How does the City of Cedar Rapids clip a $2.2 million dollar budget deficit?
Corbett looks for ways to cut city budget - The Gazette
Does your employer pay you in cash for unused vacation?The city of Cedar Rapids does for some of its employees, and Mayor Ron ...
The ability to access public information online concerns rural property owners in Linn County.
Some Linn County property owners worry too much public info poses security threat - The Gazette
peace
Showing posts with label Budget Cuts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Budget Cuts. Show all posts
02 February 2010
19 April 2009
The Gazette reports Cedar Rapids Library lays off employees; plus other news over the past week in Cedar Rapids...
April 19Th, in a story titled 7 lose jobs at Cedar Rapids library Rick Smith of The Gazette is reporting that "the city has laid off two full-time and five part-time library employees."
Are these the first cuts by the Library, since the Flood of 2008? The story doesn't say.
Other local news this past week from The Gazette:
VIDEO: Tiger Dam flood control demonstrated in Cedar Rapids - Flood mitigation will be a very important issue in the City Cedar Rapids now and into the future. Sadly, we didn't respond enough from the Flood of 1993 that paled in comparison to the Flood of 2008.
It's 10 o'clock: Do you know where your children are?
Parents and neighbors play an important role is supervising and watching out for our children in our community.
Finally, today's article on Limited Government comes from the Friday, April 17, 2009 edition of the Chicago Tribune. The newspaper features an article titled, "Iowa House OKs limited meetings, records measure." For more on this issue, read the Public Interest Institutes's February issue of the Iowa Transparency Newsletter.
peace
Are these the first cuts by the Library, since the Flood of 2008? The story doesn't say.
Other local news this past week from The Gazette:
I-380 resurfacing to close lanes in Cedar Rapids - Important to keep the driving surface safe, especially after all the challenges driving between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids on I-380 pre-Flood of 2008
Flooded areas challenging for census workers - Will Iowa lose a U.S. House of Representative in 2012, after the 2010 census? Most likely...
Iowa same-sex marriage ruling followed careful campaign - We define marriage as between a Husband and Wife (Man and Women). But, Bishop Julius C. Trimble of the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church wrote this month that "civil marriages must be judged under the constitutional standards of equal protection and not under religious doctrines or religious views of individuals."
Ruling spurs new Iowa marriage forms - One of the initial concerns we have had were the terms Husband or Wife... "bride" or "groom" being eliminated. Simply, replaced by the terms "Partner" and "Spouse," so it nice to hear that is not the case in the State of Iowa.
The department said it changed the forms to conform to the court's ruling "so
that all couples can have access to the institution of marriage on terms which
accurately identify and record their marital relationship." - The Gazette article
Sykora Bakery reopening in Czech Village - nice to hear more news on the recovery from the Flood of 2008 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa!
Injured officer Davis moved to St. Luke's for rehab - Welcome back to your hometown, hopefully the path to returning to your home is one step closer to being a reality. God Bless your service to our community Officer Tim Davis. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and friends. Let's please find a way to stop the violence.
In the words of Jenny Smith, a student at the United Theological Seminary in Ohio, "We do our very best to love persons whose words we disagree with." It is something to remember not only dealing with the same-sex marriage issue, but with all issues.
Washington grads raise money, awareness for Cedar Rapids recovery - great to see people coming to the aid of their hometown!
Abandoned, flooded properties may go to city - Balance between property rights and our City's Flood Recovery?
Want a flood buyout? It's first come, first served -Reminds us a little how the YMCA handled Camp Wapsie enrollments back several years ago. Time will tell, just how smooth flood buyouts will work in the City of Cedar Rapids!
Is respect for police authority declining? - Sadly, often circumstances get worse, before they get better. The challenges ahead in Cedar Rapids are a community problem. Our law enforcement often respond to problems like a "hammer," but our community needs to become the solution and become more proactive.
VIDEO: Tiger Dam flood control demonstrated in Cedar Rapids - Flood mitigation will be a very important issue in the City Cedar Rapids now and into the future. Sadly, we didn't respond enough from the Flood of 1993 that paled in comparison to the Flood of 2008.
Video: Gunshots fired from car in Cedar Rapids - as mentioned, we need to step up as a community. "Who is My Neighbor" - the solution is with all of us as neighbors and members of this wonderful community.
Arson suspected in grass fire near Indian Creek Nature Center - If you see a crime being committed, please contact law enforcement. We need to look out for one another as neighbors and as Cedar Rapidians!
