run out of other people's money. Why are they building a new Public Works building when they don't have enough revenue to operate?!!!

Screw the employees again. If ones not happy theres always the private sector.

Like congress? Oh wait the Goverments own everything right?

Socialism is and has always been here in this country.And its always about OPM.

Public works building. Have,nt you heard. It will run on a Voluntary basis.And please wear your hard hat.

Caretaker · 07-22-2010, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdarling

You all seemed to have missed the other tax increases they are considering (according to the article).

(1) An increase of around one cent on property (after increasing last year by about 28 percent!). This one really ticks me off!!

(2) A sales tax increase. I find this one very puzzling since the city is already at its limit of two percent. Is the city considering asking the state for a waiver on the maximum a city can charge for sales tax?

This town has over-extended itself on putting in infrastructure for nonexistent developments--Flat Rock, Scott & White, Manzano Mile. They were much too hasty in annexing some of the outlying areas. Someone needs to take a page from Granite Shoals' ten year plan. The developers are paying for some of the infrastructure, instead of the residents. Maybe if these developers had to pay some of this, they would get moving on these developments or never consider them in the first place. With the economy the way it is, I don't see much in the way of real development starting for some time.

By the time the council gets finished everyone who can will move out of Marble Falls. My only comment to the council is "get off the taxpayers' backs and out of their pockets".

The sales tax comment was Not about them charging an additional 1% increase or what the state allows.. What it meant was that they need an additional 1% in overall sales..If more folks buy local then the sales tax increases would come around.

You are right though. The city has over extened itself on infrastructure on Non exisitent developments.But Manzano mile was not one of them.Thats a whole other can of worms..

Annexing to much of the outlying areas.Yep they sure did.One such area was the lake Marble falls sub off of Rocky Road..according to the Tribune article .NOW they are wanting to postpone work on service to that area to lower the CIP budget. Heres a kicker on that one.They stated over two years ago when they went about annexing those folks they had 2 1/2 years BY State Law to provide services.State law says a Service Plan Must be in Place at the time of annexation.They only had part of a plan.They have until October 31 to Provide services to them( And I mean the same level of service) or de-annex them.If they do not de-annex.The people affected in that area can file with the state for deannexation.And all the taxes paid during that time shall be repaid Since they have been collecting those taxes without providing those services.. IT will be getting hot on that Subject when those in that Sub realize they were vamboozled.

You are right. They need to be OUT of folks pockets

kb5ykj · 07-23-2010, 05:51 AM

Where were the thinking folks when the Mainstreet folks were pushing so hard to put the ones that did get elected into place ? There were several folks running that were clear thinking and they did not have the backing of the general public. Just wait till they come up with wanting to spend several million dollars downtown.

cougargirl78 · 07-23-2010, 09:41 AM

I am furious!! I was on vacation and came home to to get greeted by this article! I really regret buying a home in the city limits now! I feel a move in my near future

countryboy · 07-23-2010, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carvet44

The council has zero imagination. They're too busy trying to make us "pay" for passing that over 65 tax exemption, so they have no intention of doing anything else but showing us (taxpayers) pain with a large dose of "told you so." They sold us a phony bill of goods with the 28% hike for the boondoggle projects mentioned above and they can't clean their "skirts" any other way than make us pay more for their mistakes. Y'all didn't mention the 13% hike on water and sewer coming also. I like your comment, Reapp, about being self-employed. We just need people on the council who can THINK!

Remember this. If they decide to raise property taxes again,there is a little thing called a (Deferment). It is allowed by the state and can be very beneficial to the disabled or elderly. They best think twice because it wont be them doing the I told you so bit. It will be those who qualify for that deferment..

countryboy · 07-23-2010, 12:18 PM

The article also said they needed the appraisal figures from BCAD before they can make a decision on a tax increase or one to water/sewage fees..

Well too make matters worse. I just checked out numerous propertys on the southside and guess what. There were many that had the appraisals lowered.Some by 30% to 50%. One large failed development was lowered by over 75%.WTH.I know everyone has the right to protest the value place on the property but Does anyone think the average home owner got that much of a reduction.??. Those big name folks will be paying less and less. And that will effect what the city does since the lower the property appraisals by the county the less the city gets.

