CCTA Issues and Watchdog Report- 18 Dec 2012

Craven County Board of Commissioners Meeting - 3 Dec 2012 & 17 Dec 2012

1) Prayer at the Board Meetings. The Board of Commissioners' meetings this month were both opened with the pledge and a prayer. Jerry Schill, Christian Coalition & Religious Christian Services (RCS) has acknowledged this and thanked the Board members who have lead Christian prayers.

2) North Carolina's Eastern Region-
I petitioned the Board on North Carolina's Eastern Region asking that they work to dissolve that planning board and to stop supporting the Global TransPark. Global TransPark is starting to compete with our regional airport and, even worse, with Cherry Point for military deployment and return of service members. When Commissioner Dacey asked the paid Chef Executive of this group directly if they support the Global TransPark, he did and tap toe dance that sounded something like no. The NC statute that established this group directs them to support the Global TransPark . Either they are not following the statute that established them or the Chief Executive lied. Which way is it? This subject is likely to come up again shortly after the appointments of the new members of the state Legislature.

The county's own staff under the leadership of Jack Veit, County Manager, and Gene Hodges, Interim Economic Development Director, has done an excellent job of managing the county's economic development efforts and NCER can just bow out! Gene made a very good presentation at yesterday's meeting with a screen display of the interactive computer web page that will be placed on the county website so that there can be postings of property for sale or lease that business and industry leaders can search for available properties in Craven County. The so called economic development planners we had before should have done this long ago!

3) Transparency in government matters-
It remains difficult to keep up with the county budget if you are not on the Board of Commissioners. I wish the current status of the FY 2012-13 budget could be found on the county website; however, Rick Hemphill, Assistant County Manage for Finance, has been good about giving me this information on the phone. He told me that that the balance at the end of November was $97,165,894.

4) FY 2012-13 Budget-
You will remember that, after the budget hearings, I objected to the county staff's representing that the FY 2012-13 budget was a reduction when compared with the previous year's budget. I raised this objection because, in order to make it look that way, they had to compare the beginning budget for FY 2012-13 with the ending budget ($97,199,246) for FY 2011-12. It was like comparing apples and oranges, and I predicted that the end budget for FY 2012-13 would eventually exceed the ending budget for FY 2011-12. AT THE END OF NOVEMBER, THEY ARE ONLY $33,352 SHORT OF THAT! THE FY 2012-13 BUDGET DOES NOT END UNTIL 30 JUNE 2013; THERE'S PLENTY OF TIME FOR IT TO CONTINUE GROWING!

At the first meeting I attended this month another $959,553 was approved in added expenditures. Most of it is an increase in the projected cost of the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). We have no objection to the county getting a new EOC, but it was already in the budget, and these are either add-ons or cost overruns. It wasn't made clear which, and actually generated very little discussion. I wish these additional expenditures had been questioned.

At the meeting held yesterday morning (17 Dec 2012), another mere $66,644 was added that should bring the budget currently to $98,192,091. ALREADY EXCEEDING LAST YEAR'S BUDGET ----TOLD YOU SO!!!!!

IT APPEARS THAT THE BOARD FEELS NO REAL NEED FOR BUDGET TIGHTENING. In fact, at the last budget session, property tax was increased by 3.8% to make it "revenue neutral." Figger that one out! Then the increase was hidden by dropping the tax rate due to the property value re-assessment to 47 cents. I can figure that one out. Our tax rate is still being calculated at the value of the property at the end of 2009 even though the actual value of most property has dropped by around 40%. Why can't they revalue property annually to parallel the percentage drop in actual value by some formula acceptable to the real estate industry? WE ALL KNOW WHY! Then the Board, county manager and finance officer, department heads and the whole bunch would have to really budget year to year like real productive families do and guess at their income, like businesses have to do and budget accordingly. SOUNDS FAIR TO ME!

