The property values in my area are 1/3 or less of their original value, as are the tax bills. We've had several years of tax reduction as a result. It's time to bring in common sense thinking. We need more money to run the county effectively. Is there waste that can be cut? Maybe. But there is much more not getting done simply because we don't have the money.
Looks like good news. This site could be of great benefit to the community. I look forward to up to date information also being posted on this new site. Good Work!
I am very happy to see this plan for the future of the area I live in put in force. I was fortunate to have attended some of the meetings and the evolution of the plan that has been put into place was good to see. I'm looking forward to the first nice sit-down restaurant that decides to plan their future in this overlay as well as other developments that will add to our sense of community here.
Great investigative reporting. We are fortunate to have this resource. Durden is not the only one asking why the special meeting.. and let's add why cancel the regular meeting? Supposedly, this vendor did not have spraying in their contract. They do not have a license to spray chemicals, according to the state agency that licenses this. Not a surprise, since they didn't have a business license either. Why do we have contracts with specific amounts if there is no intention of holding to those amounts? Somebody tell me what we have a County Manager for and how are they called to account for "managing" or not managing? Good for Commissioner Shultz and her response with the detail that shows she was doing her job. Now, when are we going to get into the detail of the recycling contracts and other contracts that may have gone on and on without bidding? Lots of work ahead for our BOC. Seems like there is plenty to do and no need to cancel meetings again.
First I felt sick then I was sad. So very sad. Perhaps the BOC will find the bid un-ethical, as it is, and take the Oconee bid. Too much to hope, I suppose. Maybe this is why there is no BOC meeting this week, hoping the public has a short memory about this issue and others. Again, SAD. Even if it costs the county, and Craig makes more money, I hope Oconee sues. My hope is that they will prevail.
Does this mean that there isn't going to be a regularly scheduled BOC meeting on March 5th? Why did they call a special meeting this week instead of covering the Lawn Contract during a regulary called meeting? If there's no meeting, the 2/5/13 minutes will still not be approved, they can't distribute any checks or can they, and the topic of fixing our roads is still not going to be addressed. This last item was something Chairman Ellis said was a priority for him. Then there is the matter of the scrap metal contract and the pending ruling by the attorney if a vendor can bid "2% better than other bidders." Last meeting there were items not on the agenda added in the meeting. The meeting before that the BOC went into executive session and stated that afterward they would come back out and vote on a couple more issues, items not on the agenda. So far, this New BOC Team is getting a Failing Grade. Are their laws/rules that the BOC is breaking? Wonder if Attorney Craig knows the answer to this question.
I am confused by the answer given by the County Manager to Commissioner Douglas when he asked about Durden's 1099 showing they were paid more in 2007 than was on the purchase order. The reply was that there may have been more services rendered such as pinestraw. When Commissioner Douglas looked at the papers in his possession, he noted a PO in early 2008 for pinestraw.I am hoping that Mr. Middleton mis-spoke as it would not be proper anywhere else to pay a vendor or even receive services from a vendor without a PO. Perhaps when the Newton Citizen gets a chance to review those same or other documents this can be cleared up. If not, this is another opportunity for improvement. This is not a new enterprise, the service contracts should be written to include all the services needed or we should go without, unless it's some sort of emergency.
Now that the BOC has decided it's a good idea to put the lawn care contract out to bid, will they now continue on their path to redemption by putting the recycling contract out to bid as well?
Neuhierl 2 days, 14 hours ago on BOC hears employee insurance options
BOC hears employee insurance options
The less expensive plan is still much better than most people have, if they have any insurance from their employers at all.
Neuhierl 3 days ago on BOC works to balance budget
BOC works to balance budget
The property values in my area are 1/3 or less of their original value, as are the tax bills. We've had several years of tax reduction as a result. It's time to bring in common sense thinking. We need more money to run the county effectively. Is there waste that can be cut? Maybe. But there is much more not getting done simply because we don't have the money.
Neuhierl 1 week, 4 days ago on Newton Sheriff's Office looks into shooting; missing teen
Newton Sheriff's Office looks into shooting; missing teen
It is my understanding that houses on Springlake Terrace were hit by bullets. I hope the people involved are all caught!
