Local Opinion and Commentary
1) AND THERE WERE RATS: Liz Schmidt talks Land Clearance and Black Injustice
2) DINOsaurs AT COUNTY HALL: Do small "d" Dems dominate?
3) THE HARD TRUTH: Freedom at the Frederick Douglass Coalition
4) READERS WRITE: Eminent domain, journalism, Mediacom
Listening Whilst Writing: Jerry Goldsmith's wonderful score from "Papillon"
Hey you bastards -- I'm still here!
In Brief:
GET ALL THE LOCAL HEADLINES: At Columbia360.com
CITY FEE INCREASES TOP: Tomorrow's Council Agenda
AND THERE WERE RATS: Liz Schmidt talks Land Clearance -- and Black Injustice
Few people in Columbia or Boone County have the institutional memory -- or command the respect -- of Liz Schmidt.
The long-time Columbia resident wrote a lengthy response to our recent stories on City Hall's insidious use of eminent domain to acquire land from the black community under the guise of "urban renewal" in the 1950s and thereafter.
In so doing, Schmidt confirms some devastating historical details -- and exposes the roots of a practice that has become a part of City Hall's DNA: Taking liens against central city property in exchange for Federally-funded loans and grants -- that's right, grants -- to fix it up. Then, if things don't go quite right, taking the property.
Here's Liz, with some editing and clarification:
Ninety years after Emancipation, time and circumstance had put the black community in one area of the city. The 1935 Hare Planning and Zoning report stated that they should be treated fairly, have their own stores and houses, etc. etc. But by the 1950s, other things had intervened.
During so-called Urban Renewal starting around 1956, Columbia not only instituted Land Clearance, but also voted in a Housing Authority, to see that displaced people had a place to go. Many cities had only land clearance, and thus the people had to fend for themselves.
In your story, Sehon Williams was right -- at that time, black residents didn't go past 8th street, except for work. Park Avenue was lined with row-shacks. And the complaint about Sharps End was that the police didn't do anything about black-on-black crime, such as if a black person stabbed another black person during a craps game.
The area east of the cemetery on West Broadway was called Cemetery Hill. Providence (then Third Street) was not paved. Privies were in yards and electricity was one light bulb in the middle of a single room. The houses were in terrible disrepair. The principal from Grant School went to take clothing to a family there once, and stepped through the boards on the porch. There was one pump in the yard to get water to carry into the shacks.
And there were rats. When the city began clearing for Urban Renewal, the rats began to flee.
The city got some of its money for Land Clearance by building streets and putting in water and electricity and sewers. The State probably put in some for Providence Road. The rest of the money for land clearance came from the Federal government under Housing Authority regulations.
We did not have "open" or "fair" housing until 1968, so many people were not fully compensated for what they lost. More importantly, entire neighborhoods were disrupted when people who had been neighbors were assigned to different housing areas.
Some of the more affluent "negroes" (as the term was used then) did have help in either moving a house, or getting some money to get another house. Noble Court, Switzler Street, and Miles Manor were places the more affluent could go. However, the help they received was underfunded.
White landowners, on the other hand, were almost-certainly fully compensated, as evidenced by the fact that they cobbled together enough land to build the Housing Authority.
[At this point, Schmidt describes what I call a private version of eminent domain].
Several of our "illustrious citizens" got a lot of property through private "foreclosures." The owner of the house or land -- usually black -- would have a sick child, or get sick, or something else would happen and they would borrow money against the house from a private party, [as banks back then didn't often lend to black folks]. The private-party lender -- usually white -- would have a "hard time," call the loan, and take the house. But the borrower could go on living there by paying rent.
By the time the city instituted Land Clearance, most of the shanties and shacks were owned by a handful of these "lovely landlords," [many of whom had acquired their properties as collateral for small loans]. I can name names if you like, as one of my League of Women Voters jobs was to go to the courthouse and see who owned these parcels.
When the Urban Renewal votes came along in 1954 and 1956, landlords threatened their tenants, that "if you vote tomorrow, we might have to raise your rent. And you wouldn't want that. You know how nice we've been about the rent."
Needless to say, whatever the grown ups of today remember, they were kids then. And kids remember the good stuff, and are protected from the other.
DINOsaurs at County Hall: Do small "d" Dems dominate?
Earlier this month, Boone County Treasurer Kay Murray told the Trib that Boone County government has several elected officials who are “dyed-in-the-wool Democrats.”
What the heck? I don't know any dyed-in-the-wool Democrats who pay taxes just so their money can go into a big, dead piggy bank called a reserve fund. All the dyed-in-the-wool Dems I know want their tax dollars spent helping those who can't help themselves.
But that doesn't seem to matter much at the Roger B. Wilson county government building these days. Check out what county clerk Wendy Noren wrote on the Trib's website a few days ago.
"Our current reserves are 28.82% of expenditures. If we do not do the tax increase they will be 28.22% of expenditures. This is a minor decrease and our reserves are still way above the County's reserve policy of 15 to 20% of expenditures."
Lawdy m'lady! Nearly 29% reserves -- when 15% is adequate and when we rightly squawked about the Columbia school district's 22% reserve? And all this bitchin' about tight budgets?
Contrast this multi-million dollar piggy bank and the county commission's fancy new offices with 25-year county public works employee Greg Mullanix, who told the three all-Democrat county commissioners last week that he has "gone without a pay raise for seven years," and that he's "forced to cut costs every day as a homeowner and breadwinner."
I could go on -- and I have, many times -- about how parts of county government run by "dyed-in-the-wool Democrats" have become vehicles for rich, powerful patrons who contribute big campaign bucks and sadly, call far too many shots, which is terrible news for a political party that prides itself on taking care of the little guy and gal.
When politicians but a "D" or an "R," or any other partisan label after their names, it's like stamping their service with the Good Housekeeping seal of approval, an imprimatur, or the union label. People wearing it are expected to live up to a certain set of politico-moral standards, a code if you will, defined historically as a party platform.
Big R Republicans stand for smaller government, less taxes, and fiscal frugality. Big D Democrats support helping those who can't help themselves.
DINOs and RINOS -- Democrats and Republicans in name only -- use the party label, but only to get elected. And with all these DINOsaurs -- Democrats in Name Only, who've been in office too long -- running local government, I've started to wonder if we need a certification or accreditation process before the label backs up the politician's name.
Vote for a Certified Big D Democrat. Support a fully-accredited Big R Republican.
Bless her heart for joining with Murray to stop the commission's planned tax hike, but still, "the County's budgetary policy calls for a fund balance of 15% to 20% of budgeted expenditures," Noren writes. "Our current fund balance exceeds the high end of that by $2,234,000 and the low end by $3,393,000."
If that's true, live up to the Big D and give it back to the folks. Spend it on that mental health care program Skip Elkin talked up a few years ago. Build a new shelter for the humane society or some other animal welfare facility. Make sure folks like the residents of Paquin Towers don't lose measly allowances for simple pleasures like recreation.
Get more sheriff's deputies on the street. Lower taxes. Don't hammer our best manufacturers with big property tax increases.
Get together with the city and the housing authority and fix up all that run-down, obsolete public housing in the center of the city. And boost your indigent burial fund. Commissioners have only allocated $3,000 to bury people too poor to bury themselves? Some Dems they are, eh?
Finally, quit making us all feel like guilty schmucks by complaining about tight budgets that aren't that tight. If they were, how could this be true in April:
County cash balance lowest in decades
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2009/apr/09/county-cash-balance-lowest-in-decades/
and all this stuff Wendy Noren wrote be true today?
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2009/sep/17/county-rejects-property-tax-hike/#c69849
And for heaven's sake: Give Greg Mullanix a long-overdue raise.
THE HARD TRUTH: Freedom at the Frederick Douglass Coalition
Thank the Lord for people like Vivian Hearn.
Vivian is mentioned in a Trib article today about central city slumlords and a new city program that may make slumlording as taboo as smoking.
At this week's meeting of the Frederick Douglass Coalition at the Armory, Vivian spoke out -- truthfully, but always catching herself as though she might offend the three white guys in the room -- me, Councilman Paul Sturtz, and central city builder Amir Ziv.
"All the crappy, run-down, torn up houses in this city are in the black neighborhoods," Vivian said. "It's been that way ever since I can remember."
She's right, but it wasn't always that way. Before Land Clearance and hard-core segregation, a local statistic was reversed. Around the turn of the last century in Columbia, black home and landowners outnumbered black renters. Today, the oppposite is true.
Promised easy loans for new homes, black homeowners displaced during Land Clearance instead found themselves red-lined, effectively shut out from the American dream they were busily creating as both freed slaves -- and newly inaugurated American immigrants. The Harlem Renaissance represented the peak of that nationwide rebirth, which found expression here in the work of jazz musician Blind Boone, restauranteur Annie Fisher, and myriad stories in Rufus Logan's newspaper, The Professional World, founded in 1901.
The society page, for instance, reported a local Black physician's appointment to the Republican Party convention; the business page reported the success of a Black-owned transfer company.
In too many ways, Columbia is still a racially-divided mess driven by the same lack of real, honest communication that plagues the rest of the nation. Changing that part of our shared history is key to this city's future, and starts with telling the unvarnished, often politically-incorrect truth.
The truth, they say, will set you free and folks like Vivian Hearn should never have to pause or stop themselves on the road to that freedom.
RELATED
READERS WRITE
Hey Mike. Another great read!
-- Renee Hulshof, Columbia
Your reporting on how eminent domain affected (and practically destroyed) the minority community has been excellent. What I like getting from you is fearless reporting that no other media outlet in Columbia has the ability or guts to match.
-- An admiring attorney, Columbia
About our story, Outrage rises over Mediacom outages
Mike: I too, was down all day yesterday with Mediacom high speed internet. Couldn't reach a real person so send an email to the corporate "contact us" and got a lame answer referring me to call the 866 number in your story. Guess what - more automated gibberish. Waiting for another reply today.
-- Linda Dellsperger, Columbia
About our story, MU RESEARCH: Readers like local, negative online news BEST!
Dear Mike, Thank you for linking the news release of our research to the recent Heart Beat e-newsletter. I am both a subscriber to and fan of the newsletter.
I’d like to briefly clarify the headline pertaining to our research: We found no evidence that people like local/negative news better, only that they pay more attention to it and remember details from it better, relative to distant/negative news. We did include a physiological measure of unpleasantness in the experiment but found no meaningful difference between responses to the local and distant news stories.
Thanks again for including our research in the newsletter. I look forward to the next issue.
-- Kevin Wise, Assistant Professor
Strategic Communication Faculty
Co-Director, PRIME Lab
Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia
Mike Martin
Blogitor in Chief
The Columbia Heart Beat
Showing posts with label Boone County Government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boone County Government. Show all posts
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Are Developer Property Tax Breaks Breaking Boone County?
Are Developer Property Tax Breaks Breaking Boone County?The Columbia Business Times
Presenting what he called “the facts pertaining to property tax valuations” for the Columbia Business Times this month, Boone County assessor Tom Schauwecker (pictured) wrote about a “133-acre vacant tract of land located on the southeast corner of Nifong Boulevard and Sinclair Road, across from Mill Creek Elementary." He noted that the land was zoned “agricultural,” but left out several other important facts.
The owner, a prominent real estate developer, paid around $1.9 million for the property ten years ago. In a Deed of Trust on file with Boone County, a “General Development Plan” assigns a “Per Acre Release Payment” for subdivision purposes of $19,950/acre, valuing the tract in 1998 somewhere north of $2.5 million.
Today, power, water, sewer, cable, and gas lines stud the property and it has a fire hydrant on the corner. Though neighbors say the parcel hasn’t been farmed in years, the assessor says it’s farmland and so qualifies for low, low property taxes.
Under Missouri law (RSMo 137.016 and 137.119), working farmland is taxed far lower than commercial or residential land.
But the key word is “working” and zoning doesn't count. To qualify for the tax break, the law is clear: The land must be actively farmed, or its “highest and best use” must be agricultural. Land zoned “agricultural” that isn’t farmed and has a “higher and better” use doesn’t qualify, caveats affirmed many times, most recently in 2004, when developer Northtown Village challenged Jasper County Assessor Tom Davis before the Missouri State Tax Commission.
Nonetheless, the owner of that 133-acre parcel—who long ago decided that its highest and best use was development—paid less in property taxes on it last year than he donated to Mr. Schauwecker’s re-election campaign: $275.04.
Prime property, paltry taxes
All around Columbia and Boone County, in fact, prime development property produces paltry property taxes, zoned agricultural—or not.
An 18.2-acre residentially zoned tract in Thornbrook complete with cul-de-sac netted $50.86 in property taxes on an assessed value of $865.00 last year. A 12,600 square foot commercially-zoned lot on Bernadette Drive and Fairview Road netted local governments just $14.89 on an assessed value of $260.00. Eleven residentially zoned acres on Walcox Drive netted schools, roads, and libraries just $283.00.
Vacant land isn’t the only campaign donor/real estate developer-owned property that qualifies for such big breaks. Mr. Schauwecker appraised a four-bedroom, four-bath, 2,373 square foot duplex built in 1999 for just $739 last year.
That’s right: seven hundred and thirty nine dollars.
City v. County
As if Columbia and Boone County need something else to bicker about, the county assessor and city planners often conflict on land use and zoning, another factor driving low, low taxes on development land.
For instance, the assessor says that parcels in a subdivision off Scott Blvd. are farmland, while Columbia zoned them R-1 several years ago, for residential single-family homes. Individual lots in the subdivision—many with foundations—are on sale for $49,000.00 and up. But Mr. Schauwecker says they’re worth only $8,600 each.
At controversial Cross Creek, amidst neighbor-developer scuffles and City Council brouhahas, city planners zoned 28 acres "planned commercial," or CP. But Mr. Schauwecker insists that the acreage remains a bucolic farm, and taxed its owners accordingly: $40.57.
Cost to Schools
The owners of a prominent Columbia retail center have been advertising their last vacant tract For Sale, a planned commercial or CP-zoned 1.4 acres. “Suitable for retail, restaurant, or office” according to the ad, adjacent neighbors include some of the nation’s best-known eateries. The 1.4-acre tract’s list price: $1,228,392.
Using a phrase Mr. Schauwecker has repeated many times to the media—"Tell me how much you’d sell it for, and that’s what I’ll say it’s worth"—a wily buyer would write up an offer and attach the assessor’s appraisal: Mr. Schauwecker says the $1.2 million parcel is worth only $182,950—and that it’s “farmland,” of course.
For Boone County’s public schools, libraries, cities, and roads, the difference between the assessor’s appraisal and the developer’s price amounts to a property tax loss of $22,100.49, or the difference between what the developer now pays—$1,307.35 —and what he would pay if the parcel were valued closer to its list price: $23,407.84.
More Than Equal
Under the law, all landowners should be treated equally. But in Boone County, some landowners are clearly more equal than others.
