Portland, Tennessee Blog

vote no on the sales or any other taxes.
its time this council started spending on a budget like the rest of us surfs. i thought the garbage tax was going to solve everything, it didnt. it'll go up again within 6 months. just remember folks taxes never go down only up.

I think more needs to be said on why we do not need a sales tax increase. I am not going to put 'no increase' and leave it at that. This city councel was put into place to handle the city money. Has no one learned from the past. You can't just keep taxing people. This has to stop. Everyone thinks they NEED something. Learn to control your spending! There is alot of waste. Some of it is from years of spending that the city is obligated to. This has tied up alot of extra money that we could be spending now. I would like to know how much and what percentage of the money that the city brings in goes to debit.

JW asked, way back at the beginning of this thread, "How is it that Franklin KY can have such lower taxes than we do, yet they are growing at the pace they are, have all the stores they have AND I believe they have a Lowes on the way."

If you will take a hard look at the situation in Franklin, you will see that, although the location of the Wal-mart may have been deliberate, to draw shoppers from Portland, those who make decisions in Franklin also looked at the entire picture. Locating the Walmart (and the Cracker Barrel and possibly, the Lowe's) near the Interstate is simply forward-looking planning. By locating businessess near the interstate, they draw people from more areas to stop, shop, buy gas and eat.

Another forward-thinking plan in Franklin is the by-pass. They got the trucks out of downtown and gave them a straight, relatively traffic-free path to the industrial park. In Franklin, you don't fear for your life trying to squeeze between two trucks to drive to the other end of town.

The real bonus to this plan is that downtown Franklin, while not exactly booming, has been able to preserve its "small-town" feel and does not have the major traffic issues that we deal with here in Portland. There has been a tremendous effort in the last couple of years to paint, repair and "spruce up" the buildings on the Square. Sure, there are places in Franklin that aren't showplaces, but they aren't out there on the main thoroughfare, like the mess on 109 in Portland.

I hear the folks on this blog saying over and over, "Let's clean up this city." It starts when there is more interest in being proud of our town, rather than just thinking about how to make a buck. Both are important, both have their place; they need to be in balance.

I ask the Councilmen directly; what can be done to make Portland a cleaner, more attractive town? Is there a Codes Department? If so, when and where do they meet? Is there a citizens group that is willing to organize a workday on one or two Saturdays every year?

It's fine to say, "We're working on that" without giving out any real information. Who? What? When? Where? How can we contribute? Please help the people of this town help you.

Mack,

You are so right! I have shopped in Kentucky since I first moved here 9 years ago. Why stop now? The only time I purchase anything here is because I am pressed for time. The only place that has my devoted patronage around here is the video store. I stop in White House on the way home from work for dinner. They have better choices. What happened to our Taco Bell? I go to Kentucky for gas and groceries...and Captain D's...and Cracker Barrel. I suppose that you are right. There is really no point at getting upset on here, it won't matter anyway.

"Jane"

Mack, very well said.

Seems the good things that are happening, are over shadowed by the stupidity of some and we just continue to get excuses.

I am with you there, and I guess it will continue that way until we get a more motivated bunch running this city. I fear that in another 10 to 15 years, Westmoreland and Bethpage will have passed us by. Westmoreland appears to have mmore going on right now than Portland does.

It seems we keep going round and round on here. I am about to just say "forget it." I live in Portland, and that's about it. I ate at Buffalo Wildwings tonight in Bowling Green, KY and then went to their Wal-Mart. I also bought gas in Franklin. I am more than happy to continue doing so. Portland will always be the same town. It will never change. Us ranting on this page does nothing.

It's simple. Just keep taking your tax dollars outside the city. Ultimately, that will be the only way we can prove our point. Shop Portland last.

I'll just pay $100 a month for trash pickup I guess.

It is hard for me to believe that we are even thinking of taking on a new project when we have other issues that need to be addressed. If we add a skate park and/or civic center...won't that take more police to patrol? We seem to be short handed as it is. Would a civic center require any regular employees with a salary? If so, where would that money come from?

I am a teacher and I work for Metro. We are not getting a raise next year because they do not have the money in the budget. For the past two years we have only received a 1.5% raise...once again because there wasn't much in the budget. My question is, if a huge city like Nashville can't afford to give out raises to people then how can we? It seems like if we don't have money and are looking at raising taxes, then the last thing we would be doing is passing out raises. Don't most of the counsel members have other jobs? I do appreciate their willingness to serve, but just like me I am sure they didn't get into this position for the great pay.

Don't misunderstand me...I am sure that a skate park and civic center would be wonderful...but so would a YMCA and an O'Charleys. I just don't see it in the cards. I for one moved here because the cost of housing was reasonable. I live here inside the city limits, very close to town, and the property taxes seem high now. We recently bought a new house and I was shocked at how much our taxes were. The property up here is slowly becoming more expensive. If the taxes continue to increase also, then we may lose the one thing that keeps people looking here.