This is just another good example of why Property Taxes in texas should be eliminated.

carvet44 · 07-23-2010, 05:48 PM

I just saw a story on NBC evening news about Maywood, California. They were facing such a budget shortfall they fired their ENTIRE municipal workforce. The sheriff's office does all their law enforcement. They didn't explain thoroughly about who covered all the civilian jobs - I'm sure there's more in-depth coverage on the NBC website. I'm not advocating anything here - please understand that. But it certainly made me think!! Hmmmm.......... Also, Maywood is very close to a town called Bell in California whose mayor and city manager and other top officials were making obscene salaries until they got "fired" by the town, and the city council is being thoroughly scrutinized for allowing their salaries to be voted that high, since Bell is also in a financial crunch. People are starting to wake up here and there and shouting out the windows something about being mad as h... and not going to take it anymore!

mdarling · 07-24-2010, 04:27 PM

While the city certainly had to build a road to the new elementary school and stadium, they made it that big a project because "supposedly" there will be residential development in the same area.

carvet44 · 07-24-2010, 07:01 PM

Did any of you see the article in the Tribune today "Largest zoning application in Marble Falls history submitted for Flatrock Springs"? I don't know how it was presented in the Highlander - they put a different "spin" on things than the Tribune does. Anyway, I can't say it thrilled me. Let's see ......

"As Flatrock Springs unfolds, developers said plans call for forming a public improvement district, or PID, with the city. It will include specific roads, utilities, drainage and other public-use projects.
Under state law, a PID allows a city to levy and collect taxes on property within the city or within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction to fund infrastructure and other projects.
When utilities are available — possibly later this year — construction is slated to begin on a major road from 71 to the water tower.
Phase one of the project will include commercial development closest to 71 and 281, as well as a large civic parcel, an event lawn and the nine-hole golf course. Flatrock Springs will pay for the build-out of the golf course; Marble Falls will operate the course, developers said."

"I think they (the Flatrock development) will move forward no matter where the hospital will be," City Manager Ralph Hendricks said.

Hang on to your checkbooks, boys and girls -- looks like we've got another round of "we're comin' after your money whether you like it or not." At the rate our leaders are going, past and present, it looks like there may end up being an exodus to rival the one out of Egypt, lo those many years ago!

countryboy · 07-25-2010, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carvet44

Did any of you see the article in the Tribune today "Largest zoning application in Marble Falls history submitted for Flatrock Springs"? I don't know how it was presented in the Highlander - they put a different "spin" on things than the Tribune does. Anyway, I can't say it thrilled me. Let's see ......

"As Flatrock Springs unfolds, developers said plans call for forming a public improvement district, or PID, with the city. It will include specific roads, utilities, drainage and other public-use projects.
Under state law, a PID allows a city to levy and collect taxes on property within the city or within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction to fund infrastructure and other projects.
When utilities are available — possibly later this year — construction is slated to begin on a major road from 71 to the water tower.
Phase one of the project will include commercial development closest to 71 and 281, as well as a large civic parcel, an event lawn and the nine-hole golf course. Flatrock Springs will pay for the build-out of the golf course; Marble Falls will operate the course, developers said."

"I think they (the Flatrock development) will move forward no matter where the hospital will be," City Manager Ralph Hendricks said.

Hang on to your checkbooks, boys and girls -- looks like we've got another round of "we're comin' after your money whether you like it or not." At the rate our leaders are going, past and present, it looks like there may end up being an exodus to rival the one out of Egypt, lo those many years ago!

Levy & collect taxes with in the city or with in the ETJ of the city.Well aint that just dang swell.. That means that all the people surrounding the entire city (Who are in the ETJ, BUT DO NOT get to VOTE for council positions) could wind up paying for a Developers wish list and the tax payer will once again foot the bill.

If Flatrock builds the Golf course but Marble Falls operates it. Then that means the city will own it.Great another Asset for the Corporation and another profit stream for the city.(Funny how the manager did an OP piece in the paper and stated the city does not actively seek to make a profit.)What corporation does not seek a profit? Could this also explain more of why that land is owned by MarbleFallsPartners.

Another thing. That land has an AG evaluation on it. Once they start developing, that status is supposed to go away.The county can charge them rollback taxes..Are they going to have to pay the rollback taxes on it or will the county give them a sweatheart deal in exchange for Future Tax Base increases..

I hope city hall gets packed with News coverage (Kxan,Kvue Etc)and tons of angry tax payers flood the building.

curious · 07-25-2010, 08:07 AM

How can the city say they do not actively seek to make a profit, when it is being run by the EDC?!!!!!!! Tax and spend, tax and spend. "Levy & collect taxes with in the city or with in the ETJ of the city.Well aint that just dang swell.. That means that all the people surrounding the entire city (Who are in the ETJ, BUT DO NOT get to VOTE for council positions) could wind up paying for a Developers wish list and the tax payer will once again foot the bill." Doesn't this just smack of "Taxation without representation!" I believe this is where this country started in the first place. Deja Vu.