Neuhierl 1 month, 1 week ago on Newton website to get makeover
Newton website to get makeover
Looks like good news. This site could be of great benefit to the community. I look forward to up to date information also being posted on this new site. Good Work!
Neuhierl 1 month, 2 weeks ago on Salem Overlay approved
Salem Overlay approved
I am very happy to see this plan for the future of the area I live in put in force. I was fortunate to have attended some of the meetings and the evolution of the plan that has been put into place was good to see. I'm looking forward to the first nice sit-down restaurant that decides to plan their future in this overlay as well as other developments that will add to our sense of community here.
Neuhierl 2 months ago on Durden defends work; still on the job after contract canceled
Durden defends work; still on the job after contract canceled
Great investigative reporting. We are fortunate to have this resource. Durden is not the only one asking why the special meeting.. and let's add why cancel the regular meeting? Supposedly, this vendor did not have spraying in their contract. They do not have a license to spray chemicals, according to the state agency that licenses this. Not a surprise, since they didn't have a business license either. Why do we have contracts with specific amounts if there is no intention of holding to those amounts? Somebody tell me what we have a County Manager for and how are they called to account for "managing" or not managing? Good for Commissioner Shultz and her response with the detail that shows she was doing her job. Now, when are we going to get into the detail of the recycling contracts and other contracts that may have gone on and on without bidding? Lots of work ahead for our BOC. Seems like there is plenty to do and no need to cancel meetings again.
Neuhierl 2 months, 2 weeks ago on Craig upholds LB Recycling bid
Craig upholds LB Recycling bid
First I felt sick then I was sad. So very sad. Perhaps the BOC will find the bid un-ethical, as it is, and take the Oconee bid. Too much to hope, I suppose. Maybe this is why there is no BOC meeting this week, hoping the public has a short memory about this issue and others. Again, SAD. Even if it costs the county, and Craig makes more money, I hope Oconee sues. My hope is that they will prevail.
Neuhierl 2 months, 2 weeks ago on Tuesday's BOC meeting canceled: Work session on firearms discharge to be held at later date
Tuesday's BOC meeting canceled: Work session on firearms discharge to be held at later date
Does this mean that there isn't going to be a regularly scheduled BOC meeting on March 5th? Why did they call a special meeting this week instead of covering the Lawn Contract during a regulary called meeting? If there's no meeting, the 2/5/13 minutes will still not be approved, they can't distribute any checks or can they, and the topic of fixing our roads is still not going to be addressed. This last item was something Chairman Ellis said was a priority for him. Then there is the matter of the scrap metal contract and the pending ruling by the attorney if a vendor can bid "2% better than other bidders." Last meeting there were items not on the agenda added in the meeting. The meeting before that the BOC went into executive session and stated that afterward they would come back out and vote on a couple more issues, items not on the agenda. So far, this New BOC Team is getting a Failing Grade. Are their laws/rules that the BOC is breaking? Wonder if Attorney Craig knows the answer to this question.
Neuhierl 2 months, 2 weeks ago on County to bid out lawn service
County to bid out lawn service
I am confused by the answer given by the County Manager to Commissioner Douglas when he asked about Durden's 1099 showing they were paid more in 2007 than was on the purchase order. The reply was that there may have been more services rendered such as pinestraw. When Commissioner Douglas looked at the papers in his possession, he noted a PO in early 2008 for pinestraw.I am hoping that Mr. Middleton mis-spoke as it would not be proper anywhere else to pay a vendor or even receive services from a vendor without a PO. Perhaps when the Newton Citizen gets a chance to review those same or other documents this can be cleared up. If not, this is another opportunity for improvement. This is not a new enterprise, the service contracts should be written to include all the services needed or we should go without, unless it's some sort of emergency.
Neuhierl 2 months, 3 weeks ago on County to bid out lawn service
County to bid out lawn service
Now that the BOC has decided it's a good idea to put the lawn care contract out to bid, will they now continue on their path to redemption by putting the recycling contract out to bid as well?