Take a 0.23-acre vacant lot in a low-income central city Columbia neighborhood that yielded $89.38 in property taxes last year, while 77.2 acres along I-70—335 times more land—brought in $83.35. Mathematically, that works out to a property tax rate 1,480 times higher for the central city parcel.
A prominent developer owns the I-70 tract and I own the central city lot. Though I didn't donate to his re-election campaign, whatever explanation, whatever spin Mr. Schauwecker puts on the law cannot explain, morally, ethically, legally, or in any other way, why he taxes my land nearly 1,500 times greater than the developer’s land.
Nor can he adequately explain a $739 duplex; farmland in the middle of a strip mall; or a $275 tax bill on choice acreage that’s probably worth $10 million today.
Dickens famously said, “The law is a ass.” But it’s not that much of an ass, despite our assessor’s assessments.
-- Mike Martin for the Columbia Business Times
RELATED:
Campaign finance reports: Tom Schauwecker
http://www.mec.mo.gov/CampaignFinanceReports/CFFilerPDFs/FullRepor/FullReport.aspx?CDRCP_id=11788&MyYear=2008
http://www.mec.mo.gov/Scanned/PDF/2008/57908.pdf
http://www.mec.mo.gov/Scanned/PDF/2008/58306.pdf
http://www.mec.mo.gov/Scanned/PDF/2008/58258.pdf
The facts pertaining to property tax valuations in Boone County
by Tom Schauwecker for the Columbia Business Times
Thursday, February 5, 2009
BOONE COUNTY'S: Profits of Doom
By Mike Martin
Columbia Business Times
It was, perhaps, the most telling comment from a public official in all of 2008, speaking volumes about the way local government—city, county, and school board—operates. Boone county assessor Tom Schauwecker was feeling frustrated, the Columbia Daily Tribune reported—frustrated about a repeat of the same old doom and gloom budget scenarios that were preparing to hand his employees a meager 1% pay raise.
He called the raise “insulting” and then said the most astonishing thing to the Tribune’s reporter:
“Adding to his frustration were the recent capital acquisitions, such as the Johnston Paint and Lifestyles furniture buildings, which he said depleted reserve funds and did not go through the budgetary process." Two major expenditures totaling nearly 2.7 million reserve-draining dollars did not go through the budgetary process.
With this assertion on January 4, 2008, assessor Schauwecker had accused the Boone County Commission of financial malfeasance. He had also laid waste, in one short sound bite, to an old canard that rules the halls of power in this community with an iron fist: There is no money in the budget.
Not true, at least, not when it comes to satisfying the fiscal appetites of well-paid chieftains for new office space, pet projects, and patronage to the powerful.
True to form, local media let Schauwecker’s comment go, either failing to recognize its implications or failing to care. That’s unfortunate because falsely labeled gloom-and-doom budgets continue pummeling us from all sides, implicitly threatening higher taxes and explicitly reducing or denying important human services, from animal control to police protection to reasonable wages for lower level government employees.
Profiting from doom
For most anything that senior staffers want, there’s money in the coffers. But for basic services taxpayers and voters need, the money suddenly vanishes. It’s a game third ward city councilman Karl Skala knows all too well. “The city budget has money under every rock,” he has said. “The trick is in finding it. Only the city manager really knows where all the money’s buried.”
From those buried dollars, a mighty $23 million city hall is growing. So too a $15 million parking garage, and hefty pay increases for senior city administrators. Though fiscally prudent in one sense, City Hall’s tight-fisted culture has helped concentrate too much power in the office of the city manager. Elected council members can approve their priorities—a new sustainability director, for instance—only to have the non-elected city manager overturn them by clamping down on spending.
Facing reduced sales tax revenues this year, Columbia city manager Bill Watkins—unilaterally and without a council vote— placed “a budgetary hold on all so-called supplemental items, including additional personnel, approved by the Columbia City Council for the 2009 fiscal year,” the Tribune reported.
“I heard about all this the same way you did,” Skala told me. “By reading it in tonight’s paper.”
Reservations about reserves
Late last month, on the heels of creating a new “public information officer” position, the Boone County Commission summarily denied a much-needed funding increase for the Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS), which for local government functions as a cheap alternative to a proper animal control center.
After publicly promising to help the agency “with a significant investment,” Northern Boone County Commissioner Skip Elkin joined other county commissioners in voting down their request. Under a city/county contract, CMHS receives $110,000 yearly to take in approximately 4,500 animals as a municipal dog pound, leaving the non-profit group about $300,000 short.
Down from last year’s 1% raise, the gloom-and-doom county budget provided no raise for county employees this year, despite nearly $17 million in two rainy day piggy banks—$11 million in general reserve funds and another $6.57 million in undesignated/unreserved funds on this year’s $51 million budget, according to recent Columbia Tribune reports.
Together, the two funds amount to a whopping 33% reserve that dwarfs the Columbia school district’s 16% reserve. Nonetheless, Elkin said the commission was cracking down on spending. “If we invest more, there’s going to be more accountability,” Elkin told the Tribune on Christmas Eve. “Our reserve is not like a slush fund that we can do with whatever we want.”
Tell that to the county assessor.
Columbia Business Times
It was, perhaps, the most telling comment from a public official in all of 2008, speaking volumes about the way local government—city, county, and school board—operates. Boone county assessor Tom Schauwecker was feeling frustrated, the Columbia Daily Tribune reported—frustrated about a repeat of the same old doom and gloom budget scenarios that were preparing to hand his employees a meager 1% pay raise.
He called the raise “insulting” and then said the most astonishing thing to the Tribune’s reporter:
“Adding to his frustration were the recent capital acquisitions, such as the Johnston Paint and Lifestyles furniture buildings, which he said depleted reserve funds and did not go through the budgetary process." Two major expenditures totaling nearly 2.7 million reserve-draining dollars did not go through the budgetary process.
With this assertion on January 4, 2008, assessor Schauwecker had accused the Boone County Commission of financial malfeasance. He had also laid waste, in one short sound bite, to an old canard that rules the halls of power in this community with an iron fist: There is no money in the budget.
Not true, at least, not when it comes to satisfying the fiscal appetites of well-paid chieftains for new office space, pet projects, and patronage to the powerful.
True to form, local media let Schauwecker’s comment go, either failing to recognize its implications or failing to care. That’s unfortunate because falsely labeled gloom-and-doom budgets continue pummeling us from all sides, implicitly threatening higher taxes and explicitly reducing or denying important human services, from animal control to police protection to reasonable wages for lower level government employees.
Profiting from doom
For most anything that senior staffers want, there’s money in the coffers. But for basic services taxpayers and voters need, the money suddenly vanishes. It’s a game third ward city councilman Karl Skala knows all too well. “The city budget has money under every rock,” he has said. “The trick is in finding it. Only the city manager really knows where all the money’s buried.”
From those buried dollars, a mighty $23 million city hall is growing. So too a $15 million parking garage, and hefty pay increases for senior city administrators. Though fiscally prudent in one sense, City Hall’s tight-fisted culture has helped concentrate too much power in the office of the city manager. Elected council members can approve their priorities—a new sustainability director, for instance—only to have the non-elected city manager overturn them by clamping down on spending.
Facing reduced sales tax revenues this year, Columbia city manager Bill Watkins—unilaterally and without a council vote— placed “a budgetary hold on all so-called supplemental items, including additional personnel, approved by the Columbia City Council for the 2009 fiscal year,” the Tribune reported.
“I heard about all this the same way you did,” Skala told me. “By reading it in tonight’s paper.”
Reservations about reserves
Late last month, on the heels of creating a new “public information officer” position, the Boone County Commission summarily denied a much-needed funding increase for the Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS), which for local government functions as a cheap alternative to a proper animal control center.
After publicly promising to help the agency “with a significant investment,” Northern Boone County Commissioner Skip Elkin joined other county commissioners in voting down their request. Under a city/county contract, CMHS receives $110,000 yearly to take in approximately 4,500 animals as a municipal dog pound, leaving the non-profit group about $300,000 short.
Down from last year’s 1% raise, the gloom-and-doom county budget provided no raise for county employees this year, despite nearly $17 million in two rainy day piggy banks—$11 million in general reserve funds and another $6.57 million in undesignated/unreserved funds on this year’s $51 million budget, according to recent Columbia Tribune reports.
Together, the two funds amount to a whopping 33% reserve that dwarfs the Columbia school district’s 16% reserve. Nonetheless, Elkin said the commission was cracking down on spending. “If we invest more, there’s going to be more accountability,” Elkin told the Tribune on Christmas Eve. “Our reserve is not like a slush fund that we can do with whatever we want.”
Tell that to the county assessor.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Columbia Heart Beat--Have a Merry!
The Columbia Heart Beat--Happy Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, et. al.!
Paperless News for Columbia's Blogs and Listservs
people
GOT BUDGET WOES? Try a "Hail Gary" Pass
ASSESSOR ERROR? Schauwecker Boosts "$739 Duplex"
COLUMBIA'S QUIET: Sustainability Team
PROPERTY TAXES: Too High? Read This!
places
STREET SQUAWK: Wade's Rendezvous #1;
Main Squeeze First on Google; For Sale: CrossCreek
the change gang
LETTER URGES: MU Vet School/Humane Society Partnership
GUEST OP-ED: Columbia's "Other" Criminals
DARKOW'S TAKE: Eminent Domain; Pinkel Bucks
things
READERS RITE: Phyllis Chase and her "1818 Elves"
HEAR YE! HEAR YE! Blue Note Inaugural
HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Season's Greetings
GOINGS ON: Visit http://www.iheartcolumbia.com
____________________________________________________
GOT BUDGET WOES? Try a "Hail Gary" Pass
by Mike Martin for the Columbia Business Times
http://www.columbiabusinesstimes.com
When MU approved Coach Gary Pinkel's new $2.5 million/year contract,
it was one exciting game!
"Perfect reception from the legal department on the 40-yard line.
And Coach is off! Dodges the hiring freeze! Sidesteps those budget
woes."
"Yeah, Mike—with a Hail Gary pass like that, the old wall of worry
play is no problem today."
"Look at the academics coach down there, John. His team looks pretty
beleaguered. Here's Spence. Let's listen in."
ON THE FIELD
"Your team's looking at what—25 percent budget cuts?"
"That's right, Spence. Makes it hard to build a winning program, but
we keep on keepin' on."
"If you would, coach, give us an example."
"We may ask the academic team to reduce hours, consolidate programs,
forego raises—you know, some minor sacrifices. For the good of the
team."
"What do you say to people who think Coach Pinkel should sacrifice
too?"
"Our own newspaper baron Hank Waters probably said it best. Don't
complain. It's unbecoming. Just come back in the next life as a
coach!"
"That's kind of like the old Steve Martin line: To become a
millionaire, first—get a million dollars!"
"Well, not exactly. To become a millionaire, first—get a college
coaching job."
AT THE ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
"Touchdown Coach Pinkel!"
BOOM!
"You know, John. We gripe about overpaid CEO's. But college
coaches—everybody loves 'em—and their players aren't paid a dime!"
"Good point. Coach Pinkel is up to $2.5 million! Isn't that ten
times what Obama calls rich?"
"No doubt—Coach is one rich coach!"
"So if Coach makes $2.5 million and his players make zero, how much
more than the lowest paid player does Coach make?"
"John—you're blowin' my mind."
POST-GAME INTERVIEW
"You're the third highest-paid coach in the Big 12. How's it feel?"
"It's all about building a program. I love building programs."
"Look at the program with us a minute, Coach. What do you see?"
"Education. Learning. When my guys graduate, they'll work really hard
and make a tiny fraction of what the top guy makes. That's life. My
guys are learning life lessons. It's a great feeling."
"I hear they're planning a stimulus package for coaches."
"News flash—I turned down an offer to coach Congress through this
financial mess."
"Really?"
"Yeah. They offered two mil, but people who don't understand what it
takes to build a great program got up in arms."
"Politics! But you don't have to worry about that here! Speaking of
being here, Coach—tell us you're happy and you're not planning to
leave."
"Plans are for tomorrow. This is for today. And today is a great
day for this program."
___________________________________________________________
ASSESSOR ERROR? Schauwecker Boosts "$739 Duplex"
Without much sunshine or fanfare, Boone County Assessor Tom
Schauwecker has quietly increased the ridiculously low appraised
value of a 1999, 4 bedroom, 4 bath, 2,373 sq. ft. duplex at 1605-07
Glenover Court owned by real estate baron Jeffrey Smith -- from
$739.00 to $33,479.
(We reported Schauwecker's original $739 appraisal on October 2.
Google "17-209-00-06-002.00 01" for a comparison).
So as not to increase Mr. Smith's property taxes, Schauwecker lowered
the value of the 4.5 acre parcel the duplex sits on -- from
$44,560.00 to $11,820.
All seven duplexes in Smith's Glenover/Hanover subdivision are
appraised at the same price: $45,299.00, despite that 1605-07
Glenover Court sits on a lot many times larger than its neighbors.
Four more duplexes, on nearby Cocoa Ct., come in at between $38,710
to $45,299.00, values lower than most 90-year-old central city 2-
bedroom, 1-bath homes command.
And the school district needs a property tax increase? Guess it's
easier to get from us than the real estate barons. (And many
thanks to the readers who alerted us).
RELATED:
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2008/10/739-duplex-bail-out-or-bailing-out-on.html
http://board.columbiatribune.com/index.php?showtopic=6456&st=40&p=75155&#entry75155
___________________________________________________________
COLUMBIA'S QUIET: Sustainability Team
by Mike Martin for the Columbia Business Times
http://www.columbiabusinesstimes.com
Okay, class – raise your hand if you know what "absolute zero"
means. If you said, "zero degrees Kelvin," or the temperature at
which there is absolutely no heat left in the air, you're right.
At a shockingly cold −273 degrees Celsius (−460 degrees
Fahrenheit) absolute zero means there's simply not one degree of heat left in the
air. Everything – even the tiniest atom – freezes to a halt.
Now raise your hand if you know how the concept of absolute zero can
be used to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer.
No idea?
What about how the Sun can charge a solar battery? Or how hydrogen
can power a car? Or how wind can spin a turbine and electrify a
town? Bet you've heard of all those things. And bet you use not
a one.
Surprisingly, using the power of absolute zero to heat and cool your
home is much less exotic than solar, wind, or hydrogen. People are
doing it every day, right here in Columbia and Boone County. I'm
doing it as we speak, because I got smart and got help – from
Columbia's quiet sustainability team.
MORE AT:
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2008/12/columbias-quiet-sustainability-team.html
___________________________________________________________
IS YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL: Too High?
by Tom Stone, Bank of Missouri
Income tax, sales tax, estate tax, excise tax, alternative minimum
tax...and just when you thought you'd paid them all...along comes
your property tax bill as a homeowner. But did you know that the
National Taxpayers Union estimates that as many as 60% of homes are
assessed too high, resulting in an incorrectly larger property tax
bill?
First, contact your local tax assessor's office. Find out the process
for submitting a property tax appeal. Additionally, ask for a copy
of your property tax report. Review and confirm that the basic
information about your property is correct. Is the square footage and
number of rooms for your home accurate?