I really would hate to see the taxes increased, but if it is indeed necessary then we should use it to support and better what we already have. We need to provide our civil servants with all that they need to do their jobs and then work on cleaning up what is already here. I would pay an increase for that.

Another thing to think about is that though there are some in Portland who have plenty of money to afford a tax increase, there are many who do not. We need to take into consideration the fact that many of our citizens are working very hard and possibly even struggling to make ends meet. If the cost of living goes up in this community then some of our residents may not be able to afford it. My husband is a police officer, I am a teacher. We have three children and need every penny we make to better provide for them. I want what is best for our city, to make it a great place for my children to grow up...but I also want to make sure that we are making wise investments with our funds. I think we should put NEEDS before WANTS.

There has to be a better way to help Portland flourish other than burdening our citizens with tax increases. And yes...I am a die-hard Franklin Kentucky Save-a-Lot shopper! :)

"Jane"

Anyone get today's (Wed) News examiner, on page "4" there is an interesting article about goodlettsville and Liquor by the Drink, their situation is somewhat different than ours because the city is split between 2 counties, half of the town has LBTD and the other doesn't, however I believe some of the views of their "City Leaders" are quite impressive and might very well differ from many of ours.

For instance QUOTES from their City Manager

"I sense that residents throughout the city would like additional restaurant choices and I think there are some people seeing that we have a problem developing restaurants in the newer parts of the city because they can't serve liquor by the drink"

"Liquor by the drink sales represent a significant source of revenue for our city"

I guess what it all boils down to is the Goodlettsville "CITY LEADERS" began with a citywide referendum on liquor by the drink last year after a regional restaurant chain decided not to locate on the Sumner County side of Goodlettsville based on the fact it would not be permitted to serve liquor by the drink.

Councilman Callis,

I am in the real estate business, although I really don't understand why that is important to you, or is even any of your business. BUT, there you have it.

Councilman Callis Stated:
"JW,
You keep saying your a businessman but will not tell us what business you are in.
If you choose to locate a business based on 10% revenue, then well, your not to good of a business man.
Of course no one would want to loose that 10%, but the other 90% is more important.
Why are we behind?
Maybe because there is to much negativity.
Like I said, we welcome you to invest about 3 million dollars and bring us a nice resturant...;)"

I believe the negativity you speak of would be coming mainly from the powers that be in this city in the form of EXCUSES!!! Seems that all we get, and until change comes, this is what we will continue to get....EXCUSES and LETS RAISE TAXES.

First of all, why would I invest 3 million dollars(?) to bring a resaurant to town when I serve LBTD as part of my menu and because of some old fashioned law, I can not even offer my typical menu. So this minimal 10% you speak of is keeping me from doing business at all!!! So in this case, the 10% IS more important because it would keep me from doing business at all in Portland, because of some old fashioned law.

Again you just don't seem to get it. It seems typical that your asnwer to everything is to raise taxes in some way or another. Yet it appears there are raises being given to city officials? Is this true?

Where is the tax money you get now going? Oh, I know, you can't give me the answer, I have to look for myself. Yet you, the city official, it seems to me should know this answer without always deferring to somewhere or someone else.

Just another shining example of all talk and little to no action. YET, even with all of these other issues on the table that have been mentioned on this thread and others, and YET, with apparent problems with water and infrastructure in this town, somehow, we need a civic center? What will be the EXCUSE when the civic center (if it is built) doesn't meet up to these high hopes, then what EXCUSE will we get. Are you willing to explain to YOUR child or grandchildren, why they have dirty water, YET we have a civic center?

My point here is, what does it matter what business, or what business anyone else on this board is in? Lets keep our eye on the ball here and lets talk about CITY business, or lack thereof.

It seems to me that Jody does a far better job of understanding what the people of Portland are looking for. maybe not all of his views, but I must say he far an above better represents my view. Perhaps, JODY should run for mayor!!!!

The Portland Leader was full of info this week. The paper stated that the future councilmen and Mayor might be getting a raise in 2009. What fund does this come out of?

Also glad to see that the parks are getting the needed skatepark and amphitheater. Will the amphitheater generate income by being rented out?

Why can the city afford to hire another fireman and not another police officer?

I wont have to convince people to vote against this,you've already taken care of that.When the price you quoted was first 3 million then 5 million and finally 8-10 million(with the true cost more like 12-13 million).The citizens will not be willing to incur that type of debt for a "convenience".And yes I will pay a higher property tax for police,but only because the council tells me to.As you know,we don't have a choice when it comes to that,it is set by you the aldermen.

