As we delve into what could be the last city budget I work on as a councilmember, I reflect upon both the state of the city and my contributions thus far. I could boast that, during my tenure, no property taxes were raised and we’ve reduced total debt levels. However, those claims would be misleading … Continue reading A Tale of Three Cities – FY2017 Budget Column
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Council Votes: 10/20/15 OAK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING/WORK SESSION SUMMARY
The following represents an unofficial account of the significant items discussed and/or voted upon during the October 20, 2015 City Council Work Session and Special Meetings. The complete agenda packets are found here and here. Joint Work Session with the Board of Education: Presentation of the Preschool Committee’s Recommendation for a new Preschool Building Mayor … Continue reading Council Votes: 10/20/15 OAK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING/WORK SESSION SUMMARY
September 2015 City Council Update
Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for tonight, September 14th at 7:00p.m. at the Municipal Building. Significant items include: - A vote on the Special Events Advisory Task Force recommended changes to the Secret City Festival - Contract extension for employee medical insurance with the state for $4.5M - Award of roughly $350K to multiple … Continue reading September 2015 City Council Update
July City Council Update/ORPD/Budget Updates
Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 13th at 7:00p.m. at the Municipal Building. Significant items include the waiving of the competitive bid process for over $2 million of various contracts as well as a resolution in support of establishing Oak Ridge as the headquarters for the proposed Manhattan Project National Historical Park. … Continue reading July City Council Update/ORPD/Budget Updates
Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away Now
Sixteen years ago, Partners for Progress successfully lobbied the city to spend over $15 million of your (the taxpayer) money to launch a major development on the West End of Oak Ridge. The promises were enough to make people starry eyed. There was to be a picturesque subdivision of nearly 4,000 homes along with an industrial complex that, when … Continue reading Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away Now
Council Votes: 6/15/15 OAK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY/2016 Budget Discussions
The following represents an unofficial account of the significant items discussed and/or voted upon during the June 15, 2015 City Council Meetings. The complete agenda packet is found here and a video can be viewed here. Draft meeting minutes will most likely be posted at the city website as part of the July 2015 Regular Meeting … Continue reading Council Votes: 6/15/15 OAK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY/2016 Budget Discussions
THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS – 9/29/14 SPECIAL MEETING: MALL TIF Changes
Governments that are oblivious to the burdens they have placed on their taxpayers do not hold the prescription for our economic maladies. And though Oak Ridge has substantial history that proves this, we refuse to learn from our past mistakes. Instead, year after year, the same players push their solutions wrapped in the flag of … Continue reading THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS – 9/29/14 SPECIAL MEETING: MALL TIF Changes
City of Oak Ridge Financial Snapshot: Why Your City’s Financial Matters Matter
I was recently invited to speak to the Anderson County Tea Party. The following were my talking points. Critical documents are hyper-linked in blue. Why Your City’s Financial Matters Matter Just about anything that happens (or doesn’t) in Oak Ridge has a direct tie to money, your money. Local government spending directly impacts your wallet. Think not only … Continue reading City of Oak Ridge Financial Snapshot: Why Your City’s Financial Matters Matter
YPOR Presentation: City of Oak Ridge Financial Overview
Why Your City's Financial Matters Matter 1. Just about anything that happens (or doesn't) in Oak Ridge has a direct tie to money, your money. 2. Local government spending directly impacts your wallet. Think not only property taxes, but sales taxes, utilities, fees, permits, fines, etc. 3. The growth or decline of our community, in very … Continue reading YPOR Presentation: City of Oak Ridge Financial Overview
THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS – 1/13/14 OAK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY
The following represents an unofficial account of the significant items discussed and/or voted upon during the January 13, 2014 City Council Regular Meeting. The complete agenda packet as well as a video (which you can now fast forward and rewind through) of the meeting can be viewed here. Draft meeting minutes will be posted at the … Continue reading THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS – 1/13/14 OAK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY
My Suggestion to Anderson County Commission Regarding the Mall TIF/Attorney Reply
Honorable Mayor Frank and County Commissioners: Like you and all of our citizens, I recognize the need for the successful redevelopment of the Oak Ridge mall property. My research, to include discussions with various city officials and partners from their past projects, has me convinced that if anyone can help us finally turn the mall … Continue reading My Suggestion to Anderson County Commission Regarding the Mall TIF/Attorney Reply
THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS – 11/11/13 OAK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY
The following represents an unofficial account of the significant items discussed and/or voted upon during the November 11, 2013 City Council Regular Meeting. The complete agenda packet as well as a video of the meeting can be viewed here. Draft meeting minutes will be posted at the city website, most likely, as part of the December … Continue reading THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS – 11/11/13 OAK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY
