Did you know:
The Michigan Department of Treasury is withholding 25% of the statutory State Revenue Sharing dollars for the Village of Stockbridge?
In September of 2010, the Village was notified by the Department of Treasury that a deficit elimination plan must be filed within 30 days of receiving that letter.
(This would be the $24,399 deficit to the Major Street Fund. Please refer to your audit, page 4)
The Village Manager was responsible for sending that plan to the State.
He assured everyone he had.
However.
No letter was sent.
January 13, 2011 another letter was received that stated that the Department of Treasury would begin to withhold 25% of revenue sharing until such time as a deficit elimination plan was submitted.
The letter sent in response by the former Village Manager did NOT address the Major Street Deficit whatsoever. Instead, it referred to the discrepancies found by the auditors regarding the limitations of checks and balances in a two-person office.
Hence, the letter contained no plan to eliminate the deficit.
Hence, the 25% withholding of your state revenue sharing dollars until such time as a plan has been submitted to the state.
At this point, you should consider the possibility that just because you cut out the cancer, doesn't mean the patient isn't still bleeding on the operating table.
Huh.
I guess you would call this proof.
Tune in for updates as to HOW the Major Street Fund ended up with a deficit cash balance.
This is gonna get interesting.....
*** The writers would like to direct your attention to the "Comments" to this post for an accurate time line regarding correspondence between the Michigan Department of Treasury and the former Village manager and council. Please note that the deficit elimination plan was needed for fiscal year ending 2/28/2010, a full 9 months before the elections and seating of new council members.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Got a Cape?
Superman isn't coming.
Wonder Woman won't be here, the invisible plane is in the shop.
Batman is busy.
Robin is doing the lecture circuit on self-actualization.
Mighty Mouse is in rehab. (They say it's a cheese addiction)
Stockbridge needs some local heroes to donate their time, their talent and their energy to volunteer for stuff that just needs doing.
The Downtown Development Authority decided to partner with the Ingham County Courts to be providers of Community Service hours. Those sentenced to community service will now have the option to do that service in Stockbridge, directed here by the probation department. (Gotta say, feelin' pretty good about this)
(And before you ask - no, axe murderers don't get sentenced to community service.)
There is a director in place for this program, another volunteer, Greg Uihlein. He will hand out assignments and supervise workers. (high five, Greg)
Hopefully, with the free labor provided by community service and local volunteers (hoping for volunteers here) the cemetery and parks will be taken care of at a fraction of the cost.
But why stop there?
Why not partner with the Township and create a volunteer force that would provide services for the local senior citizens, who due to age or illness are no longer able to mow, rake, shovel or do any number of jobs that need doing around the house?
We have local government officials who are open to the idea of "thinking outside the box." Working hand in hand with government may seem like an oxymoron, but it could happen! (what a novel concept)
Have an idea of your own that would make the Village a better place? Share it at a council meeting, stop in at the Village offices or grab a trustee. Heck, write a letter, or make a call.
Step up to the plate.
Be a local hero.
Cuz, the other heroes are busy.
It's up to us.
Wonder Woman won't be here, the invisible plane is in the shop.
Batman is busy.
Robin is doing the lecture circuit on self-actualization.
Mighty Mouse is in rehab. (They say it's a cheese addiction)
Stockbridge needs some local heroes to donate their time, their talent and their energy to volunteer for stuff that just needs doing.
The Downtown Development Authority decided to partner with the Ingham County Courts to be providers of Community Service hours. Those sentenced to community service will now have the option to do that service in Stockbridge, directed here by the probation department. (Gotta say, feelin' pretty good about this)
(And before you ask - no, axe murderers don't get sentenced to community service.)
There is a director in place for this program, another volunteer, Greg Uihlein. He will hand out assignments and supervise workers. (high five, Greg)
Hopefully, with the free labor provided by community service and local volunteers (hoping for volunteers here) the cemetery and parks will be taken care of at a fraction of the cost.
But why stop there?
Why not partner with the Township and create a volunteer force that would provide services for the local senior citizens, who due to age or illness are no longer able to mow, rake, shovel or do any number of jobs that need doing around the house?
We have local government officials who are open to the idea of "thinking outside the box." Working hand in hand with government may seem like an oxymoron, but it could happen! (what a novel concept)
Have an idea of your own that would make the Village a better place? Share it at a council meeting, stop in at the Village offices or grab a trustee. Heck, write a letter, or make a call.
Step up to the plate.
Be a local hero.
Cuz, the other heroes are busy.
It's up to us.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Shame the Devil
While you live, tell the truth and shame the devil. - Shakespeare
The truth these days seems to be subjective. It changes with the person telling it and the person listening to it.
The "Honest - to - God" truth would probably change if the truth teller was actually speaking to God. Most often we flavor the truth with our own prejudices, and embellish it to suit our needs.