If everything on the property report is correct but the assessed
value still seems too high, gather documentation to support an
appeal. Don't be surprised if the assessed value is lower than what
you think the market value for your home is -- many counties use a
formula which uses a percentage of market value to determine assessed
value.
Ask what the formula is, because an assessment which is less than
market value still might be too high.
If you have a current appraisal that supports the value being lower
using recent market-value information, many counties will accept a
copy of the appraisal with the appeal. If the appraisal is outdated,
you can order a new one -- just call me for a referral to a great
appraiser. You can also visit the local assessor's office or search
online, and look through the public records for other homes that have
similar features to yours, but have lower assessments.
Additionally, contact me to get in touch with a great Realtor who
knows your area. They will be able to give you current market
information for your neighborhood, and help you see how your market
value and assessed value stacks up against your neighbors'.
Submitting an appeal is generally a simple process, but make sure to
take the time to fill out all forms in advance and be prepared with
your documentation if there is an in-person hearing that needs to
take place.
More good news - according to the National Taxpayers Union, about 33%
of property tax appeals succeed! Taking the time to review the
accuracy of a tax bill could easily save you hundreds of dollars per
year, adding up to thousands of dollars during the time you own your
home.
Please feel free to contact me for more information on this money-
saving tip!
Tom Stone
573-874-4700
tstone@...
___________________________________________________________
GUEST OP ED: Columbia's "Other" Criminals
by M. C. Dampier, Forever Life Ministry, Columbia
When we speak about crime, it's not just about crime on the street.
It's a crime to take money while lying to people about what it's
for. Studies have shown that 70 percent of all Federal grant
recipients SAY they will do computer classes, victim classes,
parenting classes, and other things to help society, but pocket the
funds instead.
80% of our community depends on growing handouts because no one has a
workable plan. We are content to let able-bodied human beings not
work and stay in low income housing. For instance, how many times
has the Columbia Housing Authority actually lifted its residents out
of their circumstances?
We have police forces who not only abuse their authority, but claim
they can't help. Instead, they tell people it's better to move if
they want lower crime, while in the same breath asking for more money
to put more officers on the street. If those who protect and serve
really did so, some might be inclined to protect and serve them.
We say we don't want "street justice." But so often, the only
justice is street justice. Why? Because the same people are out of
jail in 24 hours doing the same crimes all over again.
Finally, let's stop targeting one neighborhood over another. It is
not okay to say that crime happens only in low income parts of town.
Some of the deadliest crimes happen right smack in the middle of the
so-called good parts of town.
We as concerned citizens must do more than just talk about change.
I urge men of the cloth to stand up and do as you were called to do!
Men of faith -- stand up and be more than a father FIGURE to your
own! Women of faith -- be that example, and not JUST for your
daughters. If we want to reclaim the village, we must first be an
example to ALL of it.
And last but not least, to my people in our communities -- remember,
a society that feeds off itself is bound for extinction. If we want
change, we have to stop the genocide against each other.
We have to be a community striving for unity.
___________________________________________________________
STREET SQUAWK: Wade's Rendezvous #1; Main Squeeze Google Favorite
Acknowleding what 4th Ward councilman Jerry Wade already knows,
nationally-known Missouri Life magazine has named Columbia's
Rendezvous Coffee Shop Missouri's Favorite Java Joint. Wade holds bi-
monthly office hours at the west-side coffee shop. From the article:
"Rendezvous Coffeehouse enthusiasts love the friendly personalities
of owners Lori Sander and Stacey Slaughter.
"They're very personable. They know you by name when you walk in the
door, and they know what you want," says frequent customer Jenna
Sheffield of Midway. "We both like to take care of people, and our
first jobs were customer service, in retail," Lori says.
"I have spent all day there several times, studying and working,
because my internet goes out when it storms," Jenna says. "I'll go
down and get breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner."
Located at 3304 Business Park Court near HyVee, Rendezvous, which
opened in 2004, has a large coffee menu and a small meal menu that
includes sandwiches, plus biscuits and gravy on Saturday and Sunday
mornings.
RELATED:
http://www.missourilife.com/articles/show/488-Java_Joints
For the Heart Beat's newswire cousin—Beat Byte—I wrote a brief take
on an email campaign to save downtown's Main Squeeze Cafe, Tough
Economy Squeezes Main Squeeze.
To include a website I Googled "main squeeze," hoping to find
Columbia's version buried in hundreds of thousands of hits on the
popular phrase. But our Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café is number
one among 264,000 Google hits!
A map, a menu, and the café's website sit atop songs by Lenny Kravitz
and Teena Marie; a New York City-based all-girl accordion band;
businesses, Facebooks, Myspaces, book titles, news stories, and love
notes by the tens of thousands.
Talk about the power of a brand.
RELATED:
http://columbiatribune.com/2008/nov/20081115busi002.asp
CrossCreek, the much-debated development along Stadium Blvd. and
Highway 63, is For Sale -- at least over half of it. Comprising
about 37.5 acres, lots 101, 102, 103, 105, 107, 108, 111,
and 113 are listed for $12,331,400. What this means for the future
of the development, if anything, isn't clear. Listing agent is
Plaza Real Estate of Columbia.
(PS Assessor Schauwecker has all these lots appraised at ZERO.
That's right -- ZERO!, e.g.
http://www.showmeboone.com/ASSESSOR/RealEstateSummary.Asp?PARCEL=1740400050010001
CrossCreek Map (Lot numbers circled):
http://www.shepard.missouri.org/files/crosscreek/CP_OverallLandscaping_052008.pdf
_____________________________________________________________
LETTER URGES: MU Vet School/Humane Society Partnership
11/26/08
To Columbia City Council, Columbia Tribune:
There is a rumor floating around that the City is looking to contract
with a local vet for pet shelter and euthanasia services. I would
find it difficult to believe that a city like Columbia would do such
a thing rather than rally around the development of a comprehensive
animal welfare shelter.
I watch MU pay Gary Pinkel $2.3 million a year when the City is
suffering from lack of resources for basic services and wonder - why
can't MU's Vet School join with the City in developing this animal
welfare resource and use it to train its students?
Most vet students do only 1 -3 spay or neuter procedures before
graduating vet school and this type of a joint partnership would
greatly improve their skill set and benefit the community at large.
MU gets a significant tax break on property taxes in the City and
this should not go unnoticed. The City should nudge the University
into doing something good for the community's pets and their own vet
school to create and sustain a terrific animal welfare program and
shelter.
MU's donors could be tapped to help start the drive. The Vet School
has a lot of development staff who could be tagged to get this done -
and it would the School's own goal of starting an area wide low cost
spay/neuter program (mobile) and a pet trust program.
K-State has a large pet trust program where owners pay a Vet
Student's tuition and fees in return for the student adopting their
pet when they are no longer able to care for the pet or the pet has
outlived the owner. MU wants to do this but it has been on the back
burner for 4 years now. Same for the MU Vet School low cost
spay/neuter mobile van initiative.
There are options that the City is not considering, if the only
option on the table now is to use a local vet to put pets to sleep.
That is an awful solution to a community problem. Given the City's
visioning efforts (and significant chunk of change used to fund this
process) isn't envisioning a better shelter for abandoned and injured
pets a critical part of the City vision?
Sarah A. Grim, MSPH, CHE
Columbia, MO 65203
_____________________________________________________________
DARKOW'S TAKE: Eminent Domain; Pinkel Bucks
Eminent Domain
http://columbiatribune.com/2008/dec/20081217comm051.asp
Pinkel Bucks
http://columbiatribune.com/2008/dec/20081213busi051.asp
_____________________________________________________________
READERS RITE: Letters to the Blogitor
Hi -- I thought this was pretty funny!
Phyllis Chase and her 1818 "Elves"
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/L2ObeOaZPaK9cPxvVzeo
-- An Elf from W. Worley
THANKS for persevering about the county assessor's activities. I am
so glad to hear the city is going to ask questions. What about the
school board? Seems to me that they have would have a lot to gain
with the appropriate changes. -- M.K. Doyle, Columbia
[Ed. Note: Couldn't agree more about the school board. But -- see no
evil, hear no evil, speak no evil...and pass a levy onto the rest of
us.]
Mike, I wanted to thank you for your blog about what is going on in
Columbia. As always, you have and share great information that is
balanced and informative.
-- Chris Lunn, Columbia
V.P., Habitat for Humanity
Co-Chair, Emerging Professionals in Columbia (EPIC)
Mike: Schauwecker raised the value of that cheap duplex. Guess
you were right! -- C. Montague, Columbia
Mike: I'm not voting for any more tax increases until this garbage
with the assessor is worked out. Shame on the system for letting it
happen all these years! Please sign this: -- Angry CPS Employee
Hi Mike: I LOVE your blog--it rocks! Thank you for adding me to your
subscription list. You're my new hero.
-- Peggy Gray, Columbia
Mike, Were you not aware of all the mistaken and erroneous addresses
in the Tribune arrest column? It is a big mess. I'd like your help
on correcting this problem. Good people suffer from bad information
like this. Bad information leads to bad judgments. Please call me
and I'll show you more of the problem regarding getting accurate
addresses from criminals.
-- Mark Stevenson, Columbia, on arrest reports linked to crime houses
Mike, Can't thank you enough for the assistance on our Stonecrest
Neighborhood Yahoo group. We had set a goal of 50 residents being
listed by Dec. 31. We're are 30 already and will keep at it.
-- Mike Haggas
Director of Development
Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business
University of Missouri
Wow. Thanks for the story SAYING GOODBYE: To Bernie Martin,
Columbia's Beloved Postman. I have interacted with Bernie the
Postman since I moved to Columbia in 1989. One of my favorite people
to do business with. He will be greatly missed.
-- F. Dettler, Columbia
Mike, See: Web Sites That Dig for News Rise as Watchdogs
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/18/business/media/18voice.html?_r=1&hp
You're ahead of the curve! Excellent work.
--Tracy Greever-Rice, Columbia
Gaslight GMAC Realty closing its doors! Chalk up another one for the
economy. -- Jason Thornhill, First Tier Realtors, Columbia
Enjoy your blog/newsletter. Keep writing. You write stuff the
papers don't cover or else don't cover adequately. I do read the
paper and listen a little to radio, but locally you fill in the
chinks. -- Betsy Phillips, Columbia
BEAT BYTE: Love it! Appreciate the contribution you make to the
community. -- Mary Ann Groves, Columbia
________________________________________________________________
HEAR YE, HEAR YE: Local Announcements
TATTERS TO TUXEDOS -- COLUMBIA'S INAUGURAL BALL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20TH, 6:00-11:00 P.M. AT The BLUE NOTE
Downtown Columbia, 17 North 9th Street
Cash Bar (Bring your own appetizers or snacks)
Music, Great Company, Video feeds from D.C.
Come As Formal, or Informally, As You Like
Sponsored by: Democracy for Missouri and Boone County Democrats
Come enjoy this FREE EVENT
________________________________________________________________
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2TPMoP01Sc
http://magic-tree.org/index.php
________________________________________________________________
Mike Martin
Blogitor-in-Chief
Member: National Press Club
The Columbia Heart Beat
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com
Circulation: Roughly 4,800
ARCHIVE: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nccna/messages
Paperless News for Columbia's Blogs and Listservs
people
GOT BUDGET WOES? Try a "Hail Gary" Pass
ASSESSOR ERROR? Schauwecker Boosts "$739 Duplex"
COLUMBIA'S QUIET: Sustainability Team
PROPERTY TAXES: Too High? Read This!
places
STREET SQUAWK: Wade's Rendezvous #1;
Main Squeeze First on Google; For Sale: CrossCreek
the change gang
LETTER URGES: MU Vet School/Humane Society Partnership
GUEST OP-ED: Columbia's "Other" Criminals
DARKOW'S TAKE: Eminent Domain; Pinkel Bucks
things
READERS RITE: Phyllis Chase and her "1818 Elves"
HEAR YE! HEAR YE! Blue Note Inaugural
HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Season's Greetings
GOINGS ON: Visit http://www.iheartcolumbia.com
____________________________________________________
GOT BUDGET WOES? Try a "Hail Gary" Pass
by Mike Martin for the Columbia Business Times
http://www.columbiabusinesstimes.com
When MU approved Coach Gary Pinkel's new $2.5 million/year contract,
it was one exciting game!
"Perfect reception from the legal department on the 40-yard line.
And Coach is off! Dodges the hiring freeze! Sidesteps those budget
woes."
"Yeah, Mike—with a Hail Gary pass like that, the old wall of worry
play is no problem today."
"Look at the academics coach down there, John. His team looks pretty
beleaguered. Here's Spence. Let's listen in."
ON THE FIELD
"Your team's looking at what—25 percent budget cuts?"
"That's right, Spence. Makes it hard to build a winning program, but
we keep on keepin' on."
"If you would, coach, give us an example."
"We may ask the academic team to reduce hours, consolidate programs,
forego raises—you know, some minor sacrifices. For the good of the
team."
"What do you say to people who think Coach Pinkel should sacrifice
too?"
"Our own newspaper baron Hank Waters probably said it best. Don't
complain. It's unbecoming. Just come back in the next life as a
coach!"
"That's kind of like the old Steve Martin line: To become a
millionaire, first—get a million dollars!"
"Well, not exactly. To become a millionaire, first—get a college
coaching job."
AT THE ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
"Touchdown Coach Pinkel!"
BOOM!
"You know, John. We gripe about overpaid CEO's. But college
coaches—everybody loves 'em—and their players aren't paid a dime!"
"Good point. Coach Pinkel is up to $2.5 million! Isn't that ten
times what Obama calls rich?"
"No doubt—Coach is one rich coach!"
"So if Coach makes $2.5 million and his players make zero, how much
more than the lowest paid player does Coach make?"
"John—you're blowin' my mind."
POST-GAME INTERVIEW
"You're the third highest-paid coach in the Big 12. How's it feel?"
"It's all about building a program. I love building programs."
"Look at the program with us a minute, Coach. What do you see?"
"Education. Learning. When my guys graduate, they'll work really hard
and make a tiny fraction of what the top guy makes. That's life. My
guys are learning life lessons. It's a great feeling."
"I hear they're planning a stimulus package for coaches."
"News flash—I turned down an offer to coach Congress through this
financial mess."
"Really?"
"Yeah. They offered two mil, but people who don't understand what it
takes to build a great program got up in arms."
"Politics! But you don't have to worry about that here! Speaking of
being here, Coach—tell us you're happy and you're not planning to
leave."
"Plans are for tomorrow. This is for today. And today is a great
day for this program."
___________________________________________________________
ASSESSOR ERROR? Schauwecker Boosts "$739 Duplex"
Without much sunshine or fanfare, Boone County Assessor Tom
Schauwecker has quietly increased the ridiculously low appraised
value of a 1999, 4 bedroom, 4 bath, 2,373 sq. ft. duplex at 1605-07
Glenover Court owned by real estate baron Jeffrey Smith -- from
$739.00 to $33,479.
