Comments on: City Postpones CSD Bond Vote Until 2014, Forms Blue Ribbon Committee to Study Issue

By: TeeRuss

TeeRuss — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 17:10:21 +0000

What’s moving too fast for many people in this city are the facts, not CSD. The school system is growing by double digit percentages every year, and CSD leadership studied and responded to this reality.

I understand that this is a political process, and it will require communication and consensus to move forward, but the Commissioners should be able to grasp the urgency of the situation in 15 minutes, not 12 months. It’s their job to be tuned in and forward looking. I know I sound harsh, but I expect better.

By: TeeRuss

TeeRuss — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 17:01:46 +0000

Just wanted to echo the many people here who think the Commissioners have unnecessarily impeded the next steps, while simultaneously punting on their responsibilities. A real failure of leadership.

A massive mindset change is going to be required here, and it needs to start with the Commissioners. The school system’s operating budget is going to double in 6-8 years. It is going to take radical and/or major changes to absorb the tax hit. The old days of building state of the art fire stations and rec centers and pools and arts facilities are over. The old days of building gold-plated school athletics facilities are over. The old days of fancy bike racks and walkability signage and wifi upgrades every 4 years are over.

Residential annexation is totally out of the question. Commercial annexation opportunities need to be pursued. Commercial property development needs to accelerate, pronto. Commercial property assessments need to be evaluated. Absent the above, you can assume a 60% increase in all of our property taxes – or more than that, if we exclude elderly and low-income folks from the increased burden.

My prediction is the first thing the Blue Ribbon Panel will figure out is that we need to move fast.

By: no2decatur

no2decatur — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 13:43:42 +0000

Doubtful that there will ever be a City of Briarcliff, Lakeside or Tucker and that COD is using this as an excuse to grab the commercial properties. City of Lakeside’s map overlaps both Briarcliffs and Tuckers. The only reason Tucker is incorporating is to guard against Lakeside taking in the area Tucker (unincorporated) considers to be part of their area.
This means at some point there would need to be an agreement amongst all three parties on what delineates their exact “territories.” Without the portions from Briarcliff and Tucker, Lakeside isn’t viable. Briarcliff doesn’t want any part of Lakeside nor does Tucker.
Mary Margaret “All Sponsor Anything” Oliver sponsored both State Bills holders for both Briarcliff and Lakeside. This should be interesting on how it all plays out and if any will ever become a city.

By: Judd

Judd — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 13:07:22 +0000

Was my obituary of annexation premature? Zombieland.

By: Cubalibre

Cubalibre — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 02:10:32 +0000

D’accord!