The predicted flood of cats is becoming reality - Should Cedar Rapids have a maximum pet number for each household in the community? Other cities in the Midwest do! Down the road in Iowa City they are talking about allowing chickens in the neighborhoods. Fowl idea? Give it a try Could Cedar Rapids be next?
Cause of Gateway Gardens fire still unknown - Don't forget your renters insurance... you never know when you can become a victim.
Cedar Rapids police contemplate charging for 'nuisance' calls - What does Property Taxes pay for in Cedar Rapids? Will we see a property tax rebate, with the addition of a variable fee, as opposed to continued raising of fixed fees (IE: Property Taxes) in our community? Will it be a revenue generator or create some teeth to go after those creating a "nuisance" or violating City Ordinances or State Law?
MUSIC: Rockin’ worship - We don't the the same quantity and often quality of music acts in Cedar Rapids, as when there was less competition for the Five Seasons Center, but it is nice to hear that we are getting a few.
Downtown businesses asked to show steam bills - Some downtown business have simply had to turn off the steam, so bills wouldn't show all the impact from the Flood of 2008.
Downtown businesses asked to show steam bills - Some downtown business have simply had to turn off the steam, so bills wouldn't show all the impact from the Flood of 2008.
Red-placarded Cedar Rapids homes getting re-inspection - Sadly, we are going to lose some housing stock in Cedar Rapids post-Flood of 2008.
Cedar Rapids considering landlord license program - Is the City of Cedar Rapids doing enough to enforce and utilize current State Law? For example, Crime Free Lease Addendum's are a good recommendations for Landlords, but when criminal activity occurs... there are steps that can be taken to achieve enforcement. Further, what is the City of Cedar Rapids planning to do with the people who do not conform with our community standards?
Photos: More than 600 protest taxation policies - April 15, 2009 - TEA Parties locally and throughout the USA over not only taxation, but deficit spending by our government.
Limited Government is encouraged here!
TEA = Taxed Enough Already
Deficit Spending will require increased taxation to pay back for the increased government spending.
Plans for new Cedar Rapids library move ahead - FEMA is expected to pay for most of the expected $24 million in costs... the goal for completion is 2011.
About 250 gather to talk about race, police, violence - St. Paul's UMC hosted a Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission Town Meeting on Tuesday, April 14Th titled "Community Connections: Taking Ownership For Where We Live."
Nearly 1,000 show up at benefit for Officer Davis - On the same evening as the Town Meeting - a benefit was held for Officer Davis. A separate second fundraiser was held on Saturday, April 18Th at Grace Baptist Church. The pancake breakfast was held.
Don't forget the old saying that KCRG-TV used to run in the 1970s:
It's 10 o'clock: Do you know where your children are?
Parents and neighbors play an important role is supervising and watching out for our children in our community.
Finally, today's article on Limited Government comes from the Friday, April 17, 2009 edition of the Chicago Tribune. The newspaper features an article titled, "Iowa House OKs limited meetings, records measure." For more on this issue, read the Public Interest Institutes's February issue of the Iowa Transparency Newsletter.
peace
01 March 2009
Final Swing: To accept the LOST or Say "No" to an extra 1% in Cedar Rapids?
We have choices, very important choices locally on March 3Rd and beyond...
There is no fast cure to our Flood Recovery and to our economic crisis that we are faced with today. We have decisions to make and we have options to pursue. Is a five year and three month period a good time frame for the LOST, when other decisions and funding sources will be needed over the next five years and beyond?
"Approve tax for the future of our city" The Gazette headline reads above Gary Hinzman's guest column. We didn't notice an opposing guest column today, but we did notice final arguments in the Election Letters both pro and con for the 1% Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) for the City of Cedar Rapids and Linn County for the upcoming March 3Rd vote.
The Gazette calls the March 3Rd vote "A referendum on ourselves" in The Gazette's Editorial in support for the tax. Has The Gazette been fair and balanced on this issue? With the timing of the Hinzman guest column and the paper's own pro-stance today, where's the other side represented in today's overall editorials?
By the way, the City of Cedar Rapids certainly has more options on the table than one vote on March 3Rd? Unlike the City of Iowa City, the City of Cedar Rapids rushed to get the ballot written and thrown together to make the deadline to hold a March 3Rd vote.
The City of Iowa City decided to take it's time and get it ballot language written for a May 5Th vote. While Flood Recovery is part of the City of Iowa City vote, they are also using the 1% local option sales tax for areas not impacted by the Flood of 2008.