How do we know what is the truth and what isn't? Do we rely on what others tell us, or do we do our own investigating into the matter?
It's amazing what we accept as truth these days.
Don't be gullible. Don't accept what is spoon fed to you as truth.
Here are some truths:
After two years, the Minix Parking lot has a "go" date of May 1. In one sit down with the Blossoms, Don Byrd managed to strike a deal with the Blossoms. Maybe it was because he approached them with an attitude of negotiation rather then threats of eminent domain. Heavy handedness accomplishes nothing except to put people on the defensive. You try and back someone into a corner and more often than not, they will come out swinging. While not being privy to the actual meeting, the outcome speaks for itself.
If this is an indication of things to come, the future is looking a bit brighter for the Village. Perhaps the truth for today is that change is slow, and can be measured by it's accomplishments
So to those who claim that our Village President is not the man for the job, look at the truth of the matter. He shamed those particular devils.
The truth these days seems to be subjective. It changes with the person telling it and the person listening to it.
The "Honest - to - God" truth would probably change if the truth teller was actually speaking to God. Most often we flavor the truth with our own prejudices, and embellish it to suit our needs.
How do we know what is the truth and what isn't? Do we rely on what others tell us, or do we do our own investigating into the matter?
It's amazing what we accept as truth these days.
Don't be gullible. Don't accept what is spoon fed to you as truth.
Here are some truths:
After two years, the Minix Parking lot has a "go" date of May 1. In one sit down with the Blossoms, Don Byrd managed to strike a deal with the Blossoms. Maybe it was because he approached them with an attitude of negotiation rather then threats of eminent domain. Heavy handedness accomplishes nothing except to put people on the defensive. You try and back someone into a corner and more often than not, they will come out swinging. While not being privy to the actual meeting, the outcome speaks for itself.
If this is an indication of things to come, the future is looking a bit brighter for the Village. Perhaps the truth for today is that change is slow, and can be measured by it's accomplishments
So to those who claim that our Village President is not the man for the job, look at the truth of the matter. He shamed those particular devils.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Weather Watch
Getting ready for the coming winter storm? Stocking up on candles and batteries and fuel for the generators? County road crews are putting down salt and preparing for the long haul. Ambulance crews are gearing up for car accidents, and fire crews are standing by. It looks like it might get messy.
The Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority is waiting, too, hoping to avoid a similar storm Wednesday evening. If the Village Council meeting is anything to go by, well we should all fasten our seat belts - it's gonna be a bumpy night.
As a government entity, the SDDA works with captured revenue to improve the Stockbridge business district.
For a while now they have been paying alot of the Village bills.
Like the electric bills for the street lights.
Like the snow-removal bill for this year (that was contracted to an out of area company by the former Village Manager) for $10,000. (You read that right 10K for snow removal)
Like the maintenance for the park.
Like trash removal for all the businesses that surround the Wood Street parking lot.
The list goes on and on.
Why should you care about the DDA? You should care because this is your money. How it's spent is governed by laws set down by the State of Michigan.
Alot of those laws were completely disregarded by the old regime, leading to some dicey decisions that I'm not sure won't come back to haunt the new DDA and Village Council.
But those kinds of dicey decisions are what happens when no one is watching.
The new DDA is doing their best to clean up old messes and move forward with new ideas and projects designed to make this Village attractive to businesses that will employ people who live here and draw people in to shop, eat and buy goods here.
You should come to the meeting.
The weather will be lousy, the roads will be bad, but what you learn may make the trip out worth it.
The Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority is waiting, too, hoping to avoid a similar storm Wednesday evening. If the Village Council meeting is anything to go by, well we should all fasten our seat belts - it's gonna be a bumpy night.
As a government entity, the SDDA works with captured revenue to improve the Stockbridge business district.
For a while now they have been paying alot of the Village bills.
Like the electric bills for the street lights.
Like the snow-removal bill for this year (that was contracted to an out of area company by the former Village Manager) for $10,000. (You read that right 10K for snow removal)
Like the maintenance for the park.
Like trash removal for all the businesses that surround the Wood Street parking lot.
The list goes on and on.
Why should you care about the DDA? You should care because this is your money. How it's spent is governed by laws set down by the State of Michigan.
Alot of those laws were completely disregarded by the old regime, leading to some dicey decisions that I'm not sure won't come back to haunt the new DDA and Village Council.
But those kinds of dicey decisions are what happens when no one is watching.
The new DDA is doing their best to clean up old messes and move forward with new ideas and projects designed to make this Village attractive to businesses that will employ people who live here and draw people in to shop, eat and buy goods here.
You should come to the meeting.
The weather will be lousy, the roads will be bad, but what you learn may make the trip out worth it.
Monday, March 21, 2011
New Feature
We have added a new feature to this blog. At the bottom of each post are Reaction buttons. They will allow you to immediately register your reactions to/about the post.
