Troy 2010 Tax Increase Ballot Language
I believe this is the language that will appear on the City’s February 2010 special election ballot:
Shall the City of Troy levy a new additional millage of up to 1.9 mills against all taxable property for a five-year period of time, 2010 through 2014, for general operating purposes including public safety and quality of life purposes? 1.9 mills are equal to $1.90 on each $1,000.00 of taxable value. If approved, the additional millage levied will raise approximately $9,129,000.00 the first year it is levied.
I’m not sure why the clause “including public safety and quality of life purposes” was added. Aren’t those the primary purposes for City government? Maybe the words were added to make it easier to sell the tax increase to voters? As I stated before, I could have supported a small tax increase focused on maintaining the library but this proposed increase is an invitation to open up the taxpayer’s wallet for non-specific public spending.
I believe that we both know that this is referring to the
police, cleaning the roads, patching the roads, the
quality of life purposes sounds like the community
center and Library. Why don’t they ask the Capts to
give up their cars and drive to work like other people,
using their own cars. they always have police cars
on hand for them to take if they need to make a run.
Why do we need public relations at the salary that goes
with that office. Troy’s recycling bens should be picked
up at the DPW building and not at City Hall.
To answer Audre’s questions from the best of my knowledge and opinions:
Regarding the Captains and provided police cars – senior leadership (Chief, Captains) are provided unmarked city cars for their use because they are considered on call 24/7. When they are needed, they may not be at the police station. It is much more inexpensive for the city to provide 3-4 of those cars than for the Chief and the Captains to bill the city for use of a personal vehicle for city business (mileage charge, installation of specialized radios and equipment in a personal vehicle, light maintenance, etc.) Fire Department staff is much the same way.
Public Relations/Community Affairs – Any news about Troy lately in the general media hasn’t been good, and any good Troy news provided by that department is simply drowned out by the bad, and I’m not saying that just because I used to work there. The effectiveness of that department really got slashed earlier this year and now they simply don’t have the people power to keep up. I won’t comment on the salary part.
Recycling bins – the purpose to having them at City Hall is to get new residents to purchase them as they receive their new resident packet. Now, I don’t see any harm having them at DPW either – but that’s why bins are sold at City Hall.
Jeff,
Thank you for clarifying this. I agree that the good done in this city is drowned out by the NEGATIVITY being spewed by blogs such as this and others. Isn’t it time that we come together to work for keeping Troy the fine city it is instead of trying to tear it down in the media and then blame the current leaders for the results? I am especially proud to live in Troy and am sick and tired of this group of belly aching bullies! When was the last time they attended any informational forums other than their own? I hope the citizens that elected the new leadership will continue their support for our city and be educated voters in February and not cave to these “scare tactics.”
in 1968,,the Plan of the future was put forth,,with the idea,,of balance mix of ZONEing,,to make parts of TROY,,live-able,,and zoned,,but then with no concern about pollution,,various companies..were away..and left unuseable land..,so land laws/zoneing were changed,,2 replace burn up land,,Troy’s slash and change has caught up with the CITY’s non-caring of TROY..but 2 listen 2 those who line their pockets,pollute,and buy the next buildingI believe the city needs 2 go BANKrupt,,and reorganization,,as GM did,,in a few days/weeks day,,or 2 a Controlled banrupancy <retiement paln back-up by Obama's master plan,.I bet
Troy Resident;
Yes, there are blogs and other sites that are certainly negative, but this one – Dave’s – I would not count as one of the negative sites around. I don’t always agree with him, but Dave is one of the most honest and decent guys I know, loves the City as much as anyone else, and this blog is his way of commenting on is going on, questioning what he feels needs to be questioned, and praises whatever he feels to be praised. And you will find all of that on here.
Now as far as the comments on this blog – well, it’s pretty much par for the course. You’ll get the good, the bad, the ugly, the positive, the negative – pretty much what you’ll find on any blog that accepts comments.
(Dave, you can write the check out to me and send it anytime)
Just kidding. I meant every word.