[This was posted on another thread by PortlandWatcher. I am creating a new thread here for it. Charlie]
Does anyone have an opinion about the City buying the hospital to use for the city offices? I know we need more information..but just wondering what your first thoughts are about it.
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You know..when you watch the Council meetings and hear them talk, it sounds like Portland dosen't have money for anything --- yet, they can come up these plans for buying hospitals,etc....on one hand, and then talk about the $8,500 for the school sign like it's a major purchase....and the salary for the Human Resource person was a huge deal....I just have some real doubts about Portland and the decision making that's going on. I guess it all comes down to whatever they want to spend on, they will....and if it is too much, then our property taxes will get raised to cover it.....is that about it ?
I certainly hope that someone considers the cost of utilities in this building. I bet it costs a fortune to heat and air condition it.
This sounds like a man that can only afford to drive a Volkswagon buying a Hummer. The money has to come from someone does this mean a tax increase for the people of Portland. I thought we had a hard time making the budjet this year. Did we have to let people go to make it? But now we are trying to spend 2-3 million bucks on a building that will cost no telling how much to make into offices. If we have the money great lets do it.
Presently it seems a tough deal to pay three plus million dollars for this property, ten years down the road it would be looked at as a steal. Back to the present, offer 2.5 million, I seriously doubt the present ownership has anyone knocking down their door trying to buy the building, it costs them money for upkeep, taxes, etc. How much tax revenue does this building generate? Why not sell one of the current city facilities to the medical staff that is presntly located at the property the city is looking at? The City does not need to be in the landlord business,(example, look at towns that built spec buildings that are now sitting empty), it could bring serious ramifications down the road. Another question. What will it cost to remodel the building to be user friendly as City Hall? A number I have in mind is about four hundred thousand dollars. How much could the City get for existing properties they own that could be liquidated? How many new tax dollars would these properties generate?
If the CIty sells off existing properties, some of the land adjacent to the proposed facility, trims purchase price down, they could have an adequate building going into the future for about a million dollars.
Wow....well,that's surprising. I always thought the Christmas Parade had good response.....I'm sorry to hear about this.
yesterday or today i don't know for sure. They said they didn't have enough entries for the parade. someting like 13 or 14. But I was waiting until today to enter.
WHY was is cancelled ??? When did they do THIS ??
Has anyone heard the good news about the Chamber has cancelled the Portland Christmas Parade for Sunday? I am so upset. I have a float but can't put it in the parade. this is just not fair. Can this decision be changed. I am out time & money & for them to cancel it with 5 days before it's just not fair. anyone else have an opinion?
I think this is so great. The City should get this building as soon as they can and move in. The location is good and it will be used for many, many years. I don't see the city offices ever having to move again. This is such a good opportunity. I hope the city leaders will opt for this purchase and get our city departments all in 1 area. Who ever came up with this idea has some thought for the future. Get on this quick & purchase & go foward!
All the more reason to pay cash for everything !
For the shoppers who make purchases in Kentucky and bring them back to Tennessee:
Please be aware that, under state law, you are required to pay a "use" tax to Tennessee. The use tax is the difference between the tax you paid in Kentucky and the tax you would have paid had you bought the item in Tennessee.
As an example, suppose you purchased a TV in Kentucky, paid $1000.00 + $60.00 KY sales tax, and then brought the TV back to Portland. You now must pay use tax to the state of Tennessee in the amount of 3.25% or $32.50. The 3.25% is the difference between TN sales tax (9.25%) and the Kentucky tax you paid (6.00%).
Most groceries are taxed at 8.25% in Tennessee and 0% in Kentucky. If you purchase $100.00 worth of groceries in Kentucky, and you bring them back to Tennessee, you now owe the state of Tennessee $8.25 in use tax.
Whether or not you choose to file a use-tax return and pay use tax to Tennessee is your concern. However, if you don't, you are breaking the law, and you could get caught.
Keep in mind that states are now requesting (and getting) computerized information on who purchased what where. Some simple research could tell them that credit card XYZ was used to purchase goods in Franklin, Kentucky, and the owner of that credit card lives in Portland, Tennessee.
By the way, this is not a tax unique to Tennessee. Most states have a use tax. As an example, suppose a resident of Kentucky purchased a $1,000.00 computer in Tennessee during Tennessee's tax-free weekend. If they take that computer back to Kentucky, they now owe 6% use tax to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Just did some research and found out some interesting tax info. If any of you stop at the Shell gas station at I-65 or do any buying anywhere in Robertson County, you are paying 9.75%, and most of you probably never knew it.
I too go to KY to shop and save money, but I also spend money in Portland like everyone of you do. But we have a lot of out of towners pass thru via the shortcut from I40 to I65. Let's take advantage of that. I would rather see a 0.25% or 0.50% increase on sales tax than my property tax be increased.
Im with moose. If I have a BIG grocery list, I go to KY, 6% (on non prepared food, not all food is non-taxed) is a far cry from 9.25%, especially if there is only one income in the family. To get some milk and bread, I stay here. One of the things that drew us to Portland was advice from the husbands co-workers *live in TN but shop in KY* and now that the new Dollar Tree is open in Franklin....Im all set. :)
Franklin, KY has a six percent sales tax and no tax on groceries. I imagine most folks around here go there if they can't find what they are looking for here or just to save money. If you are a smart shopper and watch prices as well as the tax, no tax you can save quite a bit.
If you all want to pay more taxes then go for it but I personally do not. Just cut a check and donate it to the city. I'm sure they would appreciate it and hey, maybe y'all can deduct it from your federal taxes.
I think this is an excellent opportunity for the city. It will help centralize all the city offices, instead of being spaced out across the city. The article stated that the city would sell all the current property downtown. That money could be used to help offset the cost. It also stated that the current tenants, i.e. Dr's offices, would continue leasing the front spaces. That will help offset the cost more. I am in favor of a temporary tax increase as was done a few yrs ago to help pay for security fencing at the water plant. Once the bldg note is paid, then the tax goes away. If the numbers can crunched correctly, and it is feasible for the city, let's do it.
Just asking, why doesn't the city put on the ballot to increase sales tax like White House and so many other cities to 9.75%? That way you always have money coming in and can do bigger projects when the time comes. We have all talked about doing business in White House and the other towns, but how many have paid attention to the sales tax you are paying there? Hardly noticeable, but Portland can benefit greatly.
This location would be perfect for City Hall and the different departments, maybe in the future they could take some of the extra land and build a new firehouse and police department. Would anyone be in favor of an increase in taxes to support this project? I believe the city is really strapped financially and think the only way they could do this and do it right would be something more from tax revenue. I would be in favor providing the property is purchased at a good price and a good plan is put into place.
Great idea. Location is perfect. Large enough to house all city depts. 55 acres is included with the purchase which could be sold off is needed. City needs to jump on this.
Would this kick out the dr's that are there??? I hope not.......
It was in both papers this week.....
This is the first I've heard about this, PortlandWatcher. Can you fill us in as to where you are hearing this? Thanks. Charlie