Posted by blackwater (anonymous) on June 30, 2009 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How about a referendum on alcohol sales county-wide? That way we could gain revenue without increasing sales tax. It would be nice to have a variety of restaurants around the Clanton-Jemison area. That won't happen unless they are able to have a liqour license. It would instantly bring in more revenue for the county. Until we decide to move out of the dark ages and do this county-wide alcohol sales thing, the only thing Chilton county residents will have to look forward to is the next fast-food restaurant that wants to build here.

Posted by AZSneed (anonymous) on June 30, 2009 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I vote NO to the tax, and to the County Commission.

Posted by nannyof4 (anonymous) on June 30, 2009 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

no on tax, no on voting incumbents back in office.

Posted by mtfarms (anonymous) on June 30, 2009 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i agree we need to allow acohol sales to help revenue. joe headley doest want that because it would hurt is business at headco, funny how he won the bid to supply the county's fuel

Posted by rmims404 (Roger Mims) on June 30, 2009 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just another dim-witted attempt by the County Commission to dupe voters into voting "Yes". I would not vote for another tax no matter what they said it was for. Politicians can always send tax money in another direction to pay for their pet projects. Yes, I'm talking about the "Good 'Ole Boy" network. What's needed here is accountability and careful spending to make each dollar go as far as it can, not additional taxes.

Posted by countywatch (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Chilton County Commission has always and will always be the "Good Ole Boy" network. When it comes to paving and resurfacing roads in this county the Commissioners do whatever they want to with the tax payers money. Why? Give them anymore money to do as they please on the "Good Ole Boy" network. They have no plan for the money. They just want the people to give them more money so they can vote themselves another pay raise.
NO PLAN--NO TAXES..............

Posted by Littlelady8451 (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NO TAX HIKE------- YES TO BEER HIKE THEN MAYBE THE DRUNKS HERE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE STUFF.THERE WILL BE ALOT LESS OUT DRINKING AND DRIVING THEN!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by powerlineman (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

look what all that extra tax money cause in a county north of us with no plan

Posted by countywatch (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Powerlineman if you are talking about Shelby Co. They had a plan and they are still planning. They are not on the "Good Ole Boy" network like we are in this small County.

Posted by kittycreek (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The county general sales tax is only at 1% right now, however, I would need a lot of convincing that the money will be spent wisely before I agreed to vote "yes". There really needs to be a plan and some earmarking. I'm interested to know the how our "quality of life" is going to improve and how the county will be "bettered". So far all I’ve heard is the threat of more cuts and the resurfacing of roads. The threat of more cuts sounds like we better vote yes to keep the same level of “quality of life” we currently have.

Posted by pops (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

instead of increasing taxes, maybe the amount given to the cities should be redistributed, giving less to the individual cities -because its apparent that one city (Maplesville) doesn't know how to manage what they receive. Example being the instance this week of the city employees mowing friends large lawn on city time with city equipment??? And it was reported to the city. After being laughed about, they acknowledged that they had heard of another incident of that happening. Oh, well. Just taxpayer's dollars that's all. Let's go & vote for more. Yeah, right.

Posted by kittycreek (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe we should take 0.5% for a spin first. An increase from 1% to 2% sounds small, but, it's actually doubling the county's sales tax revenue.

Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on July 1, 2009 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kw, Catons statement gave me gas, too. Basically, he is saying, "take it or leave it, and if you vote "no" it's on yer head". Another thing ... "Chilton County's in a pickle," commissioner Allen Caton said Monday during a work session. "They're sitting in a great opportunity but don't have anything to offer right now." We are in a great position. The county just needs someone in the commission who can get off their butt and think out of the box a little! All of these pessimistic and negative comments coming from the commission are giving me a rash.

Posted by getbizi (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Quality of life" is controlled by the individual, NOT by an elected body at the county level. People are losing their jobs and cutting their own personal budgets right now and the commission is talking about raising taxes, albeit 1 cent. I do, however, agree with Turnipseed that if it passes, the funds shouldnt be designated.

Posted by southernpride (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. CAton is a politician to the core. What is a politician any good for other than to cause trouble.

However, the tax increase might stand a better chance if it was for only a year or so in order to see how the wisely or foolishly the commission uses it during that period.

