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Tax Proposal in Grayson Save Email Print
Posted: 9:03 PM Oct 12, 2007
 Last Updated: 9:03 PM Oct 12, 2007
 Reporter: Michael Wooten
Email Address: michael.wooten@wsaz.com
153 comments
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"Tax" is never a popular word, but for small towns going broke, getting more money from taxpayers may be the only option.

A proposal in the works in Grayson is literally the talk of the entire town. The vast majority of the folks we talked with Friday are opposed to this new tax in Grayson and they say it's unfair, but when you dig deeper: the mayor argues it's exactly what other towns are already doing.

Grayson, Kentucky is home to just 3,800 people, but there is a big battle in this small town.

Janie Prince works in town, but lives outside city limits and says giving the city her dollars doesn't make sense.

"I don't think it's fair that we have to pay for things that they're going to have for the city. It’s not benefiting us at all," Janie Prince said.

Mayor George Steele says a 1.1 million dollar budget isn't enough to pay for better parks, sidewalk and street repair, and more pay for police and city workers.

"If we don't generate more revenue, we're not going to have a town in Grayson, Kentucky. It’s not going to be a town here in 20 years if we don't do something now," Mayor George Steele said.

Grayson would fall in line with other Kentucky towns that already have payroll taxes to pay the bills. In Ohio, cities levy similar taxes on income for people who live and work inside city limits.

In West Virginia, cities cannot tax the money people make. That's because it's against the law, meaning cities like Huntington and Charleston and smaller towns must rely almost solely on taxing businesses.

Back in Grayson Mayor Steele says without this tax his city will go broke.

"I don't want to sit here in this office for four years and have this city to crumble at our feet, which is what it's doing right now,” Mayor Steele said.

This proposed payroll tax is all but certain. It unanimously passed city council this week and the mayor is a big supporter. It will likely go into effect January 1st.

There is some organized opposition. In fact, a petition is circulating through Grayson right now. The mayor hopes this new tax will bring up to $500,000 into the city.

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Posted by: mary on Dec 3, 2007 at 11:24 PM
did you know that the mayor and hos family was no where to be seen saturday!!!!!
Posted by: Only One Voice on Nov 16, 2007 at 01:09 AM
I would like to say that I am opposed to the taxes.I have seen many comments about raising city property taxes.I would agree to a small raise if it would help the city.I look at small city police officers as a starting job, that would lead to something larger in law enforcements. When accepting employment, I was low on the scale, but knew what was expected of me to be promoted and worked toward that goal.Companies are now cutting "fringe" benefits such as family paid health insurance.What I would like to see is more solutions on these comments.Grants are not the answer as they cannot be depended upon year after year.I would like to see the Mayor and City Council work with Robin Webb and Charlie Wallace to see if there is another solution. What about parking meters?I do not know how much that would generate but it would have to help some.Let us not forget that being on state aide and poor is not a crime.I have been blessed and never had to use these benefits.May I never have to!
Posted by: Meeting Attender on Nov 12, 2007 at 06:21 AM
Dear Anonymous, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but my in laws don't own a business, and aren't even in Grayson for that matter. I'm not sure who you're confusing me with, but your accusations are incorrect.
Posted by: confused on Nov 11, 2007 at 11:32 AM
to :meeting attender,sorry you are wrong about restaurant taxes,other cities around us have it,BUT,THEY ALSO HAVE RESTAURANTS!! NOT JUST FAST FOOD.they also have other things we don't have,like jobs,decent pay scales.they didn't get payroll taxes until they had all these other things!everyone is comparing us to these cities.that is not a correct comparison.if you must compare us to a city,then it should be OLIVE HILL,OR SANDY HOOK,THIS WOULD BE MORE REALISTIC!!also,how much of the existing buisness tax is being collected?and for the person taking up for SAM P.-DON'T YOU MEAN WHAT CARTER CO HAS DONE FOR HIM ? AND WHAT DO WE NEED ANOTHER PARK FOR,WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OTHER ONE ?and if being a police officer is such a bad job in grayson,why did the officer that got himself in trouble at the lake come here from ashland?
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 10, 2007 at 01:43 PM
well metting attender keep quite your inlaws own a business may we all need to boycott there business since they are so well to do and can afford this tax , we all know this tax is wrong and they have already made there minds up that this tax will be if this town would quit catering to KCU and give them so many benefits and quit allowing our wonderful cops to use there cars off duty we would save money thats not hard to figure out this town needs to be wet and they would be more jobs for everyone all the people who oppose it go to ashland to but it theres nothing to be ashamed of and half the college kids do also why not sell alcohol in grayson the cops do drugs and i know most of them drink so why not make money and provide jobs @ the same time we have too may cheifs and not enough indians in CARTER COUNTY i feel like everyone on knows on this blog we do not need this tax and the mayor is in there for Travis so please say no
Posted by: KVD03 on Nov 10, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Trich Brammell, When was the last time it snowed here...LOL. You could keep those kids at the FD away from a fire if you flatted all their tires on the truck. WAKE up they get off on it. All that hero crap. Volunteers have gotten off on that siren and red flashing lights for centuries and always will. Don't ever pay the FD, because they will aways be there.. There are plenty of cities local that don't have a payroll taax and their officers make way less than ours do. Free family ins. accounts for about $5.00 an hr. that's pretty good. 99.9% of the employees her and abroad don't get that.
Posted by: Meeting Attender on Nov 9, 2007 at 11:27 PM
Attention Anonymous: I am happily married, and NO, it's not to a police officer!! GET A LIFE!! You don't have to be married to, dating, or related to a cop to have common sense about this tax! GROW UP!!