There was one other very interesting budget matter. At the first meeting, when Rick Hemphill stated that a budget request was being made because, if one were not made, the county would have to send some money back to the State, Commissioner Jeff Taylor objected and said that was the kind of reasoning CCTA objected to. He asked if anyone would fail to receive a county service if that money were sent back (small amount, only $18,300). As to the reasoning, here is a quote that accurately expresses it, "We currently have a reserve that needs to be budgeted and spent in order to not forfeit that funding." Since Rick could not answer Commissioner Taylor's question, the matter was continued until the Director of the County Department of Social Services could be consulted.

Unfortunately, It was just added at the second meeting. DDS found a way to spend it on a contract employee, travel and computers for staff.

5) Craven Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS)-
There was a public hearing on CARTS on 3 Dec 12. They asked that their program be approved and grant requests made for $556,092 with County matching funds of just $60,756 required, and the matching funds are to be raised out of operations. It's a heck of a good deal for the county, but, hey, it's all taxpayer money, and we taxpayers pay taxes to the State and Federal governments in addition to paying taxes to the County, so it's not such a good deal from our prospective.

Apparently NCDOT placed a cap on this CARTS funding which caused it to remain the same. The balance of CARTS' expenses are also covered by operations. Incidentally, a lot of this income from operations is paid by other tax supported counties, boards, commissions, grantees, etc. More tax dollars really. I made our usual objections, but praised the Director, Phyllis Toler, for excellence in executive management of the program. She really squeezes every dollar she gets.

6) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-
A public hearing was held on 17 Dec 2012. The application is for $750,000 for infrastructure projects. I was the only member of the public who spoke. Of course, I did it on behalf of CCTA. As I expect you remember, we decided not to fuss so much about these infrastructure projects. We did want the practice of giving houses to individual people to stop. Infrastructure is a valid concern of local government. It's a shame the federal government has taken it upon itself to provide infrastructure money to local communities, however. It takes a lot more than $750,000 of taxpayers' money sent to the federal government in order to get that amount delivered to Craven County, and when taxpayers' money is channeled that way, it always comes down with all kinds of federal "strings" (read, "control") attached. At any rate, I congratulated the board on it's decision not to build houses for people anymore. REMEMBER THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT GIVE ANYBODY ANYTHING THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT FIRST TAKE FROM SOMEBODY ELSE.

7) Electronic Offender Monitoring Program (EOMP) - Captain Jessee Pittman and Sgt. Steve Wallace gave an excellent presentation on this program. They say and adequately substantiate that the program will save taxpayers $250,000 this fiscal year. The program allows non-violent offenders to continue at their jobs and continue paying child support, etc. Most of the savings is from not using beds in the jail that can be leased for federal, state and other counties prisoners. Two judges were there to say they support the program.

8) Tall Structure Ordinance and Contract-
This effort shows great initiative on the part of the Board. This ordinance could prevent tall windmills from being constructed by the progressives in existing flight patterns and show support for our aviation community including the military! The board has authorized the expenditure of $7,000. Havelock has agreed to reimburse the county $1,540 of this cost.

9) School Board-
The school board held an all morning meeting on the Accountability Model the school is implementing at at the direction of the US Department of Education and through the North Carolina Superintendent of public instruction TO THE FEDERAL STANDARDS. The meeting was guided by a slide presentation done by Dr. Brown, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum. I have a printed copy I'm sure some of you will be interested in. Whole county school systems, schools, administrators, teachers and students will be held accountable (so they say). I can tell you that student education emphasis is on English, math, and science performance. Literacy standards were also discussed. The meeting was about these accountability requirements and not about the subjects I'm most concerned about- the lack of knowledge of American history on the part of students, and the teaching of globalism in school instead of "American Exceptionalism," and the taking of God out of our schools and letting Satin run rampart instead. One "Educator of the Year" John Taylor Gatto has stated, "turning your children over to total strangers and having those strangers work on your child's mind - it's a mad idea."

TURNING YOUR CHILD OVER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO BE INDOCTRINATED IS AN EVEN MADDER IDEA!