Terry,
In other post I noted you spoke at a council meeting, but like I said "no one" contacted me "directly" that was in opposition.
I pushed my idea and it got approval.
Vote no and convince others to do the same.
I help give you that choice.....;)

JW,
You keep saying your a businessman but will not tell us what business you are in.
If you choose to locate a business based on 10% revenue, then well, your not to good of a business man.
Of course no one would want to loose that 10%, but the other 90% is more important.
Why are we behind?
Maybe because there is to much negativity.
Like I said, we welcome you to invest about 3 million dollars and bring us a nice resturant...;)

Silence speaks volumes.
property tax or police?

Mike,I,from the beginning,wanted the sales tax revenue to go toward building the FOUNDATION of this town.I did not know at the time about enterprise funding.I am still and will be against the civic center AT THIS TIME.Also one person did come forward against this,ME.Do we need to review the tape of the January council meeting.You want it your way or no way,that revenue could be used in some very needed areas of the city's budget.Don't try to make me look like a flip flopper because I'm not.What you're feedin' about this civic center don't taste to good.

Coucilman Callis,,

Cracker Barrel is popular no matter where it is at. They also have a store inside that people frequent.

Let me ask you this....how is it that Portland has gotten this far behind everyone else?

You say that these restaurants don't make much off of LBTD, that it is not a primary source of income. If this is true, why have none of the afore mentioned places come to Portland? There must be some other reason, perhaps you could enlighten us all.

You also stated "LBTD accounts for only 8-12% of O'Charleys sales a year; good money, but not there driving force."

I don't know about you, I am a business owner, take away 8 to 12% of my sales per year, and I am surely going to be affected. When you are talking the amount of money these places bring in 8 to 12% is a huge chunk.

Another thought;

Lets be honest about Sunday beer sales. A gentleman who supported the measure said maybe $25,000 a year could be added but he was not sure.
Any amount helps, but trying to convince people it is a fix all is not right either; and I am saying you were portraying it that way, but some have.

LBTD if passed will generate some money; how much I do not know.
But it will not cause a flood of high-end restaurants to come. LBTD accounts for only 8-12% of O'Charleys sales a year; good money, but not there driving force.

Some said they did not want little places to open that only last 6 months and close down.
Well that is what you will get at first.
You will have a lot of little places promoting LBTD more than good food, and you know this to be true.

Do not take my word on this, call yourself. People say that folks do not go to "nice" restaurants to get drunk.
That may be true, but they end up that way a lot.
Call O'Charleys and Chili's and see how many times they call for an officer or send someone away each week.
So not all are there just for good food.

Lets face it, it will take a combination of factors for our city to take off with large retail.
LBTD may be 1 factor, but not the only factor.

Roads, sewers, land use, interstate exchange, by-pass; these will have a greater effect and we are working on these.

Large restaurants look at numbers to support a lunch crowd through the week and a dinner crowd on weekends. That is a fact.

One of the busiest restaurants in Gallatin is Cracker Barrel and they serve no alcohol.

Jody you are correct on the alcohol issues, but what will be done if they do not pass?

I have come to the council several times asking how to fund these projects, but I have never recieved any support or alternatives.

We are constantly giving cost of living raises, constantly paying higher cost just as the rest of society has to, and we wonder why there is never enough money in the budget.

Instead of looking at a 2 & 3 cent increases we wait for ten years and raise it 10 or 15 cents when we get in a bind.
We should be planning and offering solutions, but everybody is scared to death to mention taxes.
I have to pay them too, but I am not naive enough to think our city can offer increased services with less money.

Mike, you stated that no other councilman has tried to put forth alternatives for revenue, I'm not trying to call you out, but I do want folks to know that several times I have tried "unpopularly" to pass Sunday Beer Sales, LBTD, and Packaged Retail Stores to generate revenue. I've always thought that it's be one way to generate revenue, without it coming out of the taxpayers pockets. So I guess neither of us have had an idea popular to everyone!

JW,
Kentucky has a state sales tax and they have an automotive tax based on the value of the vehicle for 10 years.
This helps keep their sales tax low.
Check their total tax against ours and see what you would have paid if you lived in Kentucky.

When we go across the line we get the benefits of a low sales tax without paying the other taxes through out the year they impose on their citizens.

The city of Franklin did not do anything magical, it is a matter of numbers.
Do you think the location of Wal-Mart is accidental?
They intended to draw from Portland.

We can lower the tax rate if you like, but services will be cut.
Come look at the budget, there is no frivolous spending.

See, you may say to much is spent on parks another may say to much is spent on police; but the city has to try to accommodate for all citizens the best it can.
I think our department heads do a great job trying to manage the funds available to them.