Posted by: does not have a say on Nov 9, 2007 at 09:20 PM
I have read many comments on here and see everyones concern. You all need to realize that you don't have any say in this. They have already made up OUR minds on what is best for their pockets. Grayson is corrupt and has been for a time. Here is what we can do. Next election, get them out and do it right. Every event in Grayson is about making members money. I went to school with Mr. Fraley, he was a jerk then and will always be. Same goes for Officer Steel. I know that there is alot of other options out there for revenue in Grayson. The sale of alcohol is a big one. Anyone who wants to buy it has to drive to Ashland to get it. The big restraunts won't come to Grayson because of the fact. You can't buy a beer in Grayson but you can buy any drug that you want. I understand that the city police want a raise but where were they when all of breakins were happening. Why are all of the drug dealers still running free. Thank you for listening.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 9, 2007 at 06:23 PM
You know this is getting out of hand!!!! This about a tax no one can afford!!!! Stop being rude!!! Lets all get along!!!!
Posted by: observer on Nov 9, 2007 at 09:40 AM
Just for the record, A restaurant tax is legal and appropriate. The funds would funnel through the tourism into the parks and recreation. The people who presented at the meeting were trying to look for other options, if you notice they were very concerned about the community...workers and their families. By the way OFFICER, teachers don't get all the money that school taxes raise. Text books are about 30 dollars each, plus lights, paper, etc...and folks check your insurance bills, there is a little item called a municipal tax on every insurance bill...whether you live in the city limits or not. Also, before slamming teachers, keep in mind your mayor and his wife were both teachers. You may just find that you have insulted both sides of the issue.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 9, 2007 at 07:38 AM
you go PEGGY HILL the fast food restraunt you are talking about makes $$$$ everyday off the min wage workers that meeting attender refers too, whoever she is all she knows is how to put down peopl, she is rude and ignorant not hard working people who @ least are trying to make it and not put people down I feel this tax is wrong and aimed to help our steroid using cops and the officer as he calls himself who put teachers down should realize they work for there year around pay as he calls it and so does the cooks, janitors, bus drivers and they deserve every dime they get educating and feeding our children was you never taught by a teacher apparently not since you are saying the things you have said this tax should not happen Grayson is taxed to death and the the people who do work min wage cannot afford this over a years time it is more than a weeks salary so i say VOTE NO to Mayors Steeles plan to make his son more money
Posted by: Peggy Hill on Nov 8, 2007 at 09:08 PM
STOP THE BARNEY FIFE TAX (Somebody needs to make some bumper stickers!) Spread the word. Don't spend any money in Grayson this weekend. I challenge you all to do the same. I have told my co-workers, and we've all called all of our families. We can't show our displeasure by our vote...at least we can do this. I will not name any names (ahem) but a certain fast food restaurant will NEVER AGAIN get any of my business. Spread the word, people. Get on the phone, call your friends and family. They are calling themselves the silent majority; let's show them what a silent majority REALLY is, with our pocketbooks. If I can't buy it at Walmart then I ain't buyin' it. Thank you Pearl, shame on you Mr Steele & the rest of the council.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 8, 2007 at 07:15 PM
meeting attender do you date a cop? or just a wanna be!!!!
Posted by: Debbie on Nov 7, 2007 at 10:08 PM
I find it interesting that on this thread and on the other payroll tax thread
Posted by: Meeting Attender on Nov 7, 2007 at 09:59 PM
Dear Confused, Just for the record I live and work in Grayson. And yes, I've been where these people are now. I used to work for pennies until I decided to get a college education and higher pay. I agree on some points that were given by the protesters, but all in all it CAN'T work! And it doesn't take "nerve" to talk at the meeting. It takes "the inability to understand the law" which is what everyone who spoke at that meeting had. No clue as to how a city is run, no understanding that restaurants can't be taxed; and neither can gas and cigarettes. Since they put so much effort into the PowerPoint, you'd think they would have researched their ideas a bit, huh?! Now to answer your question, "Who's the idiot?" You do the math! You didn't know apples from oranges when you accused an officer of "loafing" at the lake! (See your comments below!) However, I'm glad you were corrected by two other posters.
Posted by: teacher on Nov 7, 2007 at 09:49 PM
For the officer that is upset over teachers being paid over the summer, it is called pro-rated pay. We have already worked and earned the pay we receive during the summer. Also, you may not realize this but many of us spend our own money to supple pencil, paper and other teaching material for those who don't have or for those who just don't send them with their children. I do think that cops are underpaid and need a raise, but I would like for there to be other ideas explored before a tax is placed and cannot be reversed. Maybe parking the cars when off duty would help cut some cost. Have you noticed that the power and phone companies are doing this? I hate to see our town and community broken over this and everyone saying hurtful things to people when the main concern is what is best for all the community. It would be nice if the county would try to work with the city instead of against.
Posted by: joe knows on Nov 7, 2007 at 08:29 PM
A payroll tax is hard on people within a city/county where the average income is around $19,000. This is just a fact. For people to resist such a tax under those conditions is understandable. If the city of Grayson was sensitive to this fact they would have seen to a tax exempt for the first $20,000 of the payroll tax. Sounds like to me the good people of Grayson are more concerned with bashing teachers, nurses and the like than being charitable. The people of Carter County can't help it if KCU took most of Grayson's potential tax base (property) and that people refuse to vote the town moist! So theres no decent resturants (tax source) and most people, including those within the city, eat out of town. The city also says it can't annex but still provides services outside the city. Who sounds unintelligent? Shame on some of you for bashing our teachers and nurses that give just as much of themselves to our people and children as anybody. I guess it makes you feel more intelligent ...lol
Posted by: Meeting Attender on Nov 7, 2007 at 07:51 PM
Dear Just Wondering, not that my family tree is any of your business, but NO. You don't have to be a relative to have common sense of the law.