Food for thought.

Posted by nanny444 (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the County Commission would let the Co. engineer, Tony Wearren, do his job without interference from the Commission itself, all of you would see a huge difference in the road department. Instead they want to micro-manage every aspect of the road department. Where were they when this department got in such a huge mess about 6 years ago? They didn't have a clue what was going on out there and not a one of the commissioners bothered to talk to the men and try to find out anything. Only when it was forcefully brought to their attention did we see them get actively involved in the day to day business. Now, they have seen "the error of their ways," so to speak, and are going overboard in trying to oversee every single detail.

As for the tax, in talking to people around the county, most everyone we have talked to seems to be of one mind.....definitely EARMARK any tax revenue for the road department and let the county engineer MANAGE that revenue! The Commission office moves funds around all over the place and nobody can tell you one single thing about where it comes from or which fund it went to. It is the sloppiest bookkeeping system...it defies belief!!

As for the Commissioners themselves, it is strictly my opinion that we need new people in there. With the exception of maybe a couple of them, the rest need to go home. Our county would be much better off without them.

We here in Chilton are in a position to see a lot of growth in the next few years. We need forward thinking individuals to help oversee this growth and we desperately need to get rid of our "small town" thinking in the Commission office.

Of course, this is all just one person's opinion and like the saying goes...."everybody has one!"

Posted by kittycreek (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a little FYI....
Please forgive me for making an off the topic comment, but:
All you folks who have a secondary Alabama Power Meter, (like to run your pool or barn lights) better have made their phone call to Alabama Power to tell them that it is not for Commercial use. If you didn't call, you are automatically paying a commercial rate for the secondary service and have been since January. The letter I received didn't actually say that if I didn't call, my bill would be changed to commercial, so I failed to call. My Power bill for the barn went from around $15 per month to $29 per month. I called today! "No Refund," they said. I feel like I’ve been violated! ☺

Posted by snowlady (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Give us some better places to shop and eat we might go gor the sales tax I vote no
I admit I go to Calera to Wally World because their selection is better, their staff is more friendly, and their prices are lower than clanton and you can actually move around in the store without hitting someone

Posted by REK1138 (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Chilton County's in a pickle," commissioner Allen Caton said Monday during a work session. "They're sitting in a great opportunity but don't have anything to offer right now."

So what is it they plan to offer in lieu of this tax hike? This concept that growing government equates to growth in the economy smells like what they're shoveling from Washington these days. Here on the street level, where they play with real money and have to look their constituents in the eye every day you would think they would have more sense.

Here's idea County Commission - perhaps it's time you realized that the bulk of Chilton County voters do not reside within the municipality limits of Clanton and most are not going to vote for a tax whose proceeds will do little more than ensure that roads and services in Clanton are maintained while the rest of the county continues to live on unimproved dirt roads and near bridges that would look more at home in the 1950's. I've been very pleased with the dramatic increase in police activity in my part of the county. There was a time under the last administration when there was literally now law south of Shelby County and North of Clanton - and the meth, crack, and pot dealers knew it. Perhaps the commission, instead of attending better governing seminars in some beach resort, should spend some time with our new Sheriff and learn how to actually provide services to the entire county and not just their buddies in Clanton!

I'm shocked and dismayed to be saying it, but I agree with KW - what an asinine statement - "If you don't want to better your county vote no."

Posted by nanny444 (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Instead of a new tax, maybe we should consider voting on whether to keep our current County Commission form of government or do away with commissioners altogether and vote on a COUNTY MANAGER. Certainly seems like it might take a lot of political "bullsh--" out of day-to-day business of the county.

Posted by getbizi (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Southernpride says, "However, the tax increase might stand a better chance if it was for only a year or so in order to see how the wisely or foolishly the commission uses it during that period." .......................................The problem with a "temporary" increase is that it would no doubt be difficult to repeal! Temporary increases normally become permanant.

Posted by nonexpert (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The county needs to start with a zero budget, then budget each department as the need is justified, This must be done fairly with priorities going to fire and law enforcement. Every department needs to cut all frills and the budget must be completed before the new budget year begins. It's a lot of work and more sessions than anyone wants, but it works and is the only way to go before suggesting another tax increase.

