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Tag: Beasts of Burden

Defeating A Millage

By JGillman, Section News
Posted on Mon Oct 01, 2012 at 10:12:22 PM EST
Tags: Michigan, Traverse City, Schools, Performing Arts Center, Millage, Luxury, Disconnect, Tax Sales, Beasts of Burden, Taxpayers (all tags)

Like everywhere else in the state of Michigan, leadership in the Traverse City Area Public Schools likes new and 'shiny' best.

We're fighting a millage request that has an add on $26 million for a new performing arts center that will dwarf Interlochen. (you know .. the professionals) We're going all out up here to fight the latest pickpocketing by an irresponsible board, which has neglected its properties, in favor of building new. Literally. In fact this statement:

"Without the bond, TCAPS general fund will have to pay more than 3 million dollars per year to keep up with such demands. TCAPS operates a "general fund" that pays for the day-to-day operations of our school system, including student programming and employee salaries. A "capital" or "bond" fund supports the upkeep and improvement of infrastructure and cannot be used for day-to-day operations."

so ..

Essentially, they are saying "we don't know how to keep our stuff nice, and since you will pony up anyway .." A perfect example of our throwaway society I suppose.

If you don't like this ..

Then you trash it, and build this ..

Fixing, remodeling, repair.. Out of the question. Just replace.

Curious on how we're fighting it? Check THIS OUT

(3 comments) Comments >>

The Camel's Back

By JGillman, Section News
Posted on Wed Aug 22, 2012 at 09:54:05 PM EST
Tags: Stephen Cousins, Kelly Hall, Michigan, Traverse City, Schools, Performing Arts Center, Millage, Luxury, Disconnect, Tax Sales, Beasts of Burden, Taxpayers (all tags)

"The straw that broke that camel's back" perhaps.

That could be the headline when the Traverse City Area Public Schools see their most recent request for millage fall flat on its fat face.

TCAPS is looking for support to continue its Capital Infrastructure Improvement Program through authorization of bond sales that will generate $100 million over the next 10 years. According to TCAPS, the millage rate necessary to repay these bonds will remain below 4 mills. Given the current rate of 3.1 mills, where did the other 29% increase come from? The purpose of these requests must be physical asset based only, and this level of increase must surely be based on some specific need, right?

Of course. The need for a particular feel good wear around the neck kind of thing that says "look at me!"

Luxury.

Continued below the fold

(1 comment, 1318 words in story) Full Story