Posted by: Just Wondering on Nov 7, 2007 at 07:10 PM
Hey meeting attender isn"t one of the police officers your brother inlaw?
Posted by: OFFICER on Nov 7, 2007 at 06:23 PM
I AM CONFUSED ON HOW SOME OF THE SMARTEST PEOPLE OF CARTER CO. CAN SOUND SO STUPID. AS WAS TOLD TO US AT THE MEETING, NOTHING PERSONAL. THE TEACHERS OF CARTER CO. HAVE THEIR TAX AND IT MAKE THE PAYROLL TAX LOOK VERY SMALL. THE SCHOOL TAX THAT PAYS THEIR SALARY,RETIREMENT AND VACATION ALL COMES FROM THIS TAX. THIS TAX IS ON EVERYTHING. IF THE TEACHERS ARE SO CONCERNED ABOUT THE PEOPLE, LETS WORK TOGETHER TO LOWER THAT TAX. THEY GET PAID FOR A HALF A YEAR THAT THEY DONT WORK. NOW THATS A JOB, GET PAID WHILE HAVING THE SUMMER OFF. I DONT THINK IT WOULD HURT THE TEACHERS OF THIS CITY TO GIVE JUST A LITTLE BIT BACK. THEY HAVE BEEN AROUND CHILDREN TOO LONG, BECAUSE THATS WHAT THEY SOUNDED LIKE AT THE MEETING. THANK YOU CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR STEELE FOR HAVING THE NERVE TO FACE ALL OF THOSE WHO HAD NO CLUE WHAT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. ALSO CONGRADULATIONS TO BRANDON, I GUESS THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN. I GUESS THAT SEAT EVERONE REFERED TO UP FOR ELECTION, DIDNT WORK THE WAY THEY THOUGHT.
Posted by: CONFUSED on Nov 7, 2007 at 01:09 PM
THIS FOR MEETING ATTENDER-where do you get off calling anyone idiots?do you work in grayson?do you live in grayson? apparently where you went to school didn't teach nerve.at least these people had the nerve to stand and voice their concerns.hoorah for them!!and don't put down someone because of how much they make,who would do these jobs if they didn't?you?i seriously doubt you could!i know you think yourself too good to do it,that's obvious.be big enough to admit that deep down you actually envy these people that had the nerve that you lack!! SO WHO'S THE IDIOT?
Posted by: OFFICER on Nov 6, 2007 at 10:55 PM
THIS IS FOR WSAZ, WHY IS IT THAT SOMEONE FOR THE POLICE. THEY DONT WANT TO POST IT. I BET THEY DONT HAVE THE NERVE TO POST THE LAST COMMENT I MADE ABOUT THE TEACHERS AND THEIR TAX. WHAT IS UP WHAT THAT WSAZ? ARE THERE PERSONAL ISSUES THERE?
Posted by: Meeting Attender on Nov 6, 2007 at 08:20 PM
Dear Anonymous, I'm not a wife or girlfriend of anyone on the police force, nor am I related to anyone on the council. I'm simply a Grayson citizen who is willing to make a sacrifice to better this town! I do not make minimum wage, however I DID for 40 hrs/wk WHILE I put myself through college. Since you are a "representative of the legal system" perhaps you will recall this great quote from JFK: "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." It's about time all of you take a look at the big picture. Grayson isn't going to fix itself, we need to fix Grayson! Make it a better place for our kids to live, play and be safe! And I am NOT backing down when I have just as much right to voice my opinion as you do! Oh yeah, congratulations to Brandon Fraley on tonight's victory! Welcome aboard!
Posted by: Chad Brammell on Nov 6, 2007 at 08:10 PM
Congratulations Brandon Fraley on winning your seat on the city council! You deserve to be on there taking up for the city and yourself! You've made us proud! Good Luck!
Posted by: A citizen happy about the tax on Nov 6, 2007 at 08:05 PM
Congratulations to Brandon Fraley, the councilman who sponsored the occupational tax! The official result is that he won the seat on the Grayson City council, even after firmly and openly supporting the city tax! The results weren't even close, he won 354-213...guess not as many people oppose the tax as the posters on this site would have you believe! Congratulations Councilman Fraley!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 6, 2007 at 05:31 PM
For Meeting attender: Let me guess you are either a wife or a girlfriend of someone on the police force or city council!!! Did you know that not everyone works for minimum wage!!! I am a representive of the legal system and went to college so you need to back down!!!! I don't want to pay this tax for one reason: No one in this county does their job...I assume you are one of them!!!!! So before you go judging people on here you better think about what you say and who you are offending!!!!!!!!
Posted by: FYI on Nov 6, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Dear Anonymous, Did you know that since the ENOUGH group was started, at least one of them sits in the courtroom every day and watches which Judges give the drug users a slap on the wrist and which ones actually punish them? The ENOUGH group, TOGETHER with the police are making a difference in this town. Do not blame the police for the drug usage in this town, blame the JUDGES for letting the drug users off the hook. The police arrest the drug users and that's as far as they can go. The JUDGES let them off the rest of the way. And ever since the ENOUGH group has paid their visits to the courtroom, the Judges are doing better. It's sad that someone has to keep an eye on the judges. The police are doing the best they can. It's up to the others (and by that, I mean JUDGES!) to do their part. Don't be so quick next time to blame the police on an issue you know so little about.