Sheriff's Office
I want to thank our member Joe Albanese for his work with the Sheriff's Office. He has been volunteering there (looks good in his uniform). He also met with me at the invitation of Sergeant Steve Wallace to discuss the Electronic Offender Monitoring program. I also got a good tour of the jail. Man, what an eye opener! Sgt. Wallace asked me to invite you all on the tour too. Would you like to form a group visit?

Here are a few facts:
70% of the people wearing ankle bracelet monitors work at a job. Often low paying, but they work.

85% of jail inmates have been declared "indigent" therefore, are not required to pay any of the cost - i.e. jail expense, legal defense expense, medical expense, etc.

No prisoner has cut his ankle bracelet in the 3 years of their use by the Sheriffs office. Other agencies have lost some, though. You might have heard about those.

Most cases where the bracelets are used are "child support cases."


Respectfully Submitted,

Hal James, Watchdog Committee Chairman

Coastal Carolina Taxpayers Association

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=b4ovyaiab&v=001SZ1qw1gWteRfwipfHHVJADEa1eU9yQo69iOEWHuaDf0_Qw5hMca7drMMPk1FVbOuzSk5MfoMpoLgQUcJGtxhSRSxmpJGPiIojVD6H9nshjkARVXGZpwjjiFITSJQ7XARthA1ryJRDhzBWF7-pCtzvA%3D%3D

REPORT: Craven County Commissioners Meeting, February 6, 2012

Dear CCTA Members and Friends,


The last meeting of the Craven County Board of Commissioners was held on 6 Feb 12 at the River Bend Town Hall. I believe it was attended by the most people I have ever seen at a CC BOC meeting except the one at Havelock where the football team was introduced. Team members and family and fans made a big crowd. Anyway, I am proud to say that many CCTA members were at the River Bend meeting to protect the principles we believe in.

The meeting got off to a strange start in that the traditional invocation was missing. It was a while before we found out why. The reason is that the ACLU had just won a big victory over Forsyth County and the taxpayers of that county ended up picking up the tab for the ACLU's legal fees of $200,000. The County Attorney, Jimmy Hicks, said he had already been informed by the ACLU of possible lawsuits against two other counties he represents (not Craven). Our Board of Commissioners do not want to risk being involved in such a lawsuit, thus the lack of an invocation.

I feel angry at the ACLU and disappointed in our Board of Commissioners that they have sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution and yet allow a bunch of lawyers to facilitate this infringement on our 1st amendment rights by prohibiting the free exercise of our religion. I realize that among those lawyers are Supreme Court judges. I believe that the Congress should impeach any federal official who flouts the Constitution. Apparently, Forsyth County Commissioners have decided to continue to have prayers that are to God only (not to Jesus). I don't like that either, but, in my mind, it is a better solution than completely eliminating the invocation. At the very least there could be a moment of silent prayer.

A Mr. Michael McMillan gave a good account of activities of the Religious Community Services organization that he heads. They do a great deal of very worth while work, there is no disputing that. At the end of his presentation, Commissioner Dacey reminded him that he and his organization had been forewarned that the county may not be able to continue it's financial support in light of the belt tightening needed for fiscal prudence in these tough time. Commissioner Dacey asked what measures they were taking to obtain private financing to replace the taxpayer funding. The answer he got was that they raise money privately and had done some belt tightening themselves, but had not given up on taxpayer support. I believe I speak for most CCTA members when I say that the government should get out of charity work. It is not right to take what one citizen has earned and give it to another. When will we ever have enough elected representatives with the courage to live by that to affect a change?


The Commissioners also adopted a Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation. It was obviously written by a strong advocate of spending as much taxpayer money as possible on this program. You would think from reading it that child abuse can not possibly be prevented except by a large financial commitment from the community as a whole. For instance "child maltreatment occurs when parents find themselves in stressful situations without community resources and unable to cope." I dare say that kids get slapped around without the offender even thinking about seeking community resources. And the proclamation itself asks several community groups and organization to increase their participation in our (the Board of Commissioner's) efforts to prevent child maltreatment. I think the word "our" should have been struck and hoped a commissioner would suggest that, but none did.

