Montgomery Residents

[Auburn85 432]

To all the people that live in Montgomery, there is talk of a possible increse in property tax. The city council and the mayor must have approval by the legislature. Then, it would go to a vote of the people.

An 8 mill increase is on the table. The current rate is 34.5 mills.

If the people were to vote for the increase, a 1/2 cent deduction will be taken from the 10% sales tax. Meaning it would be 9.5%.

If I was a citizen of Montgomery, I'd vote NO!!

The ones that are in favor are saying, well we have some of the lowest property taxes in the country. This is true, but Alabama is one of the pooreset states in the country.

When Bobby Bright came to office, the sales tax was 8%. Later he and the city council bumped it to 9%. Then Bright favored the COUNTY's 1.5% occupational tax. He got on a televised program concerning the occupational tax and expressed favor. He wanted it for the children. The tax was later ruled unconstitutional.(THANK GOD).

Then, the county comission raised the tax another 1 cent, totaling 10% for the city of Montgomery.

The city is currently in debt by over $100 million. This doesn't include the expansion of the civic center.

$26 million was spent on the riverwalk baseball stadium. It's being paid by an increase in the lodging tax.

In conclusion, Bright has attempted to raise your taxes at almost every corner.

[CCTAU 3,345]

And now another revenue producing national company has moved its headquarters out of Montgomery.

B.A.S.S.

BASS will move its headquarters to Central Florida near Walt Disney World Resort in Spring 2005. BASS offices will be located in Celebration, Fla., in Osceola County. The move is said to create even more BASS programs at the popular vacation destination and throughout the region.

  “Moving to Walt Disney World will tremendously enhance our ability to grow the sport,” said ESPN and ABC Sports President George Bodenheimer. “Our efforts to expand our reach and improve the fishing experience for millions of visitors will clearly benefit from the unique combination of fantastic fishing venues and the marketing capabilities of both groups.”

  According to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), Florida is the number one fishing destination in the United States. ASA indicates that more than one million non-resident anglers fish in Florida every year.

  BASS, acquired by ESPN in April 2001, eventually will bring 120 new, higher-wage jobs to Osceola County. BASS has been based in Montgomery, Ala., since its creation by Ray Scott in 1968. Roughly 20-25 employees involved with BASS membership fulfillment will remain in Montgomery. BASS employees were notified last November about the possibility of relocating the company.

  “Our presence in Florida will allow us to deliver more value and enhanced experiences to the BASS membership, people who love the outdoors and their families, and those looking to experience the sport for the first time,” said Christine Godleski, vice president and general manager of ESPN Outdoors. “Walt Disney World and Florida offer outstanding fisheries on the resort property and throughout the Sunshine State.

  “We are very proud to say BASS and ESPN Outdoors will continue to have many ties to Alabama – in fact, we have scheduled a CITGO Bassmaster Tour event (Guntersville) and a Bassmaster Elite 50 event (Smith Lake) there in 2005. In addition, we would like to thank Osceola County for its significant contributions toward making our vision for the future a reality in Florida, as well as Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Enterprise Florida and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission for their efforts.”

  In 2004, BASS and Disney’s Sports & Recreation division collaborated on a new look, feel and branding of the popular fishing excursions at Walt Disney World; guests who participate in these daily trips on the Disney lakes now receive a BASS membership, among other enhancements.

  “BASS-branded fishing excursions are among the most popular sports and recreation activities at the Walt Disney World Resort, and we look forward to creating even more programs and unique experiences for our guests with the worldwide authority on bass fishing moving to Central Florida,” said Al Weiss, president of the Walt Disney World Resort. “From an economic development standpoint, we also are pleased that the Walt Disney World Resort has been able to play an instrumental role in luring the high-value jobs and other economic opportunities BASS will bring to the area.”

  Weiss also serves as chairman of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.

LINK

[Auburn85 432]

I was shocked to find out that Patterson Field is still being used.

High school games are still being played at Patterson Field in front of 100s of people

Bright has moved the Division 2 World Series to Riverwalk stadium.

Faulker played a game at Riverwalk.

Let's just tear this eyesore(eyesore to Bright) down.