(We reported Schauwecker's original $739 appraisal on October 2.
Google "17-209-00-06-002.00 01" for a comparison).
So as not to increase Mr. Smith's property taxes, Schauwecker lowered
the value of the 4.5 acre parcel the duplex sits on -- from
$44,560.00 to $11,820.
All seven duplexes in Smith's Glenover/Hanover subdivision are
appraised at the same price: $45,299.00, despite that 1605-07
Glenover Court sits on a lot many times larger than its neighbors.
Four more duplexes, on nearby Cocoa Ct., come in at between $38,710
to $45,299.00, values lower than most 90-year-old central city 2-
bedroom, 1-bath homes command.
And the school district needs a property tax increase? Guess it's
easier to get from us than the real estate barons. (And many
thanks to the readers who alerted us).
RELATED:
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2008/10/739-duplex-bail-out-or-bailing-out-on.html
http://board.columbiatribune.com/index.php?showtopic=6456&st=40&p=75155&#entry75155
___________________________________________________________
COLUMBIA'S QUIET: Sustainability Team
by Mike Martin for the Columbia Business Times
http://www.columbiabusinesstimes.com
Okay, class – raise your hand if you know what "absolute zero"
means. If you said, "zero degrees Kelvin," or the temperature at
which there is absolutely no heat left in the air, you're right.
At a shockingly cold −273 degrees Celsius (−460 degrees
Fahrenheit) absolute zero means there's simply not one degree of heat left in the
air. Everything – even the tiniest atom – freezes to a halt.
Now raise your hand if you know how the concept of absolute zero can
be used to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer.
No idea?
What about how the Sun can charge a solar battery? Or how hydrogen
can power a car? Or how wind can spin a turbine and electrify a
town? Bet you've heard of all those things. And bet you use not
a one.
Surprisingly, using the power of absolute zero to heat and cool your
home is much less exotic than solar, wind, or hydrogen. People are
doing it every day, right here in Columbia and Boone County. I'm
doing it as we speak, because I got smart and got help – from
Columbia's quiet sustainability team.
MORE AT:
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2008/12/columbias-quiet-sustainability-team.html
___________________________________________________________
IS YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL: Too High?
by Tom Stone, Bank of Missouri
Income tax, sales tax, estate tax, excise tax, alternative minimum
tax...and just when you thought you'd paid them all...along comes
your property tax bill as a homeowner. But did you know that the
National Taxpayers Union estimates that as many as 60% of homes are
assessed too high, resulting in an incorrectly larger property tax
bill?
First, contact your local tax assessor's office. Find out the process
for submitting a property tax appeal. Additionally, ask for a copy
of your property tax report. Review and confirm that the basic
information about your property is correct. Is the square footage and
number of rooms for your home accurate?
If everything on the property report is correct but the assessed
value still seems too high, gather documentation to support an
appeal. Don't be surprised if the assessed value is lower than what
you think the market value for your home is -- many counties use a
formula which uses a percentage of market value to determine assessed
value.
Ask what the formula is, because an assessment which is less than
market value still might be too high.
If you have a current appraisal that supports the value being lower
using recent market-value information, many counties will accept a
copy of the appraisal with the appeal. If the appraisal is outdated,
you can order a new one -- just call me for a referral to a great
appraiser. You can also visit the local assessor's office or search
online, and look through the public records for other homes that have
similar features to yours, but have lower assessments.
Additionally, contact me to get in touch with a great Realtor who
knows your area. They will be able to give you current market
information for your neighborhood, and help you see how your market
value and assessed value stacks up against your neighbors'.
Submitting an appeal is generally a simple process, but make sure to
take the time to fill out all forms in advance and be prepared with
your documentation if there is an in-person hearing that needs to
take place.
More good news - according to the National Taxpayers Union, about 33%
of property tax appeals succeed! Taking the time to review the
accuracy of a tax bill could easily save you hundreds of dollars per
year, adding up to thousands of dollars during the time you own your
home.
Please feel free to contact me for more information on this money-
saving tip!
Tom Stone
573-874-4700
tstone@...
___________________________________________________________
GUEST OP ED: Columbia's "Other" Criminals
by M. C. Dampier, Forever Life Ministry, Columbia
When we speak about crime, it's not just about crime on the street.
It's a crime to take money while lying to people about what it's
for. Studies have shown that 70 percent of all Federal grant
recipients SAY they will do computer classes, victim classes,
parenting classes, and other things to help society, but pocket the
funds instead.
80% of our community depends on growing handouts because no one has a
workable plan. We are content to let able-bodied human beings not
work and stay in low income housing. For instance, how many times
has the Columbia Housing Authority actually lifted its residents out
of their circumstances?
We have police forces who not only abuse their authority, but claim
they can't help. Instead, they tell people it's better to move if
they want lower crime, while in the same breath asking for more money
to put more officers on the street. If those who protect and serve
really did so, some might be inclined to protect and serve them.
We say we don't want "street justice." But so often, the only
justice is street justice. Why? Because the same people are out of
jail in 24 hours doing the same crimes all over again.
Finally, let's stop targeting one neighborhood over another. It is
not okay to say that crime happens only in low income parts of town.
Some of the deadliest crimes happen right smack in the middle of the
so-called good parts of town.
We as concerned citizens must do more than just talk about change.
I urge men of the cloth to stand up and do as you were called to do!
Men of faith -- stand up and be more than a father FIGURE to your
own! Women of faith -- be that example, and not JUST for your
daughters. If we want to reclaim the village, we must first be an
example to ALL of it.
And last but not least, to my people in our communities -- remember,
a society that feeds off itself is bound for extinction. If we want
change, we have to stop the genocide against each other.
We have to be a community striving for unity.
___________________________________________________________
STREET SQUAWK: Wade's Rendezvous #1; Main Squeeze Google Favorite
Acknowleding what 4th Ward councilman Jerry Wade already knows,
nationally-known Missouri Life magazine has named Columbia's
Rendezvous Coffee Shop Missouri's Favorite Java Joint. Wade holds bi-
monthly office hours at the west-side coffee shop. From the article:
"Rendezvous Coffeehouse enthusiasts love the friendly personalities
of owners Lori Sander and Stacey Slaughter.
"They're very personable. They know you by name when you walk in the
door, and they know what you want," says frequent customer Jenna
Sheffield of Midway. "We both like to take care of people, and our
first jobs were customer service, in retail," Lori says.
"I have spent all day there several times, studying and working,
because my internet goes out when it storms," Jenna says. "I'll go
down and get breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner."
Located at 3304 Business Park Court near HyVee, Rendezvous, which
opened in 2004, has a large coffee menu and a small meal menu that
includes sandwiches, plus biscuits and gravy on Saturday and Sunday
mornings.
RELATED:
http://www.missourilife.com/articles/show/488-Java_Joints
For the Heart Beat's newswire cousin—Beat Byte—I wrote a brief take
on an email campaign to save downtown's Main Squeeze Cafe, Tough
Economy Squeezes Main Squeeze.
To include a website I Googled "main squeeze," hoping to find
Columbia's version buried in hundreds of thousands of hits on the
popular phrase. But our Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café is number
one among 264,000 Google hits!
A map, a menu, and the café's website sit atop songs by Lenny Kravitz
and Teena Marie; a New York City-based all-girl accordion band;
businesses, Facebooks, Myspaces, book titles, news stories, and love
notes by the tens of thousands.
Talk about the power of a brand.
RELATED:
http://columbiatribune.com/2008/nov/20081115busi002.asp
CrossCreek, the much-debated development along Stadium Blvd. and
Highway 63, is For Sale -- at least over half of it. Comprising
about 37.5 acres, lots 101, 102, 103, 105, 107, 108, 111,
and 113 are listed for $12,331,400. What this means for the future
of the development, if anything, isn't clear. Listing agent is
Plaza Real Estate of Columbia.
(PS Assessor Schauwecker has all these lots appraised at ZERO.
That's right -- ZERO!, e.g.
http://www.showmeboone.com/ASSESSOR/RealEstateSummary.Asp?PARCEL=1740400050010001
CrossCreek Map (Lot numbers circled):
http://www.shepard.missouri.org/files/crosscreek/CP_OverallLandscaping_052008.pdf
_____________________________________________________________
LETTER URGES: MU Vet School/Humane Society Partnership
11/26/08
To Columbia City Council, Columbia Tribune:
There is a rumor floating around that the City is looking to contract
with a local vet for pet shelter and euthanasia services. I would
find it difficult to believe that a city like Columbia would do such
a thing rather than rally around the development of a comprehensive
animal welfare shelter.
I watch MU pay Gary Pinkel $2.3 million a year when the City is
suffering from lack of resources for basic services and wonder - why
can't MU's Vet School join with the City in developing this animal
welfare resource and use it to train its students?
Most vet students do only 1 -3 spay or neuter procedures before
graduating vet school and this type of a joint partnership would
greatly improve their skill set and benefit the community at large.
MU gets a significant tax break on property taxes in the City and
this should not go unnoticed. The City should nudge the University
into doing something good for the community's pets and their own vet
school to create and sustain a terrific animal welfare program and
shelter.
MU's donors could be tapped to help start the drive. The Vet School
has a lot of development staff who could be tagged to get this done -
and it would the School's own goal of starting an area wide low cost
spay/neuter program (mobile) and a pet trust program.
K-State has a large pet trust program where owners pay a Vet
Student's tuition and fees in return for the student adopting their
pet when they are no longer able to care for the pet or the pet has
outlived the owner. MU wants to do this but it has been on the back
burner for 4 years now. Same for the MU Vet School low cost
spay/neuter mobile van initiative.
There are options that the City is not considering, if the only
option on the table now is to use a local vet to put pets to sleep.
That is an awful solution to a community problem. Given the City's
visioning efforts (and significant chunk of change used to fund this
process) isn't envisioning a better shelter for abandoned and injured
pets a critical part of the City vision?
Sarah A. Grim, MSPH, CHE
Columbia, MO 65203
_____________________________________________________________
DARKOW'S TAKE: Eminent Domain; Pinkel Bucks
Eminent Domain
http://columbiatribune.com/2008/dec/20081217comm051.asp
Pinkel Bucks
http://columbiatribune.com/2008/dec/20081213busi051.asp
_____________________________________________________________
READERS RITE: Letters to the Blogitor
Hi -- I thought this was pretty funny!
Phyllis Chase and her 1818 "Elves"
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/L2ObeOaZPaK9cPxvVzeo
-- An Elf from W. Worley
THANKS for persevering about the county assessor's activities. I am
so glad to hear the city is going to ask questions. What about the
school board? Seems to me that they have would have a lot to gain
with the appropriate changes. -- M.K. Doyle, Columbia
[Ed. Note: Couldn't agree more about the school board. But -- see no
evil, hear no evil, speak no evil...and pass a levy onto the rest of
us.]
Mike, I wanted to thank you for your blog about what is going on in
Columbia. As always, you have and share great information that is
balanced and informative.
-- Chris Lunn, Columbia
V.P., Habitat for Humanity
Co-Chair, Emerging Professionals in Columbia (EPIC)
Mike: Schauwecker raised the value of that cheap duplex. Guess
you were right! -- C. Montague, Columbia
Mike: I'm not voting for any more tax increases until this garbage
with the assessor is worked out. Shame on the system for letting it
happen all these years! Please sign this: -- Angry CPS Employee
Hi Mike: I LOVE your blog--it rocks! Thank you for adding me to your
subscription list. You're my new hero.
-- Peggy Gray, Columbia
Mike, Were you not aware of all the mistaken and erroneous addresses
in the Tribune arrest column? It is a big mess. I'd like your help
on correcting this problem. Good people suffer from bad information
like this. Bad information leads to bad judgments. Please call me
and I'll show you more of the problem regarding getting accurate
addresses from criminals.
-- Mark Stevenson, Columbia, on arrest reports linked to crime houses
Mike, Can't thank you enough for the assistance on our Stonecrest
Neighborhood Yahoo group. We had set a goal of 50 residents being
listed by Dec. 31. We're are 30 already and will keep at it.
-- Mike Haggas
Director of Development
Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business
University of Missouri
Wow. Thanks for the story SAYING GOODBYE: To Bernie Martin,
Columbia's Beloved Postman. I have interacted with Bernie the
Postman since I moved to Columbia in 1989. One of my favorite people
to do business with. He will be greatly missed.
-- F. Dettler, Columbia
Mike, See: Web Sites That Dig for News Rise as Watchdogs
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/18/business/media/18voice.html?_r=1&hp
You're ahead of the curve! Excellent work.
--Tracy Greever-Rice, Columbia
Gaslight GMAC Realty closing its doors! Chalk up another one for the
economy. -- Jason Thornhill, First Tier Realtors, Columbia
Enjoy your blog/newsletter. Keep writing. You write stuff the
papers don't cover or else don't cover adequately. I do read the
paper and listen a little to radio, but locally you fill in the
chinks. -- Betsy Phillips, Columbia
BEAT BYTE: Love it! Appreciate the contribution you make to the
community. -- Mary Ann Groves, Columbia
________________________________________________________________
HEAR YE, HEAR YE: Local Announcements
TATTERS TO TUXEDOS -- COLUMBIA'S INAUGURAL BALL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20TH, 6:00-11:00 P.M. AT The BLUE NOTE
Downtown Columbia, 17 North 9th Street
Cash Bar (Bring your own appetizers or snacks)
Music, Great Company, Video feeds from D.C.
Come As Formal, or Informally, As You Like
Sponsored by: Democracy for Missouri and Boone County Democrats
Come enjoy this FREE EVENT
________________________________________________________________
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2TPMoP01Sc
http://magic-tree.org/index.php
________________________________________________________________
Mike Martin
Blogitor-in-Chief
Member: National Press Club
The Columbia Heart Beat
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com
Circulation: Roughly 4,800
ARCHIVE: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nccna/messages
Sunday, December 14, 2008
BEAT BYTES: County's Elkin Hopeful on Humane Society Boost
1) Boone County's Elkin Hopeful on Humane Society Boost
2) Land-Taking Ordinances Get Name Wrong
3) TASER Talk to Open Council Meeting
1) Boone County's Elkin Hopeful on Humane Society Boost
COLUMBIA, 12/14/08 (Beat Byte) -- To support their most hopeful voice in local government, Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) supporters should turn out in force at tomorrow morning's Boone County Commission budget hearings.
Saying that he had "some really good thoughts on a possible solution" to the society's crisis-stage budget woes, Northern District County Commissioner Skip Elkin recently told the Columbia Heart Beat that "we are still working on this issue." The solution Elkin said he envisions "could potentially be a win-win for everyone. And it will be a significant investment from both the City of Columbia and Boone County."
Starting off the 2009-10 budget year with $11 million in reserve funds and another $6.57 million in undesignated, unreserved funds, according to recent Columbia Tribune reports, the County Commission should be in a strong position to boost its support for CMHS. Out of this year's $45 million budget, the two funds add up to a 39% piggy bank, not including reserves for individual departments such as the County Assessor, which this year reported a hefty $1.4 million reserve fund.