The Tax Administrator, Mr. Ronnie Antry asked the Board to credit back almost $12,000 of taxpayer money. One item was $3,259 to one taxpayer for personal property taxes on a boat. Mr. Antry said they had assessed the boat too high. Commissioner Dacey asked if they thought it was the Queen Mary. The tax man sure wants to hit us hard. He seems determined that if he errs it will be on the side of too high.

A public hearing has been set for the James City Community Development Block Grant program again. This time at the next meeting which is at 8:30 AM on Monday, 20 February 12. I thought most public hearings were set for the evening meetings when more people can attend. Anyway, some good changes have been made in this program. Taxpayers will no longer pick up the tab and just hand someone the keys to a new house. Instead, taxpayer money will buy lots in the James City area, and a group of citizens such as Habitat for Humanity will build a house on it. The anticipated owner will have to either help build the house or have volunteers who do. Then there will be an affordable mortgage on the house. Most taxpayer money will be expended on the infrastructure such as drainage, public water and sewer, streets, lighting, etc. All appropriate functions of government. Personally, I wish the federal government would just get out of that business and leave local communities alone, but this is a step toward eliminating the total rip off of the taxpayer by this program.

The Department of Social Services found another $252,708 of State taxpayer money lying around, and the Board voted to spend it in Craven County as it has been offered up to us. Aren't we lucky? And, oh yeah, Health Family Planning got another $25,000 to spend on Contraception to include birth control pills, depo-provera (a birth control shot). I wonder how many kids get this stuff so they can have sex without fear of pregnancy. I'm glad I was born 50 years before kids had the freedom to screw their lives up like this. Aren't we taxpayer lucky to be able to pay for this?


Last, but not least, was the appropriate calling of the Sheriff on the carpet (in absence) for the terrible safety record of his department, poor accident investigation, and his refusal to do anything about it. It seems Commissioner Taylor is leading the charge on this with some help from Commissioner Dacey and others. There seems to have been seven wrecks involving deputies lately causing one death and the destruction of at least two vehicles belonging to the taxpayer and the Sheriff says "well, they drive a lot of miles and stuff happens." Well, that is not good enough. I was there when the Sheriff did appear before the Board and gave a toe tap around instead of really presenting a driver training program. Now he is just defying the Board. I hope he sees the light when the Board reviews his budget in the coming months. It also came to light that the Sheriff's department is short about $10,000 of funds in an account set up so that prisoners could make purchases at the prison canteen. Prisoners put money into the account and spend it somehow at the canteen. The account is now empty and, as I said, should have about $10,000 in it. Someone obviously absconded with the funds. It is being investigated.

I'm sure I missed a few transgressions, but I guess that will do for now.

Hal James
Watchdog and Issues Chairman
CCTA

ASSESSORS NOT TREATING TAXPAYERS FAIRLY

CCTA CRAVEN COUNTY REPORT—ASSESSORS NOT TREATING TAXPAYERS FAIRLY

February 15, 2011


A recent Sun Journal article informed me of yet another instance of assessors treating the taxpayers unfairly. The first instance in which I learned the assessors were going all out to extort money from the citizens was when Tyker Gonzales appealed to me as CCTA’s Watchdog Chairman to look into the fact that property anywhere near water was being assessed at least $25,000 per acre. I went out to Johnnie Wetherington’s farm and took a look at what he and Tyker Gonzales were talking about. What I found shocked me. I had to walk 200 yards, at least, in a swamp to get to the body of water in question. Turkey Quarter Creek was not even visible from any place on the farm that was dry enough to walk through without getting muddy feet (which I did).

I then went to the assessor’s office and talked to Glen Jones about this situation. He informed me that everyone with property “on” a body of water had been treated fairly because they had all been charged with at least one developable lot valued at $25,000. Huh? Screw a lot of people and it’s ok? He also stated that it was the property owner’s responsibility to use the appeal process, but he would take my inquiry seriously and “they” would go out again and take a look at Mr. Wetherington’s property. I believe Dan Jenkins went out there and changed the assessment to eliminate the “water view” assumption. Well, while he was at it, he decided that much of the farm was commercial because they boarded stock that did not belong to them and had a show ring. The net result was a higher assessment (incidentally, Jenkins did not even go near the creek, did all his discussion in a building and under a tree near the building). That’s when Tyker really went to work and learned that they were screwing a huge number of farmers out of Present Use Value treatment for their farmland as provided for by North Carolina law. They are willing to make the refunds only if the people who have been cheated ask for refund.