Posted by: Meeting Attender on Nov 6, 2007 at 01:38 PM
Attention Tax Protesters: The village called and they want their idiots back! All of you who stood up and protested this made complete fools of yourselves! Thank you COUNCIL for attempting to do the right thing in the midst of all this. Thank you for standing up for what's right and not backing down! Thank you for BEING AN EXAMPLE by going to college to better yourselves so you wouldn't have to work a minimum wage job! And thank you MAYOR STEELE for setting Charles Wallace in his place. That was the highlight of the evening! Good luck in the election today, Brandon! You DESERVE to be on this council! We NEED more people like you in this town!!!!
Posted by: josie on Nov 6, 2007 at 11:53 AM
yeah take another little piece of my paycheck!!! Come on all of ya we the poor are use to taking the blunt of their tax increases!! Don't worry we'll struggle thru this and we don't need your government assistant. And for all of the supporters whom I'll just assume is what we call the "middle-class gendre"...guess what there is no longer a middle class income just the super rich, the rich, and the poor. So I can assume that very little if any fit these guidelines, except for one the poor. So the join the club supporters. This time the laugh is on you too!!! HAHA!!!
Posted by: George McGraw on Nov 6, 2007 at 11:20 AM
I'm work in the city but live towards the lake. Is this tax going to help me in any way shape or form? Will the local yokels come out and help me? I'm seriously doubting it. I would suggest selling everything in the evidence locker, but I think it got raided not too long ago.
Posted by: steadfast on Nov 6, 2007 at 08:15 AM
hey fellow non-resident grayson employees,wonderful meeting wasn't it? we could have been a little stronger.but did you notice what was absent(other than patrick robinson),NOT ONE merchant spoke out against this!!after claiming to be against this to your face!without the merchants voices,we're doomed.and by the way,GEORGE STEELE LIED when he said the tax couldn't go up!it would be as simple as how they're getting the tax in the first place.there is only one chance now,we have to get the merchants attention,spread this around to everyone you can-DO NOT SPEND A PENNY IN THE CITY OF GRAYSON FRIDAY,SATURDAY,SUNDAY!we can do it,bring your lunch,buy your gasoline outside of town.if we don't stick together on this,then get ready to pay the tax!there was over 1200 signatures on the petitions-DON'T GIVE UP YET!! WE MAKE UP OVER 80% OF THE WORK FORCE in grayson.we can do this!
Posted by: Terrance Pigg Jr. (cont) on Nov 6, 2007 at 12:45 AM
If anything I would wish the city of Grayson give this tax to the State Police who do the real policing in the area. How many city policemen are there anyway, six? $20,000 SUV (if not twice that) / 6 = $3333.33. That would have been a great bonus, eh?
Posted by: A citizen happy about the tax on Nov 5, 2007 at 10:19 PM
I was at the meeting tonight,it was an absolute joke. Lots of emotion from people who had no clue what they were talking about. I was actually embarrassed for many of them. About 75% of the people there were teachers, who, ironically, draw their pay and retirement from the good people of this county who pay the school tax WHETHER THEY HAVE KIDS IN SCHOOL OR NOT! I am one of those who does not have kids in the school system, but I still have to pay the taxes that fund the teacher's income. I didn't hear any teachers mentioning that little fact. Also, I know first hand from county teachers that they can tutor kids for "extra" money at the rate of 30$ per hour. So tough. They talk about their concern for the poor when they make their living on tax dollars. But ask them to help foot the bill in the city where they work (and enjoy police/fire protection, drive on the streets, benefit from the city's maintenance, etc) and they cry foul. My auto tax last month: 121$- school tax- 34$
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 5, 2007 at 09:49 PM
i agree with looking into the future as long as we have the city police we have on duty Grayson has no future we need to start over and first of all get rid of the CHEIF and then the rest of the city cops we all know that if the truth was told drugs are rapid in Grayson that is why the ENOUGH group was started and the cops will not do a thing since they are part of the drug problem and a raise will not make them better cops just able them to have more money to buy there needs and i also agree I have to pay for gas to go to work and for my children to go to college so they in noway need a free ride every day i see these cops using there cars for personal reasons hauling there kids, grocery shopping or getting a movie this is wrong so the tax should not be approved due to fact we could save money by parking these vechicles while off duty say no to the tax this is for people who could care less for our community
Posted by: CONFUSED on Nov 5, 2007 at 04:56 PM
THIS FOR LOOKING TO THE FUTURE-your name should have been dreaming of the future if you think the crime rate will drop in this town,for instance,look back a couple of months,do you remember how many burglaries,and or crimes occured in a 6 week period?it was a uncanny amount,something like 60 .ok,think about this,what is the chance,given the amount of officers on duty,at least one of them did not stumble upon one of these?kind of odd don't you think?and for SMALL TOWN USA-from your last comment,dosen't sound like you even have a horse in this race!!
Posted by: not surprised on Nov 4, 2007 at 10:25 PM
I am not surprised about the objections, of you people, to pay a tax that would benefit the people who you expect to come to your rescue at any time. This is history repeating itself. I am sure some of you can remember the objections to a tax, several years ago, that would improve our ambulance service and of course the library tax that the majority objected to and the objections to every dime that is paid for school taxes. We want a free ride, with all of the services, but don't expect us to pay for those services!!! Police officers, don't be discouraged, these same people who are running you down, do the same thing to teachers when things don't go their way and firefighter who don't show up as fast as they want. If they really wanted reliable information about what taxes other cities are paying, they would use their time researching that information instead of writing untrue accusation about the police officers. If you want to live and work in a 1st class city, then pay the bill
Posted by: SMALLTOWN USA on Nov 4, 2007 at 03:57 PM
To the mayor, city council, officers, city workers and the citizens who support the community, I will keep you in my prayers Monday evening during the meeting. I am hoping to be there, but my job and location may keep me from attending.