Low debt, low fuel prices, and a relatively minor 1% drop in county sales tax revenue this year paint a forecast that, while not overly rosy, is certainly healthier than it was when gas prices were topping $3/gallon.
Recent news that the humane society -- which in Columbia and Boone County doubles as an animal control center or "dog pound" -- was on the verge of closing sent shock waves through the community, which for over thirty years has relied on the organization as a one-stop-shop for stray animal care. Annually, the city of Columbia provides $100,000.00 and the County of Boone ten times less -- $10,000.00 -- for care of an animal control population society president Patty Forister estimates at around 4,500.
Private donations of about $800,000.00/year pick up the tab for another 4,500 animals that come to the society outside the realm of animal control.
Highlighting the humane society's mission-critical status as an animal control center: a "puppy mill bust" reported in yesterday's Columbia Tribune that sent 19 pups to the shelter. A short video on Youtube entitled "Humane Society Appeal" (below) also highlights overcrowded, unsanitary conditions at the society's Columbia shelter.
Elkin said his support of CMHS' "admirable mission" doesn't come without concerns.
"There are some accountability issues that we have to work through," Elkin told the Heart Beat. "Unlike the bozos in Washington who continue to bail out failed businesses with failed business policies, I am not in favor of just 'doling out' additional taxdollars without a successful game plan."
Tomorrow's (Monday's) Boone County Commission budget hearings will occur at 9:30 a.m., County Commission chambers, at the Roger Wilson Government Building next to the courthouse in downtown Columbia. After considering public comment, the commission is expected to adopt its 2009-2010 budget this Tuesday, Dec. 16.
For those who can't attend, contact your county commissioners with your concerns or comments at:
Skip Elkin
Northern (District II) Commissioner
Boone County Government Center
801 E. Walnut, Room 245
Columbia, MO 65201-7732
1.573.886.4305
selkin@boonecountymo.org
Ken Pearson
Presiding Commissioner
kpearson@boonecountymo.org
Karen Miller
Southern District Commissioner
kmiller@boonecountymo.org
RELATED:
Humane Society Appeal Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVlrRUsNuEo
County Commission Meeting Schedule
http://www.showmeboone.com/COMMISSION
Bust Sends 19 Pups to Humane Society
http://columbiatribune.com/2008/dec/20081213news008.asp
2) Land Taking Ordinances Get Name Wrong
COLUMBIA, 12/14/08 (Beat Byte) -- Two ordinances to enact eminent domain on private land under consideration by the Columbia City Council Monday night refer to the "State Historical Society of Missouri" as the "Missouri Historical Society." Readers and representatives of the latter organization want to make the distinction clear. The confusion caused the name to appear two different ways in local news reports.
The State Historical Society of Missouri is a Columbia-based organization that originated with the Missouri Press Association in 1898, with several prominent Columbia residents on their board of trustees. Related websites include:
http://shs.umsystem.edu/index.shtml
http://shs.umsystem.edu/about/trustees.shtml
Based in St. Louis, "the Missouri Historical Society was established in 1866 to rescue 'from oblivion the early history of the city and the state.'" Their website is located at: http://www.mohistory.org/home
RELATED:
City eyes land for museum
Eminent domain could play role in new Historical Society home.
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2008/Dec/20081214News010.asp
Local Businesses Fight Being Forced Out
http://www.kmiz.com/news/story.php?id=13072
Columbia City Council Agenda for Dec. 15
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/cfforms/agenda/agendadetail.cfm?&UID=256
2) Land-Taking Ordinances Get Name Wrong
3) TASER Talk to Open Council Meeting
1) Boone County's Elkin Hopeful on Humane Society Boost
COLUMBIA, 12/14/08 (Beat Byte) -- To support their most hopeful voice in local government, Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) supporters should turn out in force at tomorrow morning's Boone County Commission budget hearings.
Saying that he had "some really good thoughts on a possible solution" to the society's crisis-stage budget woes, Northern District County Commissioner Skip Elkin recently told the Columbia Heart Beat that "we are still working on this issue." The solution Elkin said he envisions "could potentially be a win-win for everyone. And it will be a significant investment from both the City of Columbia and Boone County."
Starting off the 2009-10 budget year with $11 million in reserve funds and another $6.57 million in undesignated, unreserved funds, according to recent Columbia Tribune reports, the County Commission should be in a strong position to boost its support for CMHS. Out of this year's $45 million budget, the two funds add up to a 39% piggy bank, not including reserves for individual departments such as the County Assessor, which this year reported a hefty $1.4 million reserve fund.
Low debt, low fuel prices, and a relatively minor 1% drop in county sales tax revenue this year paint a forecast that, while not overly rosy, is certainly healthier than it was when gas prices were topping $3/gallon.
Recent news that the humane society -- which in Columbia and Boone County doubles as an animal control center or "dog pound" -- was on the verge of closing sent shock waves through the community, which for over thirty years has relied on the organization as a one-stop-shop for stray animal care. Annually, the city of Columbia provides $100,000.00 and the County of Boone ten times less -- $10,000.00 -- for care of an animal control population society president Patty Forister estimates at around 4,500.
Private donations of about $800,000.00/year pick up the tab for another 4,500 animals that come to the society outside the realm of animal control.
Highlighting the humane society's mission-critical status as an animal control center: a "puppy mill bust" reported in yesterday's Columbia Tribune that sent 19 pups to the shelter. A short video on Youtube entitled "Humane Society Appeal" (below) also highlights overcrowded, unsanitary conditions at the society's Columbia shelter.
Elkin said his support of CMHS' "admirable mission" doesn't come without concerns.
"There are some accountability issues that we have to work through," Elkin told the Heart Beat. "Unlike the bozos in Washington who continue to bail out failed businesses with failed business policies, I am not in favor of just 'doling out' additional taxdollars without a successful game plan."
Tomorrow's (Monday's) Boone County Commission budget hearings will occur at 9:30 a.m., County Commission chambers, at the Roger Wilson Government Building next to the courthouse in downtown Columbia. After considering public comment, the commission is expected to adopt its 2009-2010 budget this Tuesday, Dec. 16.
For those who can't attend, contact your county commissioners with your concerns or comments at:
Skip Elkin
Northern (District II) Commissioner
Boone County Government Center
801 E. Walnut, Room 245
Columbia, MO 65201-7732
1.573.886.4305
selkin@boonecountymo.org
Ken Pearson
Presiding Commissioner
kpearson@boonecountymo.org
Karen Miller
Southern District Commissioner
kmiller@boonecountymo.org
RELATED:
Humane Society Appeal Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVlrRUsNuEo
County Commission Meeting Schedule
http://www.showmeboone.com/COMMISSION
Bust Sends 19 Pups to Humane Society
http://columbiatribune.com/2008/dec/20081213news008.asp
2) Land Taking Ordinances Get Name Wrong
COLUMBIA, 12/14/08 (Beat Byte) -- Two ordinances to enact eminent domain on private land under consideration by the Columbia City Council Monday night refer to the "State Historical Society of Missouri" as the "Missouri Historical Society." Readers and representatives of the latter organization want to make the distinction clear. The confusion caused the name to appear two different ways in local news reports.
The State Historical Society of Missouri is a Columbia-based organization that originated with the Missouri Press Association in 1898, with several prominent Columbia residents on their board of trustees. Related websites include:
http://shs.umsystem.edu/index.shtml
http://shs.umsystem.edu/about/trustees.shtml
Based in St. Louis, "the Missouri Historical Society was established in 1866 to rescue 'from oblivion the early history of the city and the state.'" Their website is located at: http://www.mohistory.org/home
RELATED:
City eyes land for museum
Eminent domain could play role in new Historical Society home.
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2008/Dec/20081214News010.asp
Local Businesses Fight Being Forced Out
http://www.kmiz.com/news/story.php?id=13072
Columbia City Council Agenda for Dec. 15
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/cfforms/agenda/agendadetail.cfm?&UID=256
ORDINANCES:
http://www.blogger.com/
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Bills/2008/dec15bills/R284-08.pdf
3) TASER Talk to Open Council Meeting
COLUMBIA, 12/14/08 (Beat Byte) -- A quartet of speakers representing the ACLU, GRO, NAACP, and the Mid-MO Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, will present their findings on 48 of the 69 TASER deployment cases from the Columbia Police Department at tomorrow night's council meeting.
"It troubles us to report that in the 48 cases, we have found TASERs being used by officers inappropriately," the group claims in an open letter to media outlets. "Many cases indicate that officers are using TASERs not to protect themselves, the suspects, or citizens in 'imminent danger.' but often as a time-saving convenient means to control suspects—and, in a few instances, to punish."
-- Mike Martin for the Columbia Heart Beat
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
DEVELOPER TAX BREAKS: City To Question Schauwecker
COLUMBIA, NOV. 11, 2008 (Beat Byte) -- The Columbia City Council has voted to question Boone County assessor Tom Schauwecker about large property tax breaks his office provides developers that appear unjustified at best; egregious at worst.
The breaks appear to violate or misread a state statute designed to help working farmers.
The breaks appear to violate or misread a state statute designed to help working farmers.
"Current property tax assessments may be severely underestimating the property values that subsidize our city, county, and school district budgets," said Columbia City Council member Karl Skala. "These extremely developer-friendly tax assessment policies are now facing mounting public scrutiny in the face of shrinking local budgets."
Under Missouri law (RSMo 137-016 and 137.119), WORKING farmland is taxed at a rate far lower than either commercial or residential land, even if it's been platted for development. But the key word is "working."
To qualify for the tax breaks, the law is clear: the land must be ACTIVELY FARMED, not simply zoned "agricultural" or dotted with rusty hay balers.
To qualify for the tax breaks, the law is clear: the land must be ACTIVELY FARMED, not simply zoned "agricultural" or dotted with rusty hay balers.
The idea behind the law is simple: that family farmers who continue to work their land, even if they plan to develop it, can continue to receive what is essentially a farm subsidy. Stop farming, however, and the tax break stops too.
Around Boone County, what is a subsidy for farmers has become a loophole for developers wide enough to drive a bulldozer through. Land that hasn't been farmed for years is still getting the big breaks, a situation it's up to the county assessor to correct.
Examples documented here include a 133 acre vacant lot across from Mill Creek Elementary School and the Stan Kroenke estate on Nifong Road. Purchased by Mr. Kroenke for around $2 million dollars in 1998, and stubbed in with gas, power, sewer, water, a fire hydrant and cable lines, the land is worth only $40,000.00 today, according to assessor Schauwecker. As a result, Kroenke paid $275.04 in property taxes in 2007 and even less in previous years.
Other examples include 18 acres of residentially-zoned land in the middle of Thornbrook owned by the Sapp family that produced a whopping $51.00 in property taxes last year; and the last undeveloped parcel at Broadway Bluffs.
Listed For Sale as prime commercial land for $1.2 million but appraised by the assessor for $186,000, the commercially-zoned, in-development lot netted Boone County's roads, schools, libraries, and public safety $1,307.35 -- a $21,766.76 "developer discount" over what the land would have brought if it were assessed as the law says: at fair market value.
The problem of so-called "undervalue favoritism" isn't unique to Boone County. The West Platte (Mo) School District has been fighting with Platte County assessor Lisa Pope over the huge discount she has granted the nearby Iatan Power Plant.
Examples documented here include a 133 acre vacant lot across from Mill Creek Elementary School and the Stan Kroenke estate on Nifong Road. Purchased by Mr. Kroenke for around $2 million dollars in 1998, and stubbed in with gas, power, sewer, water, a fire hydrant and cable lines, the land is worth only $40,000.00 today, according to assessor Schauwecker. As a result, Kroenke paid $275.04 in property taxes in 2007 and even less in previous years.
Other examples include 18 acres of residentially-zoned land in the middle of Thornbrook owned by the Sapp family that produced a whopping $51.00 in property taxes last year; and the last undeveloped parcel at Broadway Bluffs.
Listed For Sale as prime commercial land for $1.2 million but appraised by the assessor for $186,000, the commercially-zoned, in-development lot netted Boone County's roads, schools, libraries, and public safety $1,307.35 -- a $21,766.76 "developer discount" over what the land would have brought if it were assessed as the law says: at fair market value.
The problem of so-called "undervalue favoritism" isn't unique to Boone County. The West Platte (Mo) School District has been fighting with Platte County assessor Lisa Pope over the huge discount she has granted the nearby Iatan Power Plant.
 |
| Skala |
At a September 2008 Board of Education meeting, board president Bill Taylor "called out" Pope for what he called "an arbitrary decision by the assessor to discount taxes on property at the Iatan power plant," the Platte County Citizen newspaper reported.
A precedent setting 2004 tax case saw Jasper County (Mo) assessor Don Davis fighting developer Northtown Village Properties all the way to the Missouri State Tax Commission.
Northtown was trying to claim the farmland assessment rate for land in a residential subdivision. Jasper's deputy assessor Karen Wright "testified that she had physically inspected the subject subdivision on two occasions and had not detected any type of agricultural activity during her inspections," the case read.
After several appeals, Northtown lost the case.
FOLLOW UP: Mr. Schauwecker has steadfastly declined to meet with the Columbia City Council as a group, instead insisting on one-to-one meetings in his office. Council members, wanting a public hearing, have so far declined.
RELATED:
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2008/07/assessor-shocker-millionaire-tax-breaks.html
http://www.plattecountycitizen.com/PDF/9-24-08_News_Articles.pdf
http://oa.mo.gov/stc/2004/Northtown%20Village%20v.%20Davis.htm
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
BROADWAY BLUFF: More Property Tax Poker
Some people get all the winning hands!
Forum Development Group has a 1.4 acre Broadway Bluffs parcel for sale. Asking
price: $1.2 million.
Seems the players in this poker game -- Forum Development Group, the City of Columbia, the Boone County Assessor, and Columbia Public Schools -- all have different opinions on the value -- and use -- of that land.
Dealt a great set of cards called "subsidies" developers like Forum can shuffle Transportation Development Districts (TDD's); State and Federal Tax Credits; TIFs; and now a nefarious property tax break for certain high-falutin folk only the county assessor controls.
Gentlemen -- light your cigars.
Here's what Forum Development Group says about their land:
For Sale: 1.4 acre Broadway Bluffs parcel.
This is the last available pad site in the Broadway Bluffs development. Neighboring businesses will include Starbucks, Culver's, Houlihan's, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Verizon, and more. This lot is ideal for a restaurant or office use!
The east Broadway corridor has been rapidly growing. The area is surrounded by 2 of Columbia's main hospitals, and thousands of medical workers.
Area retail includes Wal-Mart Supercenter, Sam's, and Lowe's. A new 1,000 acre golf course and residential development is under construction less than 2 miles to the east on Broadway, which will continue to add more trips by this area each day.
Price: $1,228,392.00 ($871,200.00/Acre)
http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/Profile.aspx?LID=14896813&StepID=101&RecentlyViewed=true&ItemIndex=2&PgCxtDir=Down
Here's what the City of Columbia says:
Sounds accurate enough. This Broadway Bluffs Parcel is zoned CP (planned commercial). We rezoned it way back in 2005.