Let's scan the Today's Letters...
"The negative attitude about government no help" - Dale Todd's headline to his letter to the editor today. Mr. Todd is co-chair for the Pro-tax group.
Alan Witt, Chairman of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, in his letter today talks about Cedar Rapids, but when he talks about how much "the tax will raise an estimated $29 million in annual support and $145 million over its five-year life span," he's talking about Linn County.
The $145 million figure is not all for Flood Recovery. Actually, the Gazette used a figure of $17 million per year in their Editorial today, which would be closer to $85 million, in what The Gazette calls "dedicated to making a major dent in the $200 million-plus housing problem."
By the way, why is the sales tax the only way to "show our local and federal funding sources that we as Cedar Rapidians are willing to support and lift each other up?" A local taxpayer and flood victim suggested yesterday, why is raising taxes the only option to show we have a "skin" in the game?
The "skin" in the game reference has been promoted heavily by Gary Ficken, the other co-chair of the Pro-tax group and recently won support from another group in Linn County. "Results of the ballot are in: the LCDCC will endorse the Local Option Sales Tax."
Further, housing isn't the only problem. The Economy of Cedar Rapids is a major problem. Not just due to the flood, which the Hinzman article points out, "the U.S. Chamber of Commerce states that upward of 40 percent of small businesses will fail in the four years after experiencing a disaster," but the Economy in general, as this story from CNBC points out about current and upcoming Tax Policy.
It's interesting to see the local Chamber of Commerce lobbying voters to pass the 1% local option sales tax in Cedar Rapids. In most communities, you don't see local chambers taking an active stance. When you read the ballot language, it's even a little more surprising.
Why five years, and three months for the tax?
Paul T. Larson of Cedar Rapids brings it up in his letter headlined "Give up option tax in season of Lent." He suggests "be sure to read thoroughly the vague and broadly defined ballot language in Cedar Rapids, before casting your vote."
The letter by Bruce Johnson of Cedar Rapids is headlined "Leaders need to give specifics on money use" and points to both the Cedar Rapids City Council and Linn County Board of Supervisors lacking in "SPECIFICS" and in "VISION" in the ballot.
Other headlines from those asking for the LOST to be voted "NO" -
"Money from sales tax will come to late to help" - Diane McLain - Cedar Rapids headline on her letter against the LOST. "We absolutely must help flood victims, but they need help now." McLain is concerned that "some of them could have to wait up to six years to obtain flood relief from such a tax."
"All money from sales tax should be for recovery" and "Only flood victims should benefit from tax"... similar thoughts in headlines from the letters from Cedar Rapids residents Rob Sandquist and Ron Nezerka, respectively. Both appear to feel all residents of Linn County should support Flood Recovery. Nezerka said "money that should be used only by and for flood victims throughout the county and not for any other purpose other than possibly property tax relief to replace lost dollars because of the flood."
If the City of Cedar Rapids had not placed a measure on the ballot, other cities would not be discussing other uses. "Sales tax would fund Linn County roads," as this story tells us. The City of Cedar Rapids rushed to get a ballot together for March 3Rd, which forced others in Linn County to rush as well.
"Sales tax money will be mishandled; vote no" - Robert Scott of Cedar Rapids as the headline on his letter against the LOST.
"Sales tax won't solve C.R.'s red-tape problems" - Bryon Flint of Cedar Rapids as the headline on his letter as he closes with "I'm voting no on the local-option tax."
"Sales tax money will fund too many pet projects" - David Sheets of Toddville as the headline of his letter against the LOST. "This lack of public control over the manner in which sales tax revenues are spent makes it easy to argue, when the tax is set to sunset, for the tax to be extended, as by then the original project is likely complete and some other project has come to depend on the sales tax money."
"Increasing tax will drive more to shop online" - Richard Greer of Cedar Rapids as the headline of his letter suggests as he points out "I know people are supposed to voluntarily pay the sales tax but I'm also sure many do not. That gives the Internet a significant advantage over local retailers."
In closing, we began under this new form of government with around a $297 million annual city budget. Today, it is roughly $370 million annually and the City of Cedar Rapids is asking for $17 million more for what is on the ballot March 3Rd. The Gazette states "this debate boils up to three words for Cedar Rapids: money, measure and message."
The money is about the priorities for our $370 million budget. As Tim Pugh from the Cedar Rapids Tea Party has pointed out, why not start with a 5% cut in our current budget and reallocate that portion of the money (roughly $18 million annually) towards what the City Council members unanimously and specifically committed 90 percent of all the option tax revenues for?