Peaches · 07-25-2010, 09:30 AM

Just an FYI about city-owned golf courses...they generally don't generate enought revenue to pay the bills. Llano, for example, loses money every year because they have to pay for the upkeep of the course and pay the staff. Nobody is doing your city a favor by "giving" the golf course to the city. The developers will enjoy the benefit of being able to sell the properties at a higher value because the course is there, but that golf course will be a burden on the taxpayers.

Pure Texan · 07-25-2010, 10:20 AM

Same thing goes for "free tennis courts", swimming pools and so on. When will politicians learn there ain't nothing FREE at least not to taxpayers.

carvet44 · 07-25-2010, 01:21 PM

I suppose they have all that money just sitting around to start this little project, right? Was that part of the 28% from year before last? Are they going to hit us with another round? And, I'm sure you've noticed, there aren't enough golf courses in this area, are there? What was it Lincoln said - "you can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time." Where are we in that scenario?

07-20-2010, 04:10 AM	#1
Newsbot Rechargeable News Robot Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1,573	City considering rate hikes to offset losses in revenue By Jami RashHighland Lakes NewspapersIncreases in taxes and utility rates are inevitable, according to numbers presented to the Marble Falls City Council during a two-day budget workshop last week."This is Marble Falls' first city budget in a down economy," Marble Falls Mayor George Russell said Friday.An estimated deficit of $1.2 million looms in the face [...] More...

07-20-2010, 05:13 PM	#2
Webmaster Benevolent Admin Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 1,038	Hmmm. Maybe you should have a warrant officer to collect all the outstanding fines that are owed to the city? __________________ GTO forum

07-21-2010, 01:26 PM	#6
clanmaddern Traveler Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Marble Falls Posts: 50	Several thughts - so how are those new councilmen working out? What happened to the Tea Party representative on council? Utility increases - how much is going to pay off the hospital extension and its debts? Interesting how the RR crossing for Meadowlakes entrance gets attention with a Huber representative on Council. How about looking a Broadway east of Hwy 281? By the way, what's the status of the hospital site search that was supposed to be locked up "very soon"? __________________ Live long and prosper

07-23-2010, 05:51 AM	#14
kb5ykj Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 176	Where were the thinking folks when the Mainstreet folks were pushing so hard to put the ones that did get elected into place ? There were several folks running that were clear thinking and they did not have the backing of the general public. Just wait till they come up with wanting to spend several million dollars downtown. __________________ Chuck

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07-20-2010, 06:42 PM	#3
Reapp Public Servant Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 287	Yay, my taxes could possibly go up again so that I can pay my own salary! Edit: Does that make me self-employed?

07-21-2010, 03:57 PM	#7
mdarling Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 380	You all seemed to have missed the other tax increases they are considering (according to the article). (1) An increase of around one cent on property (after increasing last year by about 28 percent!). This one really ticks me off!! (2) A sales tax increase. I find this one very puzzling since the city is already at its limit of two percent. Is the city considering asking the state for a waiver on the maximum a city can charge for sales tax? This town has over-extended itself on putting in infrastructure for nonexistent developments--Flat Rock, Scott & White, Manzano Mile. They were much too hasty in annexing some of the outlying areas. Someone needs to take a page from Granite Shoals' ten year plan. The developers are paying for some of the infrastructure, instead of the residents. Maybe if these developers had to pay some of this, they would get moving on these developments or never consider them in the first place. With the economy the way it is, I don't see much in the way of real development starting for some time. By the time the council gets finished everyone who can will move out of Marble Falls. My only comment to the council is "get off the taxpayers' backs and out of their pockets".

07-21-2010, 07:55 PM	#8
carvet44 Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 206	The council has zero imagination. They're too busy trying to make us "pay" for passing that over 65 tax exemption, so they have no intention of doing anything else but showing us (taxpayers) pain with a large dose of "told you so." They sold us a phony bill of goods with the 28% hike for the boondoggle projects mentioned above and they can't clean their "skirts" any other way than make us pay more for their mistakes. Y'all didn't mention the 13% hike on water and sewer coming also. I like your comment, Reapp, about being self-employed. We just need people on the council who can THINK!

07-22-2010, 09:06 AM	#9
curious Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 299	Now, the "council" is going to royally screw the employees (again) on their health insurance. They, just like Congress, can do this because they are not dependent on the city insurance. Are we noticing a pattern here? Tax and spend, tax and spend. Socialism is great until you run out of other people's money. Why are they building a new Public Works building when they don't have enough revenue to operate?!!!