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/Documents/Zoning_Maps/zoning_p040.pdf
http://columbiatribune.com/2005/may/20050517news004.asp
Here's what the County Assessor says:
Now just a dern minute! This Broadway Bluffs parcel is Vacant Farmland (FV) and I say its worth a mere $182,950.00.
http://www.showmeboone.com/ASSESSOR/RealEstateSummary.Asp?PARCEL=1740200170010001
Last I saw, those ol' boys were plantin' rows of stores...er, corn up there!
Here's what the Columbia Public School Board OUGHT to be saying:
This isn't right! Here's the impact on our tax base IN JUST ONE YEAR:
Difference between what Forum is selling the property for and what the assessor says it's worth: $1,045,442.00.
2007 Property Tax Paid: $1,307.35
Property tax that would be paid if valued at fair market: $23,074.00
Property tax we lost: $21,766.76
Knowing all this, Forum Development Group is seein' green all the way to the bank:
Green Acres is the place to be. Farm livin' is the life for me.
Listen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrbPAt1_vc4
Forum Development Group has a 1.4 acre Broadway Bluffs parcel for sale. Asking
price: $1.2 million.
Seems the players in this poker game -- Forum Development Group, the City of Columbia, the Boone County Assessor, and Columbia Public Schools -- all have different opinions on the value -- and use -- of that land.
Dealt a great set of cards called "subsidies" developers like Forum can shuffle Transportation Development Districts (TDD's); State and Federal Tax Credits; TIFs; and now a nefarious property tax break for certain high-falutin folk only the county assessor controls.
Gentlemen -- light your cigars.
Here's what Forum Development Group says about their land:
For Sale: 1.4 acre Broadway Bluffs parcel.
This is the last available pad site in the Broadway Bluffs development. Neighboring businesses will include Starbucks, Culver's, Houlihan's, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Verizon, and more. This lot is ideal for a restaurant or office use!
The east Broadway corridor has been rapidly growing. The area is surrounded by 2 of Columbia's main hospitals, and thousands of medical workers.
Area retail includes Wal-Mart Supercenter, Sam's, and Lowe's. A new 1,000 acre golf course and residential development is under construction less than 2 miles to the east on Broadway, which will continue to add more trips by this area each day.
Price: $1,228,392.00 ($871,200.00/Acre)
http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/Profile.aspx?LID=14896813&StepID=101&RecentlyViewed=true&ItemIndex=2&PgCxtDir=Down
Here's what the City of Columbia says:
Sounds accurate enough. This Broadway Bluffs Parcel is zoned CP (planned commercial). We rezoned it way back in 2005.
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/Documents/Zoning_Maps/zoning_p040.pdf
http://columbiatribune.com/2005/may/20050517news004.asp
Here's what the County Assessor says:
Now just a dern minute! This Broadway Bluffs parcel is Vacant Farmland (FV) and I say its worth a mere $182,950.00.
http://www.showmeboone.com/ASSESSOR/RealEstateSummary.Asp?PARCEL=1740200170010001
Last I saw, those ol' boys were plantin' rows of stores...er, corn up there!
Here's what the Columbia Public School Board OUGHT to be saying:
This isn't right! Here's the impact on our tax base IN JUST ONE YEAR:
Difference between what Forum is selling the property for and what the assessor says it's worth: $1,045,442.00.
2007 Property Tax Paid: $1,307.35
Property tax that would be paid if valued at fair market: $23,074.00
Property tax we lost: $21,766.76
Knowing all this, Forum Development Group is seein' green all the way to the bank:
Green Acres is the place to be. Farm livin' is the life for me.
Listen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrbPAt1_vc4
Thursday, October 2, 2008
JEFF SMITH'S $739 DUPLEX: Bail Out -- or Bailing Out , on Boone County Schools?
 |
| Jeff Smith |
A hugely-wealthy developer stays that way with your tax dollars and your government's help
Into our ongoing series on huge property tax breaks for some of our wealthiest citizens with "squeaky tight" budgets for everyone else wanders the Incredible Duplex of Jeffrey E. Smith, one of the nation's largest taxpayer-subsidized developers.
Situated on a 4.5 acre lot on Columbia's Glenover Court in a Smith development called Hanover Gardens -- built with some $800,000 in taxpayer-funded subsidies -- the four-bedroom, four-bath investment property features 2,373 square feet.
Built in 1999, the duplex is appraised for $739.00 -- that's right, seven hundred and thirty nine dollars -- by Boone County assessor Tom Schauwecker (d), who has its 4.5 acre lot appraised for $45,299.00.
Last I looked, even the smallest, the most run-down duplex in town was selling for just under $100,000, with newer, larger duplexes soaring toward $200K.
Surely Smith -- who has a Mizzou real estate institute named for him -- will be an avid supporter of Columbia Public Schools next property tax levy.
At $0.45 per $100 of assessed valuation, say, he will pay about three extra dollars for his $739.00 duplex!
RELATED:
OUTLANDISH UPDATE: 12/24/08
ASSESSOR ERROR? Schauwecker Boosts "$739 Duplex"
Without much sunshine or fanfare, Boone County Assessor Tom Schauwecker has quietly increased the ridiculously low appraised value of a 1999, 4 bedroom, 4 bath, 2,373 sq. ft. duplex at 1605-07 Glenover Court owned by real estate baron Jeffrey Smith -- from $739.00 to $33,479.
 |
| Schauwecker |
(We reported Schauwecker's original $739 appraisal on October 2. Google "17-209-00-06-002.00 01" for a comparison).
So as not to increase Mr. Smith's property taxes, Schauwecker lowered the value of the 4.5 acre parcel the duplex sits on -- from $44,560.00 to $11,820.
All seven duplexes in Smith's Glenover/Hanover subdivision are appraised at the same price: $45,299.00, despite that 1605-07 Glenover Court sits on a lot many times larger than its neighbors. Four more duplexes, on nearby Cocoa Ct., come in at between $38,710 to $45,299.00, values lower than most 90-year-old central city 2-bedroom, 1-bath homes command.
And the school district needs a property tax increase? Guess it's easier to get from us than the real estate barons. (And many thanks to the readers who alerted us).
RELATED:
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2008/10/739-duplex-bail-out-or-bailing-out-on.html
http://board.columbiatribune.com/index.php?showtopic=6456&st=40&p=75155&#entry75155
http://board.columbiatribune.com/index.php?showtopic=6456&st=40&p=75155&#entry75155
WATKINS AND ELKIN: Discuss New Animal Shelter
 |
| Elkin |
Columbia city manager Bill Watkins tackled the same issue in a series of email exchanges with this writer and the city council.
In Columbia, the humane society is a strange hybrid -- both privately-funded animal adoption center and publicly-funded animal control facility or "dog pound."
Unlike most communities of comparable size, Columbia/Boone County does not have a municipal animal control facility.
Instead, the city and several counties essentially "graft" the duties of a municipal animal control facility onto CMHS, which itself has a different mission -- rescue rather than control.
The lack of public support for the public function is the shelter's largest budget issue, CMHS director Patty Forister said. While animal control takes in about half the shelter's yearly animal total, CMHS only receives about 1/10th of its annual budget from public sources -- $100,000 from the city of Columbia and $10,000 from the county of Boone.
"I do think it's up to the city and county to come together on this with adequate funding," Elkin told Morning Meeting listeners. "I also think we should build a new animal control facility. It's basically an issue of public health and it's long overdue."
Elkin's thinking is in line with the City of Springfield, which provides an animal control facility "as a service to the citizens of Springfield, and to protect public health." Elkin said he was "meeting shortly" with city leaders on the issue, which he agreed was at "a crisis stage."
Watkins confirmed that "one of the options we are studying is to build our own 'pound' to handle animal control issues. Earlier this week, we met with CMHS reps for the first time that either [Boone/Columbia Health Department director] Stephanie Browning or I can remember regarding their financial condition. I
Watkins also noted that "many other jurisdictions including the State Ag Department use the facility at little or no cost," a problem Forister confirmed. "We have about 20 counties that send animals our way, but not one of those counties contributes anything to our budget," she said.
This "free rider" problem may grow with a new facility, Watkins argued. "I think there is a case to be made that a new facility is needed, but I'm skeptical that the city should pay for it and that a new, bigger facility would not just make the operational issues worse."
Watkins also said that he thinks the city pays its "fair share."
"We average 11-12 animals boarded for animal control reasons per day over the last five years," Watkins explained. "From just a pound perspective, I think we pay our share -- a little over $25/day per animal for boarding. I pay less than that to board our dogs at Hortons Animal Hospital when we leave town. (Both our dogs are from the Humane society or a rescue.) "
RELATED:
Animal control in Springfield, MO
A History of Animal Control in Los Angeles, Calif.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Columbia Heart Beat -- 7/17/08
Paperless News for Columbia's Blogs and Listservs
County Countdown: 20 Days to the August 5th Primaries
___________________________________________
people
EMPTY RHETORIC: Belies County's Poor Planning
KIDS QUESTION CANDIDATES: Assessor Candidate Barbara Bishop
RYAN FERGUSON/KEVIN CRANE SHOCKER: Key Witness Says Testimony Suppressed
ASSESSOR BLOWOUT: Big Developers Bankroll Schauwecker
THE CHANGE GANG: Schuster Scolds Skala; Miller on Cameras
places
URBAN ARCHAEOLOGIST: The Pause that Preserves
NATURAL WAYS: To Eliminate Mosquitoes
things
MARKET UPDATE: With Columbia Banker Tom Stone
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS: Who Gave What to Whom
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Libertarian forum; Council office hours
PARTING THOUGHTS: Kevin Walsh on Forrest Rose
________________________________________________
OPENING THEME SONG: F-Troop -- Politically Incorrect
________________________________________________
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
You just stick to watchdogging the County, okay?
-- CPS Asst. Superintendent Jack Jensen, to me
________________________________________________
EMPTY RHETORIC: Belies County’s Poor Planning
By Mike Martin
For the Columbia Business Times
Readers with children who watch Sesame Street may remember a popular game: Which of these things is not like the others?
Conscientious taxpayers may be troubled to learn that County Hall likes to play this game, too. Read the following headlines and ask yourself, which of these things just doesn’t belong?
County officers rue tight purse: Drop in sales tax foreshadows fiscal constraint
– Columbia Daily Tribune, 7/3/2008
Fuel expense drives County to weigh tax
– Columbia Daily Tribune, 4/16/2008
Shortfall in sales taxes raises alarm: County hears dire report from economist
– Columbia Daily Tribune, 7/29/2007
County to acquire building: No specific plan for Johnston Paint site
– Columbia Daily Tribune, 7/23/2007
If you answered the fourth headline – about an ill conceived, six-figure acquisition that drained the county’s 2006 budget surplus in the midst of declining tax revenues – you’re right. It doesn’t belong. Not with a Sheriff’s department struggling against a tidal wave of crime. Not with cities and school districts that could sure use a share of the county’s tax dollars. Not with a flagging economy. And most importantly, not with the idea of sound financial planning.
Public School Playbook
Proving it’s never too late to jump aboard a bandwagon, Karen Miller – Boone County’s southern district commissioner and a re-election candidate – recently boarded the sound planning express with a quarter page “open letter” to her constituents that appeared in several local newspapers. “It is imperative that Boone County works closely with other counties, related agencies, utilities, etc. to develop long range plans and policies," she wrote.
But Boone County government has done little to promote cooperation or planning during Miller’s 16-year tenure. As if County Hall had ripped a page from the Columbia Public Schools playbook, county commissioners recently announced that they are short of money after spending big on projects like the $14 million, sales tax-financed office space expansion.
“Although the Boone County Courthouse expansion project is adding two floors...the county treasury might not have enough money to hire the custodian who would help keep the new building clean,” wrote Columbia Daily Tribune reporter Sara Semelka last month.
County Hall’s history of poor planning took another turn during the debate late last year about how to cover the cost of this year’s elections – about $913,000.00. Commissioners Pearson and Miller advocated raising property taxes. Northern district commissioner Skip Elkin disagreed. He suggested spending money from county reserves.
Citing “economic uncertainty,” Pearson told the Tribune a tax increase would be the better choice. “We aren’t certain what revenues are going to be coming in,” he explained. But just months earlier, Pearson and Miller had led the charge to blow most of County Hall’s 2006 surplus – about $700,000 – to buy the Johnston Paint Building, paying $20,000 over its appraised value with “no specific plan.”
Wealth Concentration
Rather than build and staff satellite offices in surrounding communities to handle routine county chores like property tax payments and courthouse filings, county commissioners have instead concentrated millions of tax dollars within a 2-block radius of the downtown courthouse.
The 2007 Johnston acquisition capped a three-year, $4 million, 30,000 square foot building-buying binge that included the former Jerry's Hair Studio – which our fickle commissioners sold a year later to attorney Bob Murray; the Ford, Parshall and Baker law offices, where a “For Rent – Contact the County Commission” sign has been hanging since the early Paleozoic Era; the old Lifestyles Furniture building that tenant Fera Technologies abandoned, sticking County Hall with over a quarter million dollars in unpaid rent; and the Guaranty Land Title building.
Despite Commissioner Miller’s oft-repeated explanation that it’s all part of some grand plan to expand court-related services, not one acquisition came with any plan. The Guaranty Land Title building was, in fact, the only property commissioners even "suggested for a county function," the Tribune reported, "but nobody knows what.”
The only visible result is a vast land and building reserve that has systematically deprived other communities and priorities of their fair share of tax dollars, from the Sheriff to public works; from mental health care to county road care; from Ashland to Centralia; from Rocheport to Harrisburg.
It has also apparently deprived the average county employee of decent wages. Calling this year’s one percent county employee raise “insulting,” county assessor Tom Schauwecker even weighed in. “Adding to Schauwecker’s frustration were recent capital acquisitions, such as the Johnston Paint and Lifestyles furniture buildings, which he said depleted reserve funds and did not go through the budgetary process,” the Columbia Tribune reported on January 4, 2008.
Did not go through the budgetary process? Sounds less like poor planning and more like a scandal to me.
___________________________________________
KIDS QUESTION CANDIDATES: Assessor Candidate Barbara Bishop
Dear Ms. Wingert and Fifth Grade Class Members of Grant Elementary:
Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in your Candidate Survey.
When I was your age during the 1960’s, several historical events occurred and I was inspired about how important it was to be informed and participate in our democracy through voting and public service. Several teachers whom I will never forget taught me Social Studies, History and Civics which were my favorite subjects.
I would encourage the class members to read the local newspaper on a regular basis as the topic of growth issues is an ongoing concern for most of Boone County along with most cities throughout the United States. Again, thank you this opportunity and especially, your interest in the upcoming elections.
Sincerely,
Barbara G. Bishop
Candidate for Boone County Assessor
Democratic Primary August 5, 2008
QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
How will you ALL work together to improve Columbia and Boone County?