Since the Flood of 2008, what cost saving move has the City of Cedar Rapids undertaken? We hear about government furloughs across the country, even within the State of Iowa. We hear about salaries and benefits being frozen. But, what is going on in Cedar Rapids? Public opinion for the vote.
The Gazette closed with the following statement: "target, temporary sales tax boost is one Cedar Rapids simply can't afford to reject during this extraordinary time." Sadly, the ballot isn't very targeted in the ballot language and 63 months isn't viewed as temporary, in light of the current economic conditions in the State of Iowa and in the eyes of many local taxpayers.
We should vote NO on March 3Rd. Then, we should get everyone back at the table and truly get the "money, measure and message" right. Options exist for a August 4Th and November 3Rd ballot measures, as well.
Still have questions? What are they? Q&A from The Gazette.
peace
There is no fast cure to our Flood Recovery and to our economic crisis that we are faced with today. We have decisions to make and we have options to pursue. Is a five year and three month period a good time frame for the LOST, when other decisions and funding sources will be needed over the next five years and beyond?
"Approve tax for the future of our city" The Gazette headline reads above Gary Hinzman's guest column. We didn't notice an opposing guest column today, but we did notice final arguments in the Election Letters both pro and con for the 1% Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) for the City of Cedar Rapids and Linn County for the upcoming March 3Rd vote.
The Gazette calls the March 3Rd vote "A referendum on ourselves" in The Gazette's Editorial in support for the tax. Has The Gazette been fair and balanced on this issue? With the timing of the Hinzman guest column and the paper's own pro-stance today, where's the other side represented in today's overall editorials?
By the way, the City of Cedar Rapids certainly has more options on the table than one vote on March 3Rd? Unlike the City of Iowa City, the City of Cedar Rapids rushed to get the ballot written and thrown together to make the deadline to hold a March 3Rd vote.
The City of Iowa City decided to take it's time and get it ballot language written for a May 5Th vote. While Flood Recovery is part of the City of Iowa City vote, they are also using the 1% local option sales tax for areas not impacted by the Flood of 2008.
Let's scan the Today's Letters...
"The negative attitude about government no help" - Dale Todd's headline to his letter to the editor today. Mr. Todd is co-chair for the Pro-tax group.
Alan Witt, Chairman of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, in his letter today talks about Cedar Rapids, but when he talks about how much "the tax will raise an estimated $29 million in annual support and $145 million over its five-year life span," he's talking about Linn County.
The $145 million figure is not all for Flood Recovery. Actually, the Gazette used a figure of $17 million per year in their Editorial today, which would be closer to $85 million, in what The Gazette calls "dedicated to making a major dent in the $200 million-plus housing problem."
By the way, why is the sales tax the only way to "show our local and federal funding sources that we as Cedar Rapidians are willing to support and lift each other up?" A local taxpayer and flood victim suggested yesterday, why is raising taxes the only option to show we have a "skin" in the game?
The "skin" in the game reference has been promoted heavily by Gary Ficken, the other co-chair of the Pro-tax group and recently won support from another group in Linn County. "Results of the ballot are in: the LCDCC will endorse the Local Option Sales Tax."
Further, housing isn't the only problem. The Economy of Cedar Rapids is a major problem. Not just due to the flood, which the Hinzman article points out, "the U.S. Chamber of Commerce states that upward of 40 percent of small businesses will fail in the four years after experiencing a disaster," but the Economy in general, as this story from CNBC points out about current and upcoming Tax Policy.
It's interesting to see the local Chamber of Commerce lobbying voters to pass the 1% local option sales tax in Cedar Rapids. In most communities, you don't see local chambers taking an active stance. When you read the ballot language, it's even a little more surprising.
Why five years, and three months for the tax?
Paul T. Larson of Cedar Rapids brings it up in his letter headlined "Give up option tax in season of Lent." He suggests "be sure to read thoroughly the vague and broadly defined ballot language in Cedar Rapids, before casting your vote."
The letter by Bruce Johnson of Cedar Rapids is headlined "Leaders need to give specifics on money use" and points to both the Cedar Rapids City Council and Linn County Board of Supervisors lacking in "SPECIFICS" and in "VISION" in the ballot.
