[Winona Online Democracy]
Randy, Kathy and others on line
First, I apologize for the three posts. It was done for my convenience and it will not happen again. Now to attempt to address Randy's questions Behalf Of Randy Schenkat Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 8:25 AM >Paul says "If public investments are to be made who will audit the >books to insure that the jobs created, are not part time or at >minimum wage, and meet the criteria for public investment?" I don't understand what you're getting at here-- it seems the city has impeccable "books"... but I don't see how audits of books gets at minimum wages(what are you talking about here?) How does minimum wage tie to criteria for public investment? Maybe you've got a novel idea here, please share. ____________________________________________________________________________ The City Council passed Resolution 2000-90 which was signed May 15, 2000 allowing them under Minnesota State Statutes 116j993 to 116J995 to provide business assistance; It states "Business Subsidy Criteria" * Each project will be evaluated for the public benefit. * Project will be evaluated by taking into account primary and auxiliary benefits. * Projects will be evaluated to determine job creation, wages and job retention as defined by State Statute. * Projects will be evaluated for their impact on the tax base. Another public purpose must be met in addition to the increase in tax base as required by the Statute. * Projects will be reviewed for their impact on stabilizing the community and enhancing economic diversity. * Projects that are deemed to be in the public interest and are in compliance with State Statutes are eligible for assistance. What needs to be audited is the public record of compliance "before" and "after" the funds are dispensed and if the result met the intent of the Statute. _____________________________________________________________________ Paul what's your basis for this speculation?? "Is the real plan to throw another tax issue on the next election cycle so that any proposal by the public schools will be shot down?" Didn't the city seek this legislation in the last session? Couldn't this be a completely independent act? ____________________________________________________________________ Yes, Winona, to the best of my knowledge, always be aggressive on revenue enhancements in particular when someone else collects the funds thus shifting the public perception that these revenues are not the result or accountability of a vote each year such is required for property taxes. The public control must then fall on spending and very few if any read how much the city spends verses prior years unless it impacts directly their visible property tax bill. See my early post on other revenues Xcel, Cable & Rain Fees. Randy, I find it hard to conceive that people given two tax increases to vote on; one for the schools, and one for Tourism, a downtown parking ramp, Library, Etc. will vote for the schools. The idea that in one election round the voters would approve both is beyond my comprehension. The idea that the city can not offer something for everyone further, past practice, give them a better shot at passage. I feel for the Superintendent, who is busting his butt to bring our k-12 system into the black only to have another hurtle to overcome to "maintain" quality in the schools. When we have to cancel the opportunity for young people to participate in the High School yearly musical but approve a grant for Shakespeare it is a sad day in river city. It also tells me that the state approval of taxing authority needs to be balanced and limited. Paul Double
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