First, and foremost, I will give respect and civility to all elected County Officials, support staff and taxpayers. I approach discussions with a willing spirit and make every effort to consider all sides that may be affected by a decision. I try to never leave a meeting without shaking hands, especially with someone I may have disagreed with on an issue. I’ll encourage a team effort and support the common goal of representing the People to the best of my ability.
My assessor’s office will be open and transparent to include sharing as much information as I can as to how decisions are made regarding appraisal methods for residential and commercial real estate and personal property.
Even though the only requirement for serving as Boone County Assessor is being a resident of Boone County, my education, work history and public service history should instill confidence in the other County Officials as to my being able to perform the duties of County Assessor. My experience and knowledge as a real estate appraiser for 13 years in Boone County and surrounding counties prepares me to perform the duties of appraising (i.e.: determining the value of property) thereby setting fair and balanced assessments that the county tax rates are applied to so that schools and road projects can have funds allocated.
Further, serving as Ashland’s elected 3rd Ward Alderwomen and having served as a Board Member on the Planning and Zoning Board and Park Board gives me insight as to government operations at all levels – State, County and City.
Why is Columbia continuing to build apartments/buildings when so many are vacant – like empty shopping centers – at this time?
Location, Location, Location. Boone County has experienced record growth during the past few years. Builders, developers and investors have tried to anticipate where growth will be based on peoples’ demand for where they want to live. These are called “housing trends” and typically go in cycles.
With the current economic factors such as higher transportation costs and the popularity of pedestrian travel, many workers will want to live closer to their place of employment, families will want to be close to schools, and most people will want to be close to services such as stores and recreation.
As to vacancy levels of apartments, developers speculated (an educated guess) that more population growth would increase the demand for rental housing therefore they built more apartment complexes in the growing areas. Most of the larger projects were planned some time ago, so developers will complete the projects and hope for increased demand thus getting a return on their investment (money).
Briefly, several factors occurred such as: not as many people needed rental housing because buying a home was affordable so they bought a home, some renters decided they wanted to live in newer apartments so they moved, and not as many people have moved to this community as was anticipated. Currently the housing trend appears to be returning to rental housing as there is not as much mortgage monies (loans for houses) available. The older apartments will have to update their facilities and/or offer other incentives to get people to move back to their neighborhoods.
As to commercial vacancies such as shopping centers, again growth in other locations has shifted the number of people, i.e. potential buyers, to another area of the city so retailers and other service businesses want to move to the newer areas. As I discussed before, people want to be close to all services so the services will typically go to the location of most of the population. Also, many times larger commercial buildings are built and designed for specific owners therefore a business may decide that it is more cost effective to build an entirely new building than renovate an older building.
Another impact on commercial development is road access so any change may affect the marketability of an existing property. A good example of this is the road changes at Highway 63 and Clarendon Road: traffic cannot go East onto Broadway like they used to but have to loop around the new retail center. The existing gas station on the southeast corner of Highway 63 and Broadway experienced or anticipated a negative effect on their business so they closed and the building is now vacant with “limited accessibility” which may impact the building’s marketability (to be purchased/sold).
_____________________________________________________
RYAN FERGUSON/KEVIN CRANE SHOCKER: Key Witness Says Testimony Suppressed
A woman who found the body of Columbia Daily Tribune sports editor Kent Heitholt testified Wednesday that she would have told attorneys that the men later convicted of the killing were not the ones she saw near the body, but the defense attorney “didn’t ask.”
Shawna Ornt testified that she repeatedly told then-Boone County Prosecutor Kevin Crane that a man she saw near the body was neither Ferguson nor Erickson. She said Crane scared her, and she did not know what she was allowed to say to attorneys or in the trial. So she did not tell anyone else during the trial or the deposition.
“He made me feel like I was wrong,” Ornt said of Crane. And Ornt did not tell Ferguson’s attorney because she didn’t know whether she was allowed to.
READ ALL ABOUT IT in the Columbia Missourian
______________________________________________________
ASSESSOR BLOW OUT: Big Developers Bankroll Schauwecker
A nearly $18,000.00 fundraising blowout for incumbent county assessor Tom Schauwecker has Boone County campaign watchers wondering if the only thing green about the Schauwecker campaign is its signs and T-shirts (lol)!
Like so many recent city council races, the Boone County assessor's race has big-name development and construction interests lined up against a scrappy grassroots campaign running on high-octane enthusiasm -- and one-tenth the cash (and even less vacant land or empty retail centers for those giant green signs).
Bulldozing through the campaign like a rainforest clearcutting team (sorry, couldn't resist), Schauwecker's donors read like a who's who of Columbia's biggest developers: Greenwing Development (Tom Atkins); Little Dixie Construction (Bob Lemone); Fairway Construction and Fairway Management (low-income housing baron Jeff Smith); R. Anthony Development (Developer Rob Wolverton's firm); Elissa Odle, whose brother Jon runs Trittenbach Development, a builder of classy professional medical buildings; Emery Sapp and Sons, whose principals Billy and Elvin Sapp co-founded the Central Missouri Development Council and built two of Columbia's largest residential developments, Old Hawthorne and Bristol Lake; and developer William Coil, who once got caught up in -- you got it -- a CrossCreek-style tree-clearing controversy with former city councilperson Karl Kruse back in the day when Karl, as he would freely admit, was an outspoken tree-hugger.
"But Fifth Ward city councilman Karl Kruse today objected to the removal of additional trees. 'I think it is really just tragic. There's such a small part of that mature forest along Forum that remains, it seems a real shame that any more needs to be taken out. There's lots of open land for development,'" Kruse said.
http://archive.columbiatribune.com/1994/jun/19940613news11.htm
Save the Trees? C'mon, Karl! That was just a one-time event that will never, ever happen in Columbia again. (And if you believe that, I have a tree growing in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you).
Giving to Schauwecker was so nice, in fact, that Columbia commercial real estate mogul Otto Maly did it twice: once through Maly Commercial Realty; and again personally.
Your fearless blogger, on the other hand, donated a few hundred bucks to Schauwecker's Democratic challenger, Barbara Bishop campaign, who is, ironically, moderate on most development issues.
RELATED:
Tree Clearing Scuffle
Wolverton Company
Jeff Smith Story
Columbia's Prominent Business Families
______________________________________________________
THE CHANGE GANG: Schuster Scolds Skala; Miller on Cameras
While I seldom agree with Mayor Darwin Hindman on most issues dear to his heart, I can sympathize with his impatience over the seemingly unending delays in the installation and operation of a system designed to discourage scofflaws whose activities are inherently hazardous to the public.
-- Missourian Columnist J. Karl Miller, Col, USMC (Ret.)
Disconcerting within the extended dialogue were the comments of council members Karl Skala and Paul Sturtz. Skala, under the guise of frankness, tried to argue that no commitment had been made to voters to build the projects, which were promoted during the campaign for approval of the capital improvements sales tax.
-- Columbia Business Times columnist Larry Schuster
_______________________________________________________
URBAN ARCHAEOLOGIST: The Pause that Preserves
"With the recent demolition of the Guitar house on Blue Ridge Road and the near-demolition of the "shotgun" house on Garth Avenue, the Columbia Historic Preservation Commission has completed a policy that will cause a pause in the demolition process for buildings 50 years or older.
"The proposed policy, which was favorably reviewed by the Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission last week, would allow the Historic Preservation Commission to receive notice of demolition permit applications for older structures and would give the commission 10 days to review the application."
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
_____________________________________________________
NATURAL WAYS: To Eliminate Mosquitoes, from Miles Bader
Natural Mosquito Repellant for skin: 4 Parts glycerin to 1 part eucalyptus oil
OR 1 ounce of citronella oil (from health food store) and 1 drop of corn oil
OR 3 cups rubbing alcohol + 1.5 cups red cedar wood shavings + 1/2 cup
eucalyptus leaves. Mix well in bowl; cover; let sit for 6 days; strain spray liquid through cheesecloth.
"Numero Uno Mosquito and Cockroach Repellant": Catnip placed in little packs around the house. "Catnip contains the oil nepetalactone, which is at least 10 times more powerful than any commercial mosquito spray,"
Bader says. Nepetalactone
Repel flies with fresh basil. "Basil will repel almost any type of flying insect," Bader writes.
Buy Bat and Bird Houses. "Most garden supply stores carry them, for about $30.00," Bader writes. "Bats will eliminate thousands of unwanted insects every night and birds will handle the same job during the day."
Repel mosquitoes with Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets. A common site in Florida -- people stick them on their clothing!
Plant castor beans. Castor plants will repel mosquitoes and moles too! They are naturally averse to the ricinine oil that, when extracted and distilled, is a natural poison.
Cultivate dragonflies with bamboo plants. One dragonfly will consume at least 100 mosquitoes in 30 minutes, and eat their larvae as well, Bader writes.
Sprigs of Sage or Rosemary on hot barbecue coals will keep all flying insects away for the duration of the barbecue.
Gambusia affinis, a fish that thrives in yard ponds, also thrive on mosquito larvae.
From 1001 All Natural Secrets to a Pest-Free Property by Dr. Miles H. Bader.
_______________________________________________________
MARKET UPDATE: With Columbia Banker Tom Stone
Get ready for a wild ride. Fannie/Freddie bailouts, instability in the market place, rising energy costs and don't forget an election soon…these are the makings for some very big fireworks. Stay tuned to a trusted source for what is really happening outside of the media hype.
Use this link to view the newsletter
Tom Stone
The Bank of Missouri
Asst. Vice President
________________________________________________
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS: Go Here to Search
________________________________________________
READERS RITE: Write, Right
Michael - Just becoming familiar with the "Columbia Heartbeat"...not really sure how it works...wondering if you write about politics only...or if you would promote a new "business" in the area, Fun Doodles. Either way, thanks. Have a wonderful day!
-- Mindy Durham, Columbia
Just found your blog - this must be a well kept secret in town. Keep up the good work, loved your piece on Henry Lane!
-- Queenbusick
It is Cathy Richards who is running for Boone County Public Administrator, not Kathy with a K.
-- anonymous
_____________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hi Mike, I wanted to invite you to a Libertarian Party candidate forum we are having this coming Friday at Stoney Creek Inn. Below is a link with a little more information (time and such) if you are interested. -- John Schultz
"Community Voices: Healthcare - What We Have and What We Want"
A dialogue about health care in our community
Monday, July 216 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Columbia Public Library Friends Room*
Refreshments served.*
Sponsored by the Columbia Human Rights Commission, Missouri Jobs with Justice, Missouri Association for Social Welfare and others.*
Please contact Nanette at 573-874-7487
if you need transportation assistance or disability accommodations as soon as possible.
County Countdown: 20 Days to the August 5th Primaries
___________________________________________
people
EMPTY RHETORIC: Belies County's Poor Planning
KIDS QUESTION CANDIDATES: Assessor Candidate Barbara Bishop
RYAN FERGUSON/KEVIN CRANE SHOCKER: Key Witness Says Testimony Suppressed
ASSESSOR BLOWOUT: Big Developers Bankroll Schauwecker
THE CHANGE GANG: Schuster Scolds Skala; Miller on Cameras
places
URBAN ARCHAEOLOGIST: The Pause that Preserves
NATURAL WAYS: To Eliminate Mosquitoes
things
MARKET UPDATE: With Columbia Banker Tom Stone
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS: Who Gave What to Whom
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Libertarian forum; Council office hours
PARTING THOUGHTS: Kevin Walsh on Forrest Rose
________________________________________________
OPENING THEME SONG: F-Troop -- Politically Incorrect
________________________________________________
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
You just stick to watchdogging the County, okay?
-- CPS Asst. Superintendent Jack Jensen, to me
________________________________________________
EMPTY RHETORIC: Belies County’s Poor Planning
By Mike Martin
For the Columbia Business Times
Readers with children who watch Sesame Street may remember a popular game: Which of these things is not like the others?
Conscientious taxpayers may be troubled to learn that County Hall likes to play this game, too. Read the following headlines and ask yourself, which of these things just doesn’t belong?
County officers rue tight purse: Drop in sales tax foreshadows fiscal constraint
– Columbia Daily Tribune, 7/3/2008
Fuel expense drives County to weigh tax
– Columbia Daily Tribune, 4/16/2008
Shortfall in sales taxes raises alarm: County hears dire report from economist
– Columbia Daily Tribune, 7/29/2007
County to acquire building: No specific plan for Johnston Paint site
– Columbia Daily Tribune, 7/23/2007
If you answered the fourth headline – about an ill conceived, six-figure acquisition that drained the county’s 2006 budget surplus in the midst of declining tax revenues – you’re right. It doesn’t belong. Not with a Sheriff’s department struggling against a tidal wave of crime. Not with cities and school districts that could sure use a share of the county’s tax dollars. Not with a flagging economy. And most importantly, not with the idea of sound financial planning.
Public School Playbook
Proving it’s never too late to jump aboard a bandwagon, Karen Miller – Boone County’s southern district commissioner and a re-election candidate – recently boarded the sound planning express with a quarter page “open letter” to her constituents that appeared in several local newspapers. “It is imperative that Boone County works closely with other counties, related agencies, utilities, etc. to develop long range plans and policies," she wrote.
But Boone County government has done little to promote cooperation or planning during Miller’s 16-year tenure. As if County Hall had ripped a page from the Columbia Public Schools playbook, county commissioners recently announced that they are short of money after spending big on projects like the $14 million, sales tax-financed office space expansion.
“Although the Boone County Courthouse expansion project is adding two floors...the county treasury might not have enough money to hire the custodian who would help keep the new building clean,” wrote Columbia Daily Tribune reporter Sara Semelka last month.
County Hall’s history of poor planning took another turn during the debate late last year about how to cover the cost of this year’s elections – about $913,000.00. Commissioners Pearson and Miller advocated raising property taxes. Northern district commissioner Skip Elkin disagreed. He suggested spending money from county reserves.
Citing “economic uncertainty,” Pearson told the Tribune a tax increase would be the better choice. “We aren’t certain what revenues are going to be coming in,” he explained. But just months earlier, Pearson and Miller had led the charge to blow most of County Hall’s 2006 surplus – about $700,000 – to buy the Johnston Paint Building, paying $20,000 over its appraised value with “no specific plan.”
Wealth Concentration
Rather than build and staff satellite offices in surrounding communities to handle routine county chores like property tax payments and courthouse filings, county commissioners have instead concentrated millions of tax dollars within a 2-block radius of the downtown courthouse.
The 2007 Johnston acquisition capped a three-year, $4 million, 30,000 square foot building-buying binge that included the former Jerry's Hair Studio – which our fickle commissioners sold a year later to attorney Bob Murray; the Ford, Parshall and Baker law offices, where a “For Rent – Contact the County Commission” sign has been hanging since the early Paleozoic Era; the old Lifestyles Furniture building that tenant Fera Technologies abandoned, sticking County Hall with over a quarter million dollars in unpaid rent; and the Guaranty Land Title building.
