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Saturday, February 23, 2013

IRETON’S NEW $19 MILLION TAX – PART 2

Our post that exposed this has drawn both comments and questions, as well it should; voters want and are entitled to know. Here’s what has been revealed by Mr. Ireton in a manner designed to make it difficult to discover, and the Daily Times has failed to do so, to nobody’s great surprise. Exhibit A is the cover page of Ireton’s “Proposed Capital Improvement Plan – FY14-FY18” dated December 11, 2012 submitted by “John R. Pick.” As it is addressed to the City Council, this “CIP” surely is Ireton’s approved scheme, but it does not bear his name so it won’t appear to be his doing if it is reported by the mainstream media. 
Of the revenues required to pay the $218 Million (average of $43 Million per year) cost, the largest single share ($76.6 Million) is to come from a “Storm Water Utility” as stated at the end of the 3rd paragraph. There is no description of that source of funds, which could be regarded as money to be paid to the City by a utility firm similar to an electric utility. 
In fact, it is a new tax that would be imposed on property in the City, but neither the term “tax” nor anything similar (“fee,” “charge”) is used to describe it. 
Exhibit B – page S1 of the CIP – lists the tax revenue to be raised in the line item “Stormwater Management” and it is also listed in the discussion of Project #PW0051 at page G-SW-12 of the CIP. 
The new tax does not start until FY15, so that Ireton won’t have to tell voters that it would start next year if he is reelected (and Jacob Day is elected to the City Council). It would continue at the same annual sum ($18.9 Million) for the remainder of the CIP period (5 years). So, the taxes on property would be about twice as great as they are now, even if there is no increase in the general tax rate. And, by the way, it would not be necessary to amend the city’s charter to increase the property tax rate limit, because the new tax is to be part of an “enterprise fund” scheme! 
The CIP does not discuss or indicate whether the new tax would continue beyond FY18 – but when has a tax ever terminated? Nor does the Plan contain any specific detail about the use of the tax revenue, which is completely ambiguous – page G-SW-12 simply states that it “includes engineering, property acquisition, construction and maintenance costs to reduce the City’s nitrogen loading” and that those costs “were derived from a study” made by the State that does not address specific infrastructure. 
Thus, there would be no accountability, and the tax revenue could be spent for anything remotely connected with the presumed purpose of the tax or simply “deemed” to be. Imagine Ireton with another $19 Million each year to squander as desired.



30 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yep - Salisbury taxpayers are being set-up, once again, to take a hit. The property taxes, water bills, sanitary sewer are already eroding the little bit of equity that is remaining on my home. If push comes to shove I'll just abandon the freaking mess and move out of here.

Anonymous said...

A big expense for restaurants is their water bill. This will be a double wammy on anyone that owns, invests, or thinking of opening a restaurant.

If a huge corportation like Famous Dave's can't make it work, self owned restaurants will just not be able to survive.

We've heard of a few new restaurants opening soon, however with all of the new added expenses, water/sewer rates and property taxes going up, look for that to change in a big way.

Anonymous said...

I wonder how much of that money is for ireton and his buddies for kickbacks and payoffs?

Anonymous said...

It won't cost a dime!!

Anonymous said...

( knock knock ) whos there Jim lierton, Jim lierton who. Jim lierton the mayor who 's tryin to screw you some more. Sorry but were voting for Joe Albero. So get the hell outa here with lies, back stabbing and section 8 housing.

Anonymous said...

Is that Sandra Fitzgerald the same Sandy from Pohanka that contributed $250 to Jake Day's campaign?

Anonymous said...

Shame on Republican Tom Hughes for paying $75 each to Jim Ireton and Jake Day's campaign. Shame on you!!

Anonymous said...

I'm on the homestead tax credit and my property taxes can't go any more than 2% in any fiscal year. This tax hike will effect landlords and businesses, equals more blight.

If your home is your primary residence, you are protected by the homestead protection, if you put in for it, if not your taxes will go up in a big way.

ALICE said...

I HOPE PEOPLE WAKE UP IN THIS TOWN OTHERWISE BECAUSE IT WILL GET WORSE.

Anonymous said...

This is why we need Debbie Campbell now more than ever! Jake Day will rubber stamp this.

Anonymous said...

10:27
Isn't it Ireton's and Day's plan to bring more businesses to SBY ?

"Great" strategy for SBY development from both of them. Soooo business friendly!

I bet Shaney and laura will vote for this one!