Posted by: Tinker on Nov 4, 2007 at 09:06 AM
#1 Is this tax not taxation without representation, since most of the people that will be paying it, do not have a vote in the city election? #2 I hear that one big supporter of this tax is the owner of a fast food restauant. What would happen to his businees if we all quit patronizing it? #3 I also hear that the mayor is not running again..just did it this time to better his son. #4 Why can you not get a police report on a burgulary that happened over 5 months ago? #5 With the price of the gas to over $3.00 per gallon, why are these officers allowed to drive these vehicles home and on personal business? I believe they could save quite a bit of money there, if they parked the cruisers at the city building. I have to pay for my gas to go to work... Doesn't most people? Everyone better show up Monday night at the East Carter Middle School at 6:30 pm to protest this tax.
Posted by: Looking to the Future on Nov 4, 2007 at 04:34 AM
First, "Confused", you seem to have chosen a good name for yourself. The officer in question was not "loafing" at the lake! You need to pay close attention to FYI. Second, if more people would worry about where their children are and what they are doing instead of trying to keep up with the whereabouts of police officers on and off duty, maybe the crime rate would drop in this town. The police are not the "villians" here. The criminals are. Let's refocus a little. Third, these officers are first responders in situations involving dead bodies torn in half at wrecks, suicide victims with gunshot wounds to the head, drug overdoses, domestic violence, and maniacs carrying guns, knives, and other weapons. When you have qualified and trained for their jobs and when you have dealt with the situations mentioned above, you will have earned the right to comment on the job performance of the police. Until then, maybe you should stick to discussing topics you know something about!
Posted by: josh on Nov 3, 2007 at 09:59 PM
i live 10 miles outside of grayson but work there...and that tax is a joke...to pay the city cops..hahahahaha..they dont even do there job neverless need to get more money...we called them one time...they didnt even show...called twice...didnt show....yea lets pay them more...that is redicolous
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 3, 2007 at 09:20 PM
everyone needs to get over it our cops are crooked they do drugs they chase women and they lie so yes the cops are corrupt and please do a drug test on all of them if they only make 8$ a hour whos fault is it theres get a diff job and quit complaining we all know cops who have been fired for sexual harrassment which wsaz will not post on this also cops who beat there wifes so please people of carter county get a life and face the facts the cops are no good and this tax is supported by a man who became a mayor to better his sons job
Posted by: FYI on Nov 3, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Dear Confused: They are to carry their weapons on them even when "off duty." Remember that in the future when you need assistance and no one is around but an "off duty" officer. He will come to your rescue even if he isn't on the clock.
Posted by: steadfast on Nov 3, 2007 at 11:13 AM
to all workers who work in grayson and do not live there.there is a rumor that they are talking about lowering the amount of the employee tax.BEWARE!!this is a ploy,if any amount is passed,it will most certainly raise after awhile!!make sure to attend council meeting monday evening!!your voice MUST be heard
Posted by: HAPPY CAMPER on Nov 3, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Everyone on here. THE PAY ROLL TAX IS FOR RETIREMENT NOT FOR INSURANCE OR THE RAISE. THE RAISE IS ALREADY IN AFFECT AND THE INSURANCE IS ALREADY PAID. WHEN THE RETIREMENT MONEY IS PUT BACK EACH MONTH FOR EACH OFFICER THEN WHAT IS LEFT OVER IT IS GOING TO THE COMMUNITY!!!!! HAVE OF THE PEOPLE IN GRAYSON DON"T HAVE RETIREMENT!!!!! SO YOU THINK RETIREMENT IS GOING TO HELP THIS COUNTY NO!!!! HONEST PEOPLE IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO EVERYONE ON HER E ISN'T GETTING THE STORY STRAIGHT!!!!! GO TO THE MEETING GET THE FACTS!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: CONFUSED on Nov 3, 2007 at 10:54 AM
THIS FOR LOOKING TO THE FUTURE,PERHAPS YOU SHOULD TALK TO THE OFFICER AND GET YOUR FACTS!OR MAYBE SIT IN ON THE TRIAL ,YOUR VERSION IS OFF JUST A HAIR!!!WHY DOES AN OFF DUTY GRAYSON PATROLMAN HAVE HIS GUN ON HIM WHEN HE'S LOAFING AT THE LAKE?AND HOW DO YOU LET A COUPLE OF KIDS TAKE IT FROM YOU?AND HE WAS NOT ASKED TO GIVE ASSISTANCE
Posted by: Looking to the Future on Nov 3, 2007 at 12:56 AM
Confused, I think if you had gotten the straight of the story you are trying to pass on, you would have found out that the officer was off duty and on his way home. That's why he happened to be in that location. AND...as I remember the story, he stopped to offer assistance. I think he was trying to serve and protect (even off duty). These officers are often called on to do so. Perhaps you should get the story straight before you assume the worst. You might also tell the story of the two officers who responded to a call in the west end of the county this summer at approximately 6:00 a.m. because they were the only officers available to answer the call. (One of those officers, I believe, had just gotten off duty, too, but he responded to the call, anyway!) I believe that call involved a man who was inside a house with a gun and his small children! Wonder what would have happened to those children if those two Grayson officers had not responded? Some of you need to grow up!