Despite Commissioner Miller’s oft-repeated explanation that it’s all part of some grand plan to expand court-related services, not one acquisition came with any plan. The Guaranty Land Title building was, in fact, the only property commissioners even "suggested for a county function," the Tribune reported, "but nobody knows what.”
The only visible result is a vast land and building reserve that has systematically deprived other communities and priorities of their fair share of tax dollars, from the Sheriff to public works; from mental health care to county road care; from Ashland to Centralia; from Rocheport to Harrisburg.
It has also apparently deprived the average county employee of decent wages. Calling this year’s one percent county employee raise “insulting,” county assessor Tom Schauwecker even weighed in. “Adding to Schauwecker’s frustration were recent capital acquisitions, such as the Johnston Paint and Lifestyles furniture buildings, which he said depleted reserve funds and did not go through the budgetary process,” the Columbia Tribune reported on January 4, 2008.
Did not go through the budgetary process? Sounds less like poor planning and more like a scandal to me.
___________________________________________
KIDS QUESTION CANDIDATES: Assessor Candidate Barbara Bishop
Dear Ms. Wingert and Fifth Grade Class Members of Grant Elementary:
Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in your Candidate Survey.
When I was your age during the 1960’s, several historical events occurred and I was inspired about how important it was to be informed and participate in our democracy through voting and public service. Several teachers whom I will never forget taught me Social Studies, History and Civics which were my favorite subjects.
I would encourage the class members to read the local newspaper on a regular basis as the topic of growth issues is an ongoing concern for most of Boone County along with most cities throughout the United States. Again, thank you this opportunity and especially, your interest in the upcoming elections.
Sincerely,
Barbara G. Bishop
Candidate for Boone County Assessor
Democratic Primary August 5, 2008
QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
How will you ALL work together to improve Columbia and Boone County?
First, and foremost, I will give respect and civility to all elected County Officials, support staff and taxpayers. I approach discussions with a willing spirit and make every effort to consider all sides that may be affected by a decision. I try to never leave a meeting without shaking hands, especially with someone I may have disagreed with on an issue. I’ll encourage a team effort and support the common goal of representing the People to the best of my ability.
My assessor’s office will be open and transparent to include sharing as much information as I can as to how decisions are made regarding appraisal methods for residential and commercial real estate and personal property.
Even though the only requirement for serving as Boone County Assessor is being a resident of Boone County, my education, work history and public service history should instill confidence in the other County Officials as to my being able to perform the duties of County Assessor. My experience and knowledge as a real estate appraiser for 13 years in Boone County and surrounding counties prepares me to perform the duties of appraising (i.e.: determining the value of property) thereby setting fair and balanced assessments that the county tax rates are applied to so that schools and road projects can have funds allocated.
Further, serving as Ashland’s elected 3rd Ward Alderwomen and having served as a Board Member on the Planning and Zoning Board and Park Board gives me insight as to government operations at all levels – State, County and City.
Why is Columbia continuing to build apartments/buildings when so many are vacant – like empty shopping centers – at this time?
Location, Location, Location. Boone County has experienced record growth during the past few years. Builders, developers and investors have tried to anticipate where growth will be based on peoples’ demand for where they want to live. These are called “housing trends” and typically go in cycles.
With the current economic factors such as higher transportation costs and the popularity of pedestrian travel, many workers will want to live closer to their place of employment, families will want to be close to schools, and most people will want to be close to services such as stores and recreation.
As to vacancy levels of apartments, developers speculated (an educated guess) that more population growth would increase the demand for rental housing therefore they built more apartment complexes in the growing areas. Most of the larger projects were planned some time ago, so developers will complete the projects and hope for increased demand thus getting a return on their investment (money).
Briefly, several factors occurred such as: not as many people needed rental housing because buying a home was affordable so they bought a home, some renters decided they wanted to live in newer apartments so they moved, and not as many people have moved to this community as was anticipated. Currently the housing trend appears to be returning to rental housing as there is not as much mortgage monies (loans for houses) available. The older apartments will have to update their facilities and/or offer other incentives to get people to move back to their neighborhoods.
As to commercial vacancies such as shopping centers, again growth in other locations has shifted the number of people, i.e. potential buyers, to another area of the city so retailers and other service businesses want to move to the newer areas. As I discussed before, people want to be close to all services so the services will typically go to the location of most of the population. Also, many times larger commercial buildings are built and designed for specific owners therefore a business may decide that it is more cost effective to build an entirely new building than renovate an older building.
Another impact on commercial development is road access so any change may affect the marketability of an existing property. A good example of this is the road changes at Highway 63 and Clarendon Road: traffic cannot go East onto Broadway like they used to but have to loop around the new retail center. The existing gas station on the southeast corner of Highway 63 and Broadway experienced or anticipated a negative effect on their business so they closed and the building is now vacant with “limited accessibility” which may impact the building’s marketability (to be purchased/sold).
_____________________________________________________
RYAN FERGUSON/KEVIN CRANE SHOCKER: Key Witness Says Testimony Suppressed
A woman who found the body of Columbia Daily Tribune sports editor Kent Heitholt testified Wednesday that she would have told attorneys that the men later convicted of the killing were not the ones she saw near the body, but the defense attorney “didn’t ask.”
Shawna Ornt testified that she repeatedly told then-Boone County Prosecutor Kevin Crane that a man she saw near the body was neither Ferguson nor Erickson. She said Crane scared her, and she did not know what she was allowed to say to attorneys or in the trial. So she did not tell anyone else during the trial or the deposition.
“He made me feel like I was wrong,” Ornt said of Crane. And Ornt did not tell Ferguson’s attorney because she didn’t know whether she was allowed to.
READ ALL ABOUT IT in the Columbia Missourian
______________________________________________________
ASSESSOR BLOW OUT: Big Developers Bankroll Schauwecker
A nearly $18,000.00 fundraising blowout for incumbent county assessor Tom Schauwecker has Boone County campaign watchers wondering if the only thing green about the Schauwecker campaign is its signs and T-shirts (lol)!
Like so many recent city council races, the Boone County assessor's race has big-name development and construction interests lined up against a scrappy grassroots campaign running on high-octane enthusiasm -- and one-tenth the cash (and even less vacant land or empty retail centers for those giant green signs).
Bulldozing through the campaign like a rainforest clearcutting team (sorry, couldn't resist), Schauwecker's donors read like a who's who of Columbia's biggest developers: Greenwing Development (Tom Atkins); Little Dixie Construction (Bob Lemone); Fairway Construction and Fairway Management (low-income housing baron Jeff Smith); R. Anthony Development (Developer Rob Wolverton's firm); Elissa Odle, whose brother Jon runs Trittenbach Development, a builder of classy professional medical buildings; Emery Sapp and Sons, whose principals Billy and Elvin Sapp co-founded the Central Missouri Development Council and built two of Columbia's largest residential developments, Old Hawthorne and Bristol Lake; and developer William Coil, who once got caught up in -- you got it -- a CrossCreek-style tree-clearing controversy with former city councilperson Karl Kruse back in the day when Karl, as he would freely admit, was an outspoken tree-hugger.
"But Fifth Ward city councilman Karl Kruse today objected to the removal of additional trees. 'I think it is really just tragic. There's such a small part of that mature forest along Forum that remains, it seems a real shame that any more needs to be taken out. There's lots of open land for development,'" Kruse said.
http://archive.columbiatribune.com/1994/jun/19940613news11.htm
Save the Trees? C'mon, Karl! That was just a one-time event that will never, ever happen in Columbia again. (And if you believe that, I have a tree growing in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you).
Giving to Schauwecker was so nice, in fact, that Columbia commercial real estate mogul Otto Maly did it twice: once through Maly Commercial Realty; and again personally.
Your fearless blogger, on the other hand, donated a few hundred bucks to Schauwecker's Democratic challenger, Barbara Bishop campaign, who is, ironically, moderate on most development issues.
RELATED:
Tree Clearing Scuffle
Wolverton Company
Jeff Smith Story
Columbia's Prominent Business Families
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THE CHANGE GANG: Schuster Scolds Skala; Miller on Cameras
While I seldom agree with Mayor Darwin Hindman on most issues dear to his heart, I can sympathize with his impatience over the seemingly unending delays in the installation and operation of a system designed to discourage scofflaws whose activities are inherently hazardous to the public.
-- Missourian Columnist J. Karl Miller, Col, USMC (Ret.)
Disconcerting within the extended dialogue were the comments of council members Karl Skala and Paul Sturtz. Skala, under the guise of frankness, tried to argue that no commitment had been made to voters to build the projects, which were promoted during the campaign for approval of the capital improvements sales tax.
-- Columbia Business Times columnist Larry Schuster
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URBAN ARCHAEOLOGIST: The Pause that Preserves
"With the recent demolition of the Guitar house on Blue Ridge Road and the near-demolition of the "shotgun" house on Garth Avenue, the Columbia Historic Preservation Commission has completed a policy that will cause a pause in the demolition process for buildings 50 years or older.
"The proposed policy, which was favorably reviewed by the Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission last week, would allow the Historic Preservation Commission to receive notice of demolition permit applications for older structures and would give the commission 10 days to review the application."
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
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NATURAL WAYS: To Eliminate Mosquitoes, from Miles Bader
Natural Mosquito Repellant for skin: 4 Parts glycerin to 1 part eucalyptus oil
OR 1 ounce of citronella oil (from health food store) and 1 drop of corn oil
OR 3 cups rubbing alcohol + 1.5 cups red cedar wood shavings + 1/2 cup
eucalyptus leaves. Mix well in bowl; cover; let sit for 6 days; strain spray liquid through cheesecloth.
"Numero Uno Mosquito and Cockroach Repellant": Catnip placed in little packs around the house. "Catnip contains the oil nepetalactone, which is at least 10 times more powerful than any commercial mosquito spray,"
Bader says. Nepetalactone
Repel flies with fresh basil. "Basil will repel almost any type of flying insect," Bader writes.
Buy Bat and Bird Houses. "Most garden supply stores carry them, for about $30.00," Bader writes. "Bats will eliminate thousands of unwanted insects every night and birds will handle the same job during the day."
Repel mosquitoes with Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets. A common site in Florida -- people stick them on their clothing!
Plant castor beans. Castor plants will repel mosquitoes and moles too! They are naturally averse to the ricinine oil that, when extracted and distilled, is a natural poison.
Cultivate dragonflies with bamboo plants. One dragonfly will consume at least 100 mosquitoes in 30 minutes, and eat their larvae as well, Bader writes.
Sprigs of Sage or Rosemary on hot barbecue coals will keep all flying insects away for the duration of the barbecue.
Gambusia affinis, a fish that thrives in yard ponds, also thrive on mosquito larvae.
From 1001 All Natural Secrets to a Pest-Free Property by Dr. Miles H. Bader.
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MARKET UPDATE: With Columbia Banker Tom Stone
Get ready for a wild ride. Fannie/Freddie bailouts, instability in the market place, rising energy costs and don't forget an election soon…these are the makings for some very big fireworks. Stay tuned to a trusted source for what is really happening outside of the media hype.
Use this link to view the newsletter
Tom Stone
The Bank of Missouri
Asst. Vice President
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CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS: Go Here to Search
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READERS RITE: Write, Right
Michael - Just becoming familiar with the "Columbia Heartbeat"...not really sure how it works...wondering if you write about politics only...or if you would promote a new "business" in the area, Fun Doodles. Either way, thanks. Have a wonderful day!
-- Mindy Durham, Columbia
Just found your blog - this must be a well kept secret in town. Keep up the good work, loved your piece on Henry Lane!
-- Queenbusick
It is Cathy Richards who is running for Boone County Public Administrator, not Kathy with a K.
-- anonymous
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hi Mike, I wanted to invite you to a Libertarian Party candidate forum we are having this coming Friday at Stoney Creek Inn. Below is a link with a little more information (time and such) if you are interested. -- John Schultz
"Community Voices: Healthcare - What We Have and What We Want"
A dialogue about health care in our community
Monday, July 216 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Columbia Public Library Friends Room*
Refreshments served.*
Sponsored by the Columbia Human Rights Commission, Missouri Jobs with Justice, Missouri Association for Social Welfare and others.*
Please contact Nanette at 573-874-7487
if you need transportation assistance or disability accommodations as soon as possible.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, July 31, 2008
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Activity & Recreation Center - ARC (1701 W. Ash Street)
Join the community celebration!*
Candidate forum on health care at noon*
Power Soccer demonstration*
Live music*
Community agency fair*
Refreshments*
Book signing with contributing author Deanna Quietwater Noriega: Behind Our Eyes (anthology of 27 authors with disabilities)
Limited, accessible transportation is available on a first come, first served basis. Make reservations early by calling Services for Independent Living at 573-874-1646. Other accommodations available uponrequest.
Sponsors:* Great Plains ADA Center Americans with Disabilities Act Information and Technical Assistance, toll free call 1-800-949-4232* Services for Independent Living, 573-874-1646 V, 573-874-4121
"Unnatural Causes...is inequity making us sick?"
Documentary and Dialogue
6 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. @ Columbia/Boone County Dept. of Health, 1005 W. Worley Shown in succession on these dates:
* Wednesday, September 3* Wednesday, September 24* Thursday, October 8* Thursday, October 22
* A seven-part documentary series exploring racial and socioeconomic inequalities in health, created to change our public discourse on health* View and engage in candid, facilitated dialogue with fellow citizens. * Refreshments served.* Sponsored by the City of Columbia Human Rights Commission, Columbia/Boone County Dept. of Health* Please contact Nanette at 573-874-7487 or if you need disability accommodations.
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COFFEEHOUSE CONVERSATIONS with 4th Ward Councilman Jerry Wade
This Saturday, July 19, I will be at the Rendezvous Coffeehouse from 10:30a to 12:00n to talk to anyone who would like to visit with me. The Rendezvous Coffeehouse is at 3304 Broadway Business Park Ct., which is on the south side of West Broadway west of HyVee.
A Special Council Meeting will be held Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. to give all citizens and interested parties an opportunity to be heard in relation to determining the priorities for getabout infrastructure projects.
OFFICE HOURS at THE COFFEE GROUND
3RD WARD COUNCILMAN KARL SKALA
WHERE? The Coffee Ground, Broadway Shops, 2703 E. Broadway (North side of Broadway just West of Hwy 63)
WHEN? 8:30-10:30 a.m.
DATES? Saturday, July 19
WHO? Everyone is welcome. Drop in and share your questions, opinions, ideas, and concerns!
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PARTING THOUGHTS: Kevin Walsh on Forrest Rose
Forrest...man. what can i say but that it took practically this whole fucking town to replace forrest in my life... and i didn't see him that much when he was around.... the guy who taught me the meaning of "long time gone."
-- Kevin Walsh, Musicologist on Forrest Rose, Musician
(Forrest Rose Park, next to Mojo's, opened on July 4th) _______________________________________________
Mike Martin
Blogitor-in-Chief
Member: National Press Club
The Columbia Heart Beat
Circulation: Roughly 4,000
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