If our "elected leaders" do not well define what is to be done inThe letter by Russ Madden of Cedar Rapids is headlined "Voting on tax doesn't make forced charity OK" as he questions "the (good) ends do not justify the (bad) means." Madden's comments place a focus ends justifying the means approach from the Pro-tax group. Further, the City Council hired a City Manager who favors the Carver governance model, which is a ends process for organizational purpose. How much does Carver figure into our process taken at the local level currently, under our new form of government, here in Cedar Rapids?
advance,
how can we, as taxpayers, benchmark if our money is being spent
wisely?- Bruce Johnson - Cedar Rapids
Other headlines from those asking for the LOST to be voted "NO" -
"Money from sales tax will come to late to help" - Diane McLain - Cedar Rapids headline on her letter against the LOST. "We absolutely must help flood victims, but they need help now." McLain is concerned that "some of them could have to wait up to six years to obtain flood relief from such a tax."
"All money from sales tax should be for recovery" and "Only flood victims should benefit from tax"... similar thoughts in headlines from the letters from Cedar Rapids residents Rob Sandquist and Ron Nezerka, respectively. Both appear to feel all residents of Linn County should support Flood Recovery. Nezerka said "money that should be used only by and for flood victims throughout the county and not for any other purpose other than possibly property tax relief to replace lost dollars because of the flood."
If the City of Cedar Rapids had not placed a measure on the ballot, other cities would not be discussing other uses. "Sales tax would fund Linn County roads," as this story tells us. The City of Cedar Rapids rushed to get a ballot together for March 3Rd, which forced others in Linn County to rush as well.
"Sales tax money will be mishandled; vote no" - Robert Scott of Cedar Rapids as the headline on his letter against the LOST.
"Sales tax won't solve C.R.'s red-tape problems" - Bryon Flint of Cedar Rapids as the headline on his letter as he closes with "I'm voting no on the local-option tax."
"Sales tax money will fund too many pet projects" - David Sheets of Toddville as the headline of his letter against the LOST. "This lack of public control over the manner in which sales tax revenues are spent makes it easy to argue, when the tax is set to sunset, for the tax to be extended, as by then the original project is likely complete and some other project has come to depend on the sales tax money."
"Increasing tax will drive more to shop online" - Richard Greer of Cedar Rapids as the headline of his letter suggests as he points out "I know people are supposed to voluntarily pay the sales tax but I'm also sure many do not. That gives the Internet a significant advantage over local retailers."
I find it ironic how the city governance chose to "wait and see" concerning"We can't afford more taxation, lies" - Gary Wilhelm of Cedar Rapids the headline of his letter and he closes with "please vote no, I can't afford any more taxation or lies."
flood relief. However, last fall, as I was rebuilding my home it made the
decision to dispatch property tax assessors. When confronted, I was told
my valuation would go down. Guess what? It went the other way,
as did all of my neighbors. - Gary Wilhelm -Cedar Rapids
In closing, we began under this new form of government with around a $297 million annual city budget. Today, it is roughly $370 million annually and the City of Cedar Rapids is asking for $17 million more for what is on the ballot March 3Rd. The Gazette states "this debate boils up to three words for Cedar Rapids: money, measure and message."
The money is about the priorities for our $370 million budget. As Tim Pugh from the Cedar Rapids Tea Party has pointed out, why not start with a 5% cut in our current budget and reallocate that portion of the money (roughly $18 million annually) towards what the City Council members unanimously and specifically committed 90 percent of all the option tax revenues for?
Since the Flood of 2008, what cost saving move has the City of Cedar Rapids undertaken? We hear about government furloughs across the country, even within the State of Iowa. We hear about salaries and benefits being frozen. But, what is going on in Cedar Rapids? Public opinion for the vote.
The Gazette closed with the following statement: "target, temporary sales tax boost is one Cedar Rapids simply can't afford to reject during this extraordinary time." Sadly, the ballot isn't very targeted in the ballot language and 63 months isn't viewed as temporary, in light of the current economic conditions in the State of Iowa and in the eyes of many local taxpayers.
We should vote NO on March 3Rd. Then, we should get everyone back at the table and truly get the "money, measure and message" right. Options exist for a August 4Th and November 3Rd ballot measures, as well.
Still have questions? What are they? Q&A from The Gazette.
peace
21 November 2008
State of Iowa Officials "seek voluntary spending reductions"
A story in the November 21, 2008 printed issue of The Gazette titled "Iowa officials asked to trim $40 million from budgets" points to the impact the Economic Crisis will have on entitlements and our own State budget.
peace
peace
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)