While following the letter of North Carolina law, the situation described above could also be expressed differently and still be accurate. Present Use Value refers to valuing a property for tax purposes to reflect what it is being used for “in the real world” now. It’s a farm, so we’ll tax it at a value that reflects what a farm is worth today. However, in order to be taxed on that value (instead of a value that might occur some time in the future if some developer were willing to buy and develop the property in such a way as to cause it to bring in more income thereby causing the property to have more value) the owner must make an application to be taxed on the value of his/her farm today. Huh? Is this reasonable? Maybe North Carolina law needs to be changed.

Next I learned about Mrs. Stott who owns a fairly large tract of land on the Trent River. Her property had been assessed at about $1.8 million dollars because it has potential development value. The county has approved no such development. No infrastructure has been built, and no lots have been laid out. I asked the assessors if Mrs. Stott placed a covenant on her property prohibiting development thereby changing the legal use to which the property could be put, would her assessment therefore have to be reduced? Glen Jones refused to give me an answer.

Now comes the news that the assessors have not followed the law in assessing property of military service members. What next? If a private company’s employees had overcharged its customers, the company could not make amends fast enough. But our county’s employees say they again leave the burden on the citizens to ask for redress. Is this a way to treat our nation’s defenders?

Craven County assessors obviously have a built in bias toward higher taxes. From their perspective, higher taxes are needed to produce the revenue it takes to pay high salaries to county employees, to pay high premiums for health insurance policies for county employees, to make large contributions to county employees’ retirement plans, and so on. Their enlightened self-interest is diametrically opposed to the best interest of the citizens, and they are well aware of it. Are there some county employees whose mindset it is to be a “public servant?” Yes, I think there are, but I think they’re few and far between, and I doubt that any of them have anything to do with the process of taxing our citizens.

Tyker Gonzales has won a major victory for the taxpayers. She has fought to the point that many, many more farmers have obtained Present Use Value treatment for the assessment of their farms as provided by North Carolina law. And she is not stopping there, she and Jason Jones, President of Craven County Farm Bureau and Past Chairman of the Craven County Board of Commissioners are continuing their efforts to get fair tax treatment for farmers and other business people. The BOC granted an unprecedented extension of time for all taxpayers to file.

Tyker Gonzales

Sun Journal New Bern--Letter to the Editor:

CRAVEN COUNTY HERO

January 24, 2011


As a result of the 2010 Craven County revaluation the citizens of Craven County have seen a significant increase in their property values that have resulted in increased taxes even though the tax rate is considered revenue neutral for 2010-2011 budget year. At the time of the revaluation I served as a county commissioner and I was under the impression that values would increase significantly only in areas along the waterfront or consolidated areas where properties were being sold at record highs. I did not expect the district in which I represented which is largely rural to see the increase in value that it did. I have admitted that I made a mistake in voting for the 2010-2011 budget due to the burden it has placed on Craven County’s citizens.

In the recent months one of Craven County’s finest citizens, Mrs. Tyker Gonzales, has led an effort to assist Craven County farmers and landowners who have been excluded from Present Use Value. These properties consist of farm equipment buildings, farm livestock buildings and farmland used for production of livestock which are currently valued at market value. It is because of Mrs. Gonzales’ persistence on this issue that the N.C. Department of Revenue has advised the Craven County Tax Department that the above properties do qualify for the Present Use Value Schedule under GS. 105-277.3. As a result of this important opinion from the Department of Revenue, the assistance of the Farm Bureau Federation and most importantly Mrs. Gonzales, many farmers and landowners in Craven County will receive a fair and equitable value on their properties.