P.S. Ireton and his campaign treasurer contributed to Shanie's campaign. AND Barry Tilghman gave her $250!

Anonymous said...

The list of contributors to every campaign is public now. Go to city web page.

If you remember Bary Tilghman, Mike Dunn, some LLC's you know what Day will be about.

barry is so desperate that she spent $750 on Day and Shanie!

Anonymous said...

Look at the donor's list for Ireton:

34 donors - voters - from Salisbury contributed $1,940.39

45 donors - non voters -from out of town contributed $3,828.13

Salisbury IS for sale, as he has said before.

Anonymous said...

Go and vote for Debbie Campbel this Tuesday. It is IMPORTANT!

Day will not give a - you know what - about us!

Anonymous said...

Ireton has to go !!!

Anonymous said...

could someone provide the link to the contributions. I can't seem to find it.

Anonymous said...

3:26
Go to the City of Salisbury website. On the left click on 2013 Election.
In the center column look under #9 where it says "First Report" and click on that. Hope this helps.

Anonymous said...

10:27 -

WRONG -- Ireton's new "stormwater utility" tax would be affected by the homestead provision -- you will be hit full bore, buddy, if Ireton and Day are elected.

Anonymous said...

1:00 PM That is landlord/special interest money. Have to wonder why so many that don't live in Salisbury are the backbone of those contributions.

I'm so glad the contribution/donations are now online for the sake of disclosure. This proves who pulls Ireton's strings!

Anonymous said...

34 donation/votes for Ireton lmao Bet those are from his minions that he will reprimand if they don't contribute to his lost cause. I'm sure Lore' made a nice contribution, to thank Ireton for that huge raise he gave her.

Barrie Tighlman has nothing better to do with her money, where can she go in this town without being rejected? She's a stay at home alcoholic now!

Anonymous said...

Thanks 3:56. I looked. What really bother me is this whole river and the trash issue. Aren't these people supporting Ireton aware that 4 years ago he was all about cleaning it up. What happened? Even the basic keeping it free of debris hasn't been done. I like candidates who stick to their goals and even if they fail I want to see atleast an attempt made.

Anonymous said...

Why so gay and liberal candidates ALWAYS want to raise taxes? Prove me wrong but it sure does seem that way.

Anonymous said...

5:51 Great Point Brother.

Anonymous said...

Anyone hear how the Day fundraiser went last night at Evolution Brewery?

Anonymous said...

Yes, that's Sandy Fitzgerald that contributed $250 to Jake Day's campaign.

Isn't it strange that the Chamber of Commerce has never supported the one person responsible for holding down tax increases (Debbie Campbell)? Everywhere else I've lived, the Chamber has been at the front lines of working against tax increases.

I guess with the amount of giveaways to business at the expense of everyone else, the Chamber types laugh all the way to the bank about tax increases.

Another reason I thank God I don't live in Salisbury.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...

If a huge corportation like Famous Dave's can't make it work, self owned restaurants will just not be able to survive.

February 23, 2013 at 8:59 AM

Am I missing something? Is Famous Dave's out of business or going out of business?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
The list of contributors to every campaign is public now. Go to city web page.

If you remember Bary Tilghman, Mike Dunn, some LLC's you know what Day will be about.

barry is so desperate that she spent $750 on Day and Shanie!


February 23, 2013 at 12:54 PM

Don't forget about her Lapdog husband Matt. I saw where he paid someone at least $250.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Look at the donor's list for Ireton:

34 donors - voters - from Salisbury contributed $1,940.39

45 donors - non voters -from out of town contributed $3,828.13

Salisbury IS for sale, as he has said before.



February 23, 2013 at 1:00 PM

Thank you for posting this. I saw it this morning and I was in a hurry to get out of the door. I was going to post on it when I got home. That is Flipping amazing isn't it that so many out of towners have invested in dirty politics in this town. Also goes to show you Jim Ireton really doesn't have many friends in this city. One thing to consider just because a donor shows a "Salisbury" address doesn't mean they actually live in the city limits.

Anonymous said...

People please spread the word VOTE Joe ...otherwise ur on your OWN.

lmclain said...

Hehehehehe...when TAXES can't be raised, go for the next best thing -- "fees". Throw in a year-round police "campaign" against the citizens for some extra "fines", then add some "surcharges" for services. They will not stop. EVER. NEVER. Its what they do. There is only ONE WAY to stop them.