07-23-2010, 09:41 AM	#15
cougargirl78 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 50	I am furious!! I was on vacation and came home to to get greeted by this article! I really regret buying a home in the city limits now! I feel a move in my near future

07-23-2010, 12:18 PM	#17
countryboy Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 108	The article also said they needed the appraisal figures from BCAD before they can make a decision on a tax increase or one to water/sewage fees.. Well too make matters worse. I just checked out numerous propertys on the southside and guess what. There were many that had the appraisals lowered.Some by 30% to 50%. One large failed development was lowered by over 75%.WTH.I know everyone has the right to protest the value place on the property but Does anyone think the average home owner got that much of a reduction.??. Those big name folks will be paying less and less. And that will effect what the city does since the lower the property appraisals by the county the less the city gets. This is just another good example of why Property Taxes in texas should be eliminated.

07-23-2010, 05:48 PM	#18
carvet44 Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 206	I just saw a story on NBC evening news about Maywood, California. They were facing such a budget shortfall they fired their ENTIRE municipal workforce. The sheriff's office does all their law enforcement. They didn't explain thoroughly about who covered all the civilian jobs - I'm sure there's more in-depth coverage on the NBC website. I'm not advocating anything here - please understand that. But it certainly made me think!! Hmmmm.......... Also, Maywood is very close to a town called Bell in California whose mayor and city manager and other top officials were making obscene salaries until they got "fired" by the town, and the city council is being thoroughly scrutinized for allowing their salaries to be voted that high, since Bell is also in a financial crunch. People are starting to wake up here and there and shouting out the windows something about being mad as h... and not going to take it anymore!

07-24-2010, 04:27 PM	#19
mdarling Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 380	While the city certainly had to build a road to the new elementary school and stadium, they made it that big a project because "supposedly" there will be residential development in the same area.

07-24-2010, 07:01 PM	#20
carvet44 Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 206	Did any of you see the article in the Tribune today "Largest zoning application in Marble Falls history submitted for Flatrock Springs"? I don't know how it was presented in the Highlander - they put a different "spin" on things than the Tribune does. Anyway, I can't say it thrilled me. Let's see ...... "As Flatrock Springs unfolds, developers said plans call for forming a public improvement district, or PID, with the city. It will include specific roads, utilities, drainage and other public-use projects. Under state law, a PID allows a city to levy and collect taxes on property within the city or within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction to fund infrastructure and other projects. When utilities are available — possibly later this year — construction is slated to begin on a major road from 71 to the water tower. Phase one of the project will include commercial development closest to 71 and 281, as well as a large civic parcel, an event lawn and the nine-hole golf course. Flatrock Springs will pay for the build-out of the golf course; Marble Falls will operate the course, developers said." "I think they (the Flatrock development) will move forward no matter where the hospital will be," City Manager Ralph Hendricks said. Hang on to your checkbooks, boys and girls -- looks like we've got another round of "we're comin' after your money whether you like it or not." At the rate our leaders are going, past and present, it looks like there may end up being an exodus to rival the one out of Egypt, lo those many years ago!

07-25-2010, 08:07 AM	#22
curious Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 299	How can the city say they do not actively seek to make a profit, when it is being run by the EDC?!!!!!!! Tax and spend, tax and spend. "Levy & collect taxes with in the city or with in the ETJ of the city.Well aint that just dang swell.. That means that all the people surrounding the entire city (Who are in the ETJ, BUT DO NOT get to VOTE for council positions) could wind up paying for a Developers wish list and the tax payer will once again foot the bill." Doesn't this just smack of "Taxation without representation!" I believe this is where this country started in the first place. Deja Vu.

07-25-2010, 09:30 AM	#23
Peaches Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 466	Just an FYI about city-owned golf courses...they generally don't generate enought revenue to pay the bills. Llano, for example, loses money every year because they have to pay for the upkeep of the course and pay the staff. Nobody is doing your city a favor by "giving" the golf course to the city. The developers will enjoy the benefit of being able to sell the properties at a higher value because the course is there, but that golf course will be a burden on the taxpayers.

07-25-2010, 10:20 AM	#24
Pure Texan New Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Heart o'Texas Posts: 26	Same thing goes for "free tennis courts", swimming pools and so on. When will politicians learn there ain't nothing FREE at least not to taxpayers.

07-25-2010, 01:21 PM	#25
carvet44 Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 206	I suppose they have all that money just sitting around to start this little project, right? Was that part of the 28% from year before last? Are they going to hit us with another round? And, I'm sure you've noticed, there aren't enough golf courses in this area, are there? What was it Lincoln said - "you can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time." Where are we in that scenario?