On behalf of Craven County Farm Bureau Federation and the farmers of Craven County, I want to thank Mrs. Tyke Gonzales for taking a stand for the agricultural industry which is still North Carolina’s number one industry contributing $75 billion to our state’s economy.


Jason R. Jones, Cove City, NC


Jones is president of Craven County Farm Bureau.

© Copyright 2011 Freedom Communications. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/county-94275-craven-increase.html

CCTA CONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR TAXPAYERS!

Coastal Carolina Taxpayers Association (CCTA) guided by Hal James, Chairman, Watchdog Committee along with other hardworking patriots have made great strides in looking into our local Craven County Govenment and particularly, property tax assesments.  Much more work is ahead!  We appreciat their hard work on our behalf!  See Hal's message to members below.

CCTA MEMBERS AND FRIENDSWell, we're off to another year of looking out for the citizens and taxpayers. Thanks to each of you who have given of your time, money and talents on behalf the taxpayers.

Please don't feel you have to wait for a monthly report to the CCTA to let me know what has gone on that you want us all to know about. Let's have running dialog.

Yesterday I attended the Craven County Board of Commissioners meeting. From our point of view it was much improved over the activities of the previous board, but still has a long way to go to really be informative and responsive to the citizens and taxpayers of Craven County.

First, much to his credit, Scott Dacey orchestrated input from "stake holders" on the issue of moving the magistrates to the Jail complex at Clarks. Many representatives of the law enforcement community were heard from. Sheriffs, police chiefs, the State Patrol, deputies, etc. all made their opinions known. All of these people wanted to move the magistrates to Clarks for the safety and convenience of their people. Sheriff Monette made a case for it saving about $1,000,000 per year of taxpayers' money.

The Clerk's office and magistrates were also heard from. The consensus among them seemed to be a concern for the paperwork and inconvience of the magistrates in handling their work if they move out to Clarks. the Bar Association was also heard from. Gary Clemmons, civil lawyer, made the point that Chief District Court Judge Jerry Waddell has the power to put the magistrates where he wants to and not the Board of Commissioners. The County Attorney agreed. But, to me, the most interesting points were made by Kyle Smith, criminal lawyer, that there would be great inconvience and cost to the citizens if the magistrates were moved to Clarks. He pointed out that law enforcement officers will not get a warrant for the arrest of a citizen for a misdemeanor. So in a domestic disturbance, the wife or aggrieved party would have to get to the magistrate out at Clarks and swear out a warrant. The same would be true of a small business person wanting to get a warrant for passing a bad check. Probably just would not go to the trouble. Commissioner Sampson agreed that a lot of people from his District have to walk to the courthouse and would be adversely affected.

Another interesting aspect of all this was the input of the Bondsman, Reginald Beaslely. It had to do with getting prisoners released promptly when they are eligible for parole. He said Craven County is the only county that requires a magistrate to sign the release. The rest of the counties allow the bondsmen to handle releases directly with the jail personnel. He said changing this to handle it as other counies do could solve the problem of releasing these people promptly and cut down on the prison population and save the taxpayers money and treat citizens more fairly and compassionately too.

A piece of good news came from Erin Burridge, director of Elections Department. She stated that more of her records would be placed on the county's website and available that way to the public. Halleluiah!

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LEGAL OPINION ON ASSESSING LAND USE VALUE FOR FARMERS?  In his report at he end of the meeting, Jeff Taylor thanked Tyker Gonzales for all her hard work on behalf of the farmers in his District and the whole county. He read an email from Michael Brown of the NC Dept of Revenue, stating that the statues on present value land use for farmers was very clear and that the county owes McCoy Farms a refund. After the meeting I asked Jeff why he had not told the "rest of the story." He did not know what I was talking about. Mr. Brown, Dept of Revenue, had sent another email telling Dan Jenkins of the assessors office that 28 farmers in Craven county had been overtaxed and were due a refund. I gave a copy of that email to Jeff and he said he would take it up with the other commissioners.