Just click the appropriate button, according to your opinion on the post.
Please keep posting your comments as well.
We appreciate the feedback!
~The Stockbridge Citizen-Herald
Just click the appropriate button, according to your opinion on the post.
Please keep posting your comments as well.
We appreciate the feedback!
~The Stockbridge Citizen-Herald
Sunday, March 20, 2011
What If ...
So we all know money is tight. Everyone is affected by today's economic maelstrom. Pinching pennies is the "new" watchword.
All that stuff that Gramma used to do while telling cautionary tales about rationing during the war suddenly makes sense. Money saving tips we laughed at are now being pulled out of the memory vaults and dusted off.
We may not be darning socks, but we are getting reacquainted with stretching our dollars as far as we can.
We're shopping resale, buying hamburger instead of steak and using off-brand shampoo. Teenagers who want expensive designer clothes are encouraged to find a job of their own to support their fashion tastes.
We're still reeling over skyrocketing fuel prices and plummeting real estate values.
Welcome to the new era.
Municipalities are affected as well. Stockbridge is no exception. Trying to put together a budget with less revenue and higher operating costs is going to be quite a balancing act. Some services will suffer. Some may have to be eliminated altogether.
Some tough decisions will have to be made about what Stockbridge NEEDS as opposed to what Stockbridge WANTS.
But what if the residents could be part of the solution?
I know, I can hear the collective groan already, but seriously, what if it were possible for the residents of this Village to help?
Let's use the Cemetery as an example.
What if we formed a citizens group of volunteers to help with the mowing in the summer, leaves in the fall, and general clean up throughout the year? What if we used people who had been court ordered to do community service work? (They need the hours and we need the help.)
We could take the money budgeted for the cemetery and fold some (if not all) of it back into the general fund, creating a little more wiggle room for the Village.
It's not a bad idea.
But it requires people to make a commitment with no reward except knowing they helped, in their own way, to make things just a little easier for all of us.
So, maybe today, one day into the Spring of 2011, you should consider .....
What if ......
All that stuff that Gramma used to do while telling cautionary tales about rationing during the war suddenly makes sense. Money saving tips we laughed at are now being pulled out of the memory vaults and dusted off.
We may not be darning socks, but we are getting reacquainted with stretching our dollars as far as we can.
We're shopping resale, buying hamburger instead of steak and using off-brand shampoo. Teenagers who want expensive designer clothes are encouraged to find a job of their own to support their fashion tastes.
We're still reeling over skyrocketing fuel prices and plummeting real estate values.
Welcome to the new era.
Municipalities are affected as well. Stockbridge is no exception. Trying to put together a budget with less revenue and higher operating costs is going to be quite a balancing act. Some services will suffer. Some may have to be eliminated altogether.
Some tough decisions will have to be made about what Stockbridge NEEDS as opposed to what Stockbridge WANTS.
But what if the residents could be part of the solution?
I know, I can hear the collective groan already, but seriously, what if it were possible for the residents of this Village to help?
Let's use the Cemetery as an example.
What if we formed a citizens group of volunteers to help with the mowing in the summer, leaves in the fall, and general clean up throughout the year? What if we used people who had been court ordered to do community service work? (They need the hours and we need the help.)
We could take the money budgeted for the cemetery and fold some (if not all) of it back into the general fund, creating a little more wiggle room for the Village.
It's not a bad idea.
But it requires people to make a commitment with no reward except knowing they helped, in their own way, to make things just a little easier for all of us.
So, maybe today, one day into the Spring of 2011, you should consider .....
What if ......
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Censorship
It's not necessary to leave your name to post a comment here.
You can make one up, or do it anonymously.
Unless language becomes a problem, your comments will not be edited or deleted.
If language does become a problem, the settings will be changed to restrict access to anyone 18 years of age or older. (like an R rating for bloggers)
This blog welcomes and encourages discussion and discourse, and a sharing of viewpoints and opinions.
A free flow of information and ideas is the foundation for good communication.
Many voices make up a choir.
With that in mind, please be respectful of others comments. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
The Posts, however, do not enjoy such protection and are fair game.
The Authors have thick skin, and a fairly good sense of humor.
~The Stockbridge Citizen-Herald
You can make one up, or do it anonymously.
Unless language becomes a problem, your comments will not be edited or deleted.
If language does become a problem, the settings will be changed to restrict access to anyone 18 years of age or older. (like an R rating for bloggers)
This blog welcomes and encourages discussion and discourse, and a sharing of viewpoints and opinions.
A free flow of information and ideas is the foundation for good communication.
Many voices make up a choir.
With that in mind, please be respectful of others comments. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
The Posts, however, do not enjoy such protection and are fair game.
The Authors have thick skin, and a fairly good sense of humor.
~The Stockbridge Citizen-Herald
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