You can either maintain the level of service per citizen or you can increase the level of service.
To increase the level means more revenue.

I think we would be glad for you or anyone to invest their money in a retail venture that will generate more tax dollars and offer more choice to the city.

I made the statement in another post that I would check and I did.
Legal said the city could not put forth the LBTD referendum; it had to be initiated by the public sector.

Terry,
I put forth a civic center. period.
I do not see any other councilman putting forth alternatives.
I have heard a great deal about a civic center and that is what I worked on.
So yes, you do have a choice.

You did not start out with wanting police and now you do.
Will you pay for it or not?

Sir you keep changing the bath water and the baby is still not clean.

I am still mindboggled by the fact that I went out of the way to give people plenty of time to voice their opinions.
I postponed the second reading for months.
No other council member objected nor did 1 single citizen contact me directly to tell me they were against it.
But I was contacted by some telling me they were for it.
But when the deed is done people start getting upset.

There will only be the one tax referendum. There is no time for any more.
We barely got the first one through in time.

Now, do you want more police; then the money will come from somewhere.

You have not been getting anything through to me, it is I that is trying to get you to understand.

Most people will not have to come up with it all at once, most pay theirs in escrow.
You have stated here that you are a landlord, is that the reason you are against a property tax?

You said you were willing to pay more for certain things.
Then you said the police department would be one of those things.

There will be no other slaes tax option this year so, do you still want more police?

It is no longer what might have been, it is a case of what the options are now.

I talked to finance last night about the needs of more police and equipment.
Maybe you could talk to the other 6 councilman and express your concerns.

Jody,

Very well said and I am in total agreement with you.

I think I have made my position very clear throughout this blog as to how I feel about ANY tax hike.

Which brings me to another question, and I am simply looking for an answer, because I just don't know what the answer is.

How is it that Franklin KY can have such lower taxes than we do, yet they are growing at the pace they are, have all the stores they have AND I believe they have a Lowes on the way. How are they doing this with less taxes than we have, yet with higher taxes here in Portland, we can't seem to put 2 cents together?

I just keep remembering that there is an election coming up very soon in Portland, please everyone remember what your city officials have done, and are doing, or lack thereof, when you cast your vote. Also remember the ones who are continuously wanting to put their hands in your pocket for more of YOUR money and vote accordingly.

Councilman Callis,a sales tax hike of 1/2 cent would be paid out during the entire year,where as a property tax hike will mean the people will have to come up with the raise all at one time.Which one do you think would be easier on the people.

Councilman,this is what I have been trying to get through to you.Give us a seperate question with the sales tax revenue going to the police force.I feel you would have a much better chance of getting it passed.Let the people decide,thats what you keep saying.Not just yes or no on a civic center.You're throwing the baby out with the bath water.

There are 2 pots of money.

1. General Fund - Police, fire, trash, parks, etc, fall under this category. Sales tax, impact fees, and property tax pay for these.

2. Enterprise funds - These would be water and sewer. Sales tax could not be used for these.
Some want sanitation to become an enterprise fund.
Remember an enterprise fund must keep itself going through the raising of its fees.

Many said they would rather see the sales tax go for other uses.
If the sales tax referendum fails (and it probably will)do you want the property tax raised to pay for these upgrades?

Example:
A 24 cent raise in property taxes would buy you 4 cops complete with cars, 3 new dispatchers, 6 new in-car cameras and 1 clerical position.
That 24 cents will generate about $500,000.00

Is this the direction we need to go?

I am normally against any type of tax hike,but I believe that a half cent would not be felt as much as a property tax hike.It wont be the half cent that will send the people to Kentucky,but the 4 1/2-9 1/2 per cent they are already saving.We as a town could only drop the sales tax around 2%.That wont be enough to dissuade the consumer to shop here instead of there.At least the sales tax would strike more across the board and not just target the property owner.

Couldn't agree with you more Jody.

Why increase taxes? The city needs to learn to operate on a budget. Charging citizens for pet projects is not the way to go. It would be nice if we could all do that. I think Portland needs to upgrade as we can afford to. Do you really think about were the money is going to come from,us.

Well, please don't take this the wrong way, but just like Alderman Callis is against LBTD, I am against this sales tax increase. IF we were in the middle of the state where it wouldn't be so easy to drive a short distance to save money, then I might be more in favor of it. But It's well understood that a lot of folks are buying groceries, gas, etc. in Kentucky because of the lesser amount. I am afraid that raising it will run more people across the line. I believe, and I know this is far fetched, but I believe that we would actually better our chances by lowering the sales tax, then people would shop HERE to actually save money. I know that's unrealistic, but maybe you can see where I'm coming from.

YES
1.Police
2.Sanitation

YES
1. Police
2. City makeover
3. Library
4. Parks