Posted by: FYI on Nov 2, 2007 at 05:40 PM
Dear Confused, He was off duty. But that doesn't matter when you are an officer 24/7. You are always "on duty", just not getting paid for it!
Posted by: CONFUSED on Nov 2, 2007 at 10:50 AM
i'm a little confused,several people have posted on this comment site that city patrolmen do not go outside the city,what was the officer doing at grayson lake that got his gun taken away from him this summer?the state police and sheriff's office had to go out there to rescue him,not the other way around.
Posted by: SMALLTOWN USA on Nov 2, 2007 at 07:06 AM
TO OFFICER, YOU ARE OUR UNDER PAID OVERWORKED HERO! MAY GOD BE WITH YOU WHILE ON DUTY. SORRY FOR THE CITIZENS OF GRAYSON THAT WOULD RATHER KEEP THEIR PENNIES IN THEIR POCKET THAN TO HELP OUT WITH BUILDING UP THE TOWN. IT'S SAD TO SEE SOME OF THESE PEOPLE BASH YOUR DEPARTMENT BUT THEN EXPECT YOU TO BE AT THEIR DOORSTEP IF YOU NEED THEM. BEFORE ANYONE RESPONDS BACK TO THIS EMAIL, I AM NOT DATING AN OFFICER. I JUST WANTED TO LET THE OFFICER KNOW THAT THEY DO HAVE SOME CARING PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT THEM. BE OF GOOD CHEER JOHN 16:33
Posted by: officer on Nov 2, 2007 at 04:35 AM
1ST OF ALL I WOULD BE GLAD TO TAKE A DRUG TEST TO PROVE ALL YOU WRONG. 2ND I HAVE A WIFE AND DONT SKIRT CHASE AS SOME OF YOU PUT IT. 3RD I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THOSE OF YOU WHO SUPPORT THE POLICE OFFICERS, I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THEY DONT DO DRUGS. MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO BASH US PROBLY HAVE RECEIVED TICKETS OR WENT TO JAIL. FOR THOSE WHO LIVE OUTSIDE THE CITY, WHO DO YOU THINK TAKES THE CALLS WHEN THERE IS NO K.S.P OR S.O. OUT? EVEN IF YOU DONT SUPPORT US WE WILL STILL PROTECT YOU. WE WILL BE THE BETTER PERSON IN DOING SO. IF THOSE OF YOU GETTING BASHED FOR US IM SORRY AND ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT....
Posted by: Marie on Nov 1, 2007 at 08:42 PM
Patty i have never handed anything down to me either. Yes I put my self through school I have kids and just recently bought a house. I know how it is to struggle I have all my life. I work as hard as you and everyone else. You need to look at the BIG PICTURE.
Posted by: Patty on Nov 1, 2007 at 09:11 AM
Boy oh boy, you can't be a good citizen anymore without being accused of being an insider. And no I'm not "making fun of poor people" as you put it. All I'm saying is this: The majority of people complaing about this tax don't live in the city. However, they can shell out money for everything else. I've had my share of hard times. Trust me. But I've never received government assistance. I worked 40 hrs/wk WHILE I put myself through college. I was taught that "having things handed to you is a lazy man's way." I've worked hard for EVERYTHING I have. And no, I'm not "dating a cop," I wish you all would get a life. And also for the record, no my parents don't get social security or medicaid, they WORK, TOO!!!! If you all want the police to leave and stop "corrupting the city" then I suggest you do the same. You're nothing but an embarrassment to this town. And by the way, "Looking to the Future" should run for city council. I like your style!! It's about time someone has your courage!
Posted by: Peggy Hill on Nov 1, 2007 at 07:30 AM
Listen, you're not really understanding my point. I'm not anti-police & I'm not afraid to work in Grayson. I like Grayson. It's just that I think the tax is unfair and the Mayor (and most of the council) is asking for the wrong people to foot the bill. Also, I see nobody has answered my question about how $1 is going to miraculously make the GPD start doing their job. Let me put it this way: Remember a few years ago when the utility tax was going to solve all our education problems? Remember the lottery? If you're a property owner, look at how much of a piece of the pie that the school tax takes from the total property tax you're paying. Also, look at your school tax on your cars. Now...think about this. My children cannot bring some of their books home because the school doesn't have enough to go around. Yet again and again we're told (as the taxes pile up) that "this will be the answer". Throwing money at a problem solves nothing. Shame on the mayor & the council!!
Posted by: Looking to the Future on Oct 31, 2007 at 10:53 PM
Peggy, you state that you don't live in the city. You mention the drug problem in Carter County. You have a terrible opinion of the police. I believe if I had your same ideas (which I don't)I would be afraid to work in Grayson. Why, might I ask, do you come to Grayson to work? Why not go somewhere else where you can be safe??? You don't live in Grayson, and sure don't owe it to the town to work here. I'm sure there are plenty of people who are looking for jobs in this town who wouldn't complain about a payroll tax. (Things must not be so bad here as you say or you would drive to one of the surrounding communities to work.) By the way, make sure you plan on paying a payroll tax there, too, in addition to the extra gas it will take to get there.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2007 at 10:03 PM
to Patty you need to quit downing the poor people of carter county i am one of the fortunate one whose husband has a good job and so do i and have two children attending college and i feel you saying you are paying for peoples children to go to school in a previous comment you made is wrong these children are the future apparently you are bitter over something did a cop dump you or stop flirting with you, but you need to quit commenting on people receiving checks does your parents or did they ever receive social security or medicaid and one day you will also need this and what if you or yours had a job to close you may need what you are calling welfare I know if i ever needed it i would sure be there to get this help since i have paid into this for years as a working citizen i beleive this tax is unfair with gas being over 3.00$ per gallon and milk almost 4.00$ per gallon and things just keep rasing so please until you walk in these people shoes keep your mouth shut say no to this tax
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2007 at 09:06 PM
Patty According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary: "Cheapskate (noun)- a miserly or stingy person; especially one who tries to avoid paying fair share of costs or expenses." I suggest you invest in a Webster's - if you can afford it. I can afford but still apparently you make enough money to pay the tax!!!! You know you have wrote on here and dogged people for being poor and talked about welfare crazy checks etc...... seems to me you need to look at this a little different and see that not all people have money. You should be ashamed of yourself for making fun of the poor. And no i work fir a living and so does my husband and i don't draw anything....