Posted by kdavis (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

American Nimrod 2-- Your are right the county did have a 1 cent sales tax for the new jail. However that one cent tax was wrote to only be collected for one year after the jail was paid for. In that one year the county collected over one million dollars that is in the bank that noone can touch. After that each city and town raised their tax 1 cent. I am with most of you the people do not want any more tax until we know where what we are already giving is going. I do fill that a tax like the way the jail tax was done is the only way our county will pass a new tax. That is first tell me what we are going to do with the money. Second show me that we did what we said we were going to do. This was the case when the jail was build and could be the same for anything else.

Example
a one cent sales tax to pave 100 miles of dirt roads.
a one cent sales tax to purchase 20 patrol cars.
a one cent sales tax to purchase 10 fire trucks.
a one cent sales tax to replace old bridges.

I could go on-and-on but this way we the people would get to see the money being spent and if the commission did not do what they say then we do not vote yes next time.

Posted by steve42 (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't doubt the county suffers because of the tax levels, but I will repeat my statements of a few weeks back.

The taxpayers in Autauga, Elmore, and Shelby Counties must trust their elected officials a lot more than we trust ours. They voted to increase to the levels they have, while we voted no and likely will continue to do so.

I didn't vote for a single encumbant on the CoCo last time, and based on the current climate, I will repeat that next time.

Nanny, I don't know that a county manager would be any better. The one ultimately selected would be from the same pool that dealt us this batch. Which one do you want serving in the role of Boss Hogg?

I've heard mixed reviews on Tony Wearren. Maybe he could do a better job without the CoCo holding onto his, er, chain.

I won't vote for a road tax because the county crew has proven what quality of roads they can build. Promise me the roads will be contracted out with professional oversight and I'll reconsider.

Sell Minooka Moneypit to a private interest at a reasonable price for the real estate (not to a crony for a budget price) and you'll inject some capital into the coffers.

Posted by mrjones0913 (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chilton County is on the "Good Ole Boy Network". WE in Chilton County are stripped from of Americann rights. Taxes, even if the people DO NOT want it somehow the Good Ole Boy Network would get it. I agree with KDavis to a one cent tax increase would help our county, but like we are all seeing these politicians talk the talk and do not walk the talk. They are stuck up and do not care about us. The road they drive down will be paved, but the road we drive down is all torn up. We still have issues with our education and the lack of funds. I would much rather my children have more money in the schools than a pay hike for the Good Ole Boy Network. Anyone can disagree but I have seen Chilton County and the injustice it serves us daily. FYI Chilton County there is a child abuser is jail. Chilton County dropped his charges from Child Abuse to Assault and now he is in for 2 months. Watch out when he gets out because the last kid had boot prints and choke marks.

VOTE NO. Chilton County does there own thing, just go to Prattville and Calera, they are FAIR.

Posted by nanny444 (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Steve, to answer your question about "who should be Boss Hogg?" .......the requirements of the job of a county manager would rule out ANY of the present county commissioners. One of the requirements should be a degree in business management with special skills (previous experience?) in county government.

And in response to Tony Wearren as engineer......we, too, have heard different things about Tony. But I do believe Tony is a good person and I know he is an excellent engineer. He seems to be doing a good job out there with very darn little to work with. If he could just get the commissioners off his back, our county would see a lot more of his work to improve our roads and bridges. Tony is the ONLY department head who is not voted into office. Therefore, the commissioners feel they can run him and his department any way they want to. They deal him fits at every commission meeting. As I said before, this family will NOT vote on more taxes until a certain percentage is earmarked for the road department and let Tony handle it! Maybe it won't get lost in the "2-step shuffle" bookkeeping system we curently have.

Posted by alwaysright (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Something came up to me just this week while at the Sheriff's office. Who decides the purchase price of a gun permit and who decides where the money is spent? I myself had mine reissued and was dismayed that the fee had risen again- this time to $25. When I wrote out the check for my permit to Sheriff Kevin Davis- I wondered..... how many permits are issued each year and how much income is generated from the permits......seems to me that if the sheriff is in control of the permitting process and the funds from such-a question comes to mind as to how many are declined versus approved.