By Staff
City shouldn’t be in school business
Editor:
I attended the meeting that was held at the civic center last year, where this gloom and doom agenda of the Hartselle school system was given birth, via the school board. In January of this year, I attended a city council work session where the council met with the school board to discuss the new high school and the property tax increase proposal.
At that work session, Councilman Bill Smelser said he would not support a sales tax increase in Hartselle, unless it went specifically for the fire department to build, staff and equip fire station three. Now, he says he supports a sales tax increase for the school system. Wait another six months, he may support a sales tax increase for something else.
Also, during that work session, I witnessed the school board say that if they had to commit "any" funds from their budget to the paying off this debt, they would have to lay off teachers, cut classes, or courses. I heard them say that their budget was tight, and was virtually pork free. Were they honest in saying that? I'll let you be the judge.
Moving Jerry Reeves to the central office proved to me that there is money available, and lots of it. If the school system promotes an assistant principal to fill the principal's position, then there is a pay raise involved. If this occurs, then another promotion, and pay raise follows after that to fill the lower position. The trickle down effect continues until all the positions have been secured. The special election cost them approximately $15,000. They went in 50/50 with the city to repair J. P. Cain stadium parking lot. They give out supplements as if they were spare change. Another school facility will require another administrator, office staff, and custodians, along with more maintenance costs, utility bills, and every day necessities. Where's this money coming from?
Every individual that was elected or reelected, weeks ago, stated some four years ago, that they would not support any new tax increases in Hartselle. Now, everyone does. Is this not what is defined as "bait and switch," or is it your typical politician.
Committing the city of Hartselle for 30 years, at a cost of almost $3 million, is ludicrous. In five more years, the school board will probably have another building that will need to be replaced. It's a never ending cycle! If the main problem is overcrowding then solve it logically. Adding on to the buildings is far less costly, but it wouldn't give them the Taj Mahal of education in Morgan County, would it?
Mike Dowdy
Hartselle
Local stations took advantage
Editor:
Unfortunately, Hartselle was no exception. Most local stores hovered around the $4 per gallon mark. However, the Jet-Pep in Tanner Heights on Highway 31 was at $4.65 a gallon! And for your questionable efforts, you were picketed, by me! Thanks to all of you who turned away, stopped to talk, or waved and applauded my efforts.
Neither the government nor the oil companies will solve the price issues regarding gasoline, only ‘We the People’ can effect that change. I guess we should all remember the local Jet-Pep and another Latin term, “Caveat Emptor” or Buyer Beware.
Matt Stiles
Falkville
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