Posted by: Peggy Hill on Oct 31, 2007 at 09:54 AM
Thank you, Looking to the Future, for (inadvertantly, I'm sure) making a most important point for me. This is a direct quote: "Most of the people writing here are neither residents of the city nor do they represent the beliefs of the citizenry." EXACTLY. I am NOT a resident of the city. Did you not read my post? Perhaps I do NOT represent the beliefs of the citizenry. FINE. Let the CITIZENRY pay for the CITIZENRY'S POLICE PROTECTION (such that it is). What is so hard to understand, here? As a sidenote, how in the world will throwing an extra dollar an hour make the police do their jobs more effectively anyway? We'll still have the same old cops, doing the same old thing. I realize we have a huge drug problem in this county...do you REALLY think that by giving somebody an extra $1/hour is going to do anything? And, if so, please by all means...clue us in.
Posted by: tinker on Oct 31, 2007 at 08:01 AM
Bravo for Pearl Crum!!!! Sounds like she is the only one that has any sense!!! Just wait until the meeting on Nov. 5...Did anyone ever think that the mayor is just making things better for his son? I think he has already said he is a "one-termer". If his son doesn't like the money he makes let him find another job like my children and others did...sometimes, you have to WORK, not jsut drive around, to make your way...like work out of town all week to find a good paying job. There are too many people that don't have insurance or retirement that are expected to pay this tax...this is so unfair!!! And one other thing...why do the city employees get their insurance paid for them and their FAMILIES? every where I ever worked I had to pay for my family plan...
Posted by: Patty on Oct 31, 2007 at 06:53 AM
According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary: "Cheapskate (noun)- a miserly or stingy person; especially one who tries to avoid paying fair share of costs or expenses." I suggest you invest in a Webster's - if you can afford it.
Posted by: Looking to the Future on Oct 30, 2007 at 11:21 PM
Condolences to the members of the Grayson City Council who have been attacked for trying to ensure the future of this town. I regret that the pressure has caused Ms. Crum so much agony that she has withdrawn her vote. I applaud the other council members who have the courage to withstand the pressure and do what is right for the city. Hats off to the Grayson police, a very well-trained, professional group of individuals who are able to ignore rude, untruthful remarks made on this forum and go on with the business at hand. Many of the people who write here are obvioulsy ill-informed individuals who show no evidence they have high regard for the truth. The mayor and council are not bad people; the police are not on drugs. Most of the people writing here are neither residents of the city nor do they represent the beliefs of the citizenry. Obviously none of us like to pay taxes; however, our country, state, county, schools, and, YES, our city cannot survive without them.
Posted by: Peggy Hill on Oct 30, 2007 at 07:09 PM
I just want to say a huge "THANK YOU!!!" to Pearl Crum for rescinding her vote for this unfair tax. And yes, it's unfair. I do not live in the city limits, the Grayson police will not protect me and my home, I can't vote in a city election to show my displeasure. I do, however, work in the city. I urge, beg, and plead for every City of Grayson resident to vote against any current council member who backs this most unfair tax. Also, I would just like to say that if each and every police officer is being subjected to a RANDOM drug test then the mayor wouldn't have to worry about the salaries of several on this force. And come on, people, you KNOW who I'm talking about...come on. And I GUARANTEE the only children of Grayson that will see any benefit from this will be the children of the policemen. Shame on certain members of the current council for trying to play the "poor little children of Grayson" card. Let's just see how much is spent on youth recreation. Give me a break.
Posted by: Marie on Oct 29, 2007 at 10:01 PM
Patty apparently you must make 100,000.00 dollars a year. So you can afford this tax I guess. I can't and neither can half of Grayson. They want us off welfare and other state aide well we can't if we keep getting taxed. Patty just think about it. Why tax the poor. Half of Grayson don't have insurance or retirement. Apparently you do!!!!! If you have any Ideas give it to them at the meeting. I am sure they are up too it. Some of the city counsel has with drew their vote. What does that tell you!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:31 PM
to patty and anyone else who supports this tax we in carter county are going to be taxed to death they are repraising our property and you know that tax will go up so we all need to say no and Patty you have to be a family member or dating one of the cops to support this if these so called law only got paid 8$ bucks a hour they could not afford there steroids now could they and for anyone denying this take a look at them and as far as we care they can go somewhere else and corrupt there county
Posted by: Patty on Oct 29, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Here's a newsflash, Marie: The meeting is November 5th. Looks like you've obviously been paying attention... And I WILL be there. Supporting this tax!