WHY AREN'T THEY DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS? I guess time will tell. These assessors are unlawfully taking taxpayer money and now the North Carolina Dept of Revenue agrees. GREAT JOB, TYKER!

Jason Jones, President of the Craven County Farm Bureau and until last month, a member of the Craven County Board of Commissioners, has written a letter to the editor of the Sun Journal that he has titled "A Craven County Hero." In it he outlines what Tyker has achieved in helping farmers and landowners in Craven County receive fair and equitable treatment in the tax values assigned their property. Wow! That is great. I can't wait to see it in print.

The "dog and pony" shows the Commissioners put on to convence us of what a great job directors of the various departments of the county government are doing is a big waste of time and totally uninformative to the citizens and taxpayers. These directors are constantly referring to the "package" the commissioners have that no one else is privy to and the public can't follow the proceedings without them. They often don't seem to know the cost/benefit of their departments and can't answer simple questions when they are asked of them. Yet, they are let off the hook and sent on their way with a pat on the head and a smile and a compliment about what a good job they are doing.

And, oh yes, the commissioners still vote unanimously to spend our federal and state tax money (as long as there are no county contributions) as if money grows on trees or the treasury or Federal Reserve Bank can just print more indefinitely. This meeting saw $122,084 dollars of taxpayer money go to the Department of Social Rip Off for Crisis Intervention. Whatever the heck that is. (sorry, I'm just getting so disgusted). This goes on all over our nation. When will it ever be stopped?

After the meeting I talked to Sue Brook, reporter for the Sun Journal about the assessors rip off of the farmers. She said she would look into it.

One of our newest members, Tony Bonnici, sent me an email showing the result of his research about the Soliel Group. In New Bern they own The Hilton, formerly the Sheraton, the Marina and Sky Sail Condos. Tony's research shows that they owe the taxpayers of the City and County $966.807.89 (almost a million bucks). I have more details on this if anyone wants to see it.

Keep up the good work and please keep me informed.

Hal James
Chairman, CCTA Watchdog Committee

FOR MORE INFORMATION READ THE FOLLOWING:

County may have no authority to move magistrate to Clarks jail

http://www.newbernsj.com/news/county-94107-jail-clarks.html
Aldermen to consider sculpture plan
http://www.newbernsj.com/news/sculpture-90517-commissioners-county.html

Woman's research helps lower neighbors' tax bill.

http://www.newbernsj.com/sections/article/gallery/?pic=1&id=91227

Law vs. rules:  http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/reading-93831-rules-article.html


County to seek legal opinion on assessing farmland taxes

http://www.newbernsj.com/news/county-93723-seek-attorney.html

SUN JOURNAL NEW BERN: LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Law vs. rules


January 08, 2011


I have just finished reading the article, “County to seek legal opinion on assessing farmland taxes” by Christine Smith. I am amazed that not one time in the entire article was the actual law mentioned. Several times the article refers to the N.C. Department of Revenue Manual. In one instance is stated the following, “Both Jones and Jenkins said they follow the state’s procedural manual.” Doesn’t the tax office need to follow the law over and above a manual from the NCDOR?

The law states that it is “irrelevant whether the property owner received income or rent from the farm operator.” As it stands, if a farm meets the sound management program qualification, and does not own the livestock it is irrelevant.

Knowing that the N.C. law supersedes the NCDOR manual/guidelines, this should be open and shut, period. Furthermore, property in production is defined as “land that is part of a farm unit that is actively engaged in the commercial production or growing of crops, plants, or animals under a sound management program.”

This statement is acknowledgement that a farm is a commercial activity, and farming as a commercial activity qualifies for land use taxation in every assessment of the actual farmland.

The price Mr. McCoy paid for his property has absolutely nothing to do with any of the subject matter.

Tyker Gonzales
Cove City, NC
http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/reading-93831-rules-article.html


Lynn's Notes:  Ms. Gonzales has worked tiredlessly to help farmers like Mr. McCoy who have received unfair, unlawful property tax assements--along with our own Hal James, Watchdog Chairman of CCTA.  I applaud them both for what they are doing!