Posted by: Marie on Oct 28, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Patty i have family on the police force too as well. But this town cannot afford any more money taken out of our checks. We as a community can barley make it. If your not a lawyer a Judge or a Paralegal or own a buisness then you have no money. Alot of people have moved out of here because of the money and not able to live here. I have no solution to this problem but taxing more money out of peoples checks is going to cause a lot of people not able to pay bills. If you make 250.00 dollars every two weeks gross pay then that is 4.38 every two weeks and 8.76 a month and 227.76 a year that is a two week pay for most people. People cannot afford this. We need to work together on this instead of fighting that is not going to solve the problem. Go to the meeting on Nov 12@ 6:30 at the East Carter Jr High and speak your mind. I am sure it will be packed and there will be alot of people for and against this. If you have any Ideas then go for it. I am up for anything new.
Posted by: Amazed on Oct 28, 2007 at 03:38 AM
I'm amazed at the amount of idiocy some of you have. This town is so backwards it's pathetic. How many of you would risk taking a bullett for 8 bucks an hour? How many of you would kiss your wife and kids goodbye each morning, step out of the house and put your life on the line for 300 bucks a week? Truth be told NONE of you would. I know I wouldnt. What did the last Mayor do? She cut the police force, cut their overtime, and in turn this town turned is crawling with crime. Now we have a new mayor who has hired more officers, trying to get their salaries increased so they will actually stay instead of leaving for Boyd or other counties with better pay and once again the fools speak up and say "its because of his son" Im not a full blown supporter of Mayor Steele but atleast the man is making an effort unlike our last Mayor who could only be seen at ribbon cutting ceremonies for a new beauty salon! No one wants to be taxed but in this case I'll take one for the team.
Posted by: King James VERSION on Oct 27, 2007 at 09:58 PM
Rev 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.Amen
Posted by: Lady Luck on Oct 27, 2007 at 09:58 AM
I would like to say that some people are misinformed by the payroll tax. To the Board of Education employee who does not work in the city limits, YOU will not pay this tax. A person MUST work inside the city limits in order to pay this tax. Just because your employer is inside the city limits does NOT matter. I hate to see people get upset because they have been misinformed.
Posted by: Patty on Oct 26, 2007 at 07:50 PM
Dear Marie- I'm not saying you are drawing a crazy check or collecting welfare. All I'm saying is this: If everyone in the city pays a school tax - regardless of whether they have a child in the school system or not, then why can't others pay a tax to help pave roads, build sidewalks, etc. I'm not accusing you of anything! I'm merely pointing out that all these people say they can't afford tax, yet they can afford everything else! And I am TAKING UP FOR the police, which not many other people seem to be doing on here. And if someone were putting your friends down, I'd hope you'd fight for them like I've done. But since you seem to know it all, tell us your great ideas on how to help the city! We'd all love to hear it!
Posted by: Marie on Oct 26, 2007 at 10:31 AM
This is for Patty. We all need to get along here and stop fighting over who draws welfare who has a crazy check each month. That is not the issue at all. We all are on here saying bad things towrds on another and we are getting no where. We need to figure a way out of this tax and find other means of getting money. We have heard on here how everyone has kids and that some are putting their kids through school. The point being it is not about welfare or the poor or the rich. The majority of the people in this county make minimum wage or a little more. We can't afford all this money being taken out. No i don't draw welfare and no crazy check. I work just like everyone else on here and we need to find other ways to ge the money. LETS WORK TOGETHER ON THIS. Not against each other.
Posted by: Wow on Oct 26, 2007 at 10:04 AM
First off, i don't live in your town or know much about it. If the police truly make what most people on this board are saying, then my suggestion is those cops should look to other towns. You can make much more money in other towns not far from where you currently work. As for the mayor, i say good luck. If the people on this board is the type of people you must represent, then you have your work cut out for you. My advice for the town, pay your taxes. Everyone pays taxes and pays them for things they might not be involved with (i.e. school). It's never easy to give up more of your hard earned money, but remember, not every cop or politican is crooked. Be thankful to those cops or politicians you have that truly want to better your town and the people who live there.
Posted by: Me on Oct 25, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Do you really think the mayor took office only for his son...give me a break. The mayor took office because he was voted in. Voted in by the people. I will agree, if the officers only make $8 per hour then they can't afford steroids. Quit generalizing them all - they aren't perverts, they aren't all drug users. Do you have to take mandatory drug test for your job? Are you constantly questioned about your personal life - publically called out on it? I would think about whether you would want to be judged on what you do outside of work by the rest of the community or not?! I think you would not.
Posted by: Patty on Oct 25, 2007 at 07:28 AM
Dear Anonymous: No I'm not a girlfriend, just a citizen who understands the law - unlike yourself. If you think it's such an easy job, then sign up! Or are you too busy drawing your Crazy Check and collecting welfare? If I have to pay school tax so your kids can have an eduacation, then I don't see why you can't cough up a payroll tax to help pave the road you drive on! You are a pathetic person who wants everything given to them. These guys are watching over the city so you can sleep, and all you do is bash them. They are understaffed, overworked and underpaid. By all means if you think you can do better, then SIGN UP!! But when the city can't afford a bullet-proof vest for you because they don't have the funds, don't complain! And when you miss your kids opening presents on Christmas morning because you have to protect a city that trashes you, don't gripe! And when your loved ones are on their death bed and you can't say goodbye because you're on duty, don't complain! Be a big boy!
Posted by: an aggrivated nonresident of your town on Oct 24, 2007 at 05:49 PM
I am going to be taxed by your pathetic town because the board office is located within the city limits of Grayson. I WORK AND LIVE in OLIVE HIll, yet I have to give up some income. How pathetic is that. How pathetic is your town. I have to help pay for your issues!!!
Posted by: this for nate on Oct 24, 2007 at 12:59 PM
apparently you don't know much? do you have a 100,00.00 dollar a year job so