kamikazefaase wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:52 PM:
" Sorry local man, you cannot impeach the mayor for failing to keep his campaign promises. You can start a recall if his term wasn't coming up soon. Just remember one thing: wanting action is one thing, having a better alternative is another. You have yet to offer a better one. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:47 PM:
" Hey Myturn Nestor: Please stay on the topic at hand. This is about the city and its government tax and spend budget, not the school districts. They are separate entities not tied together. For all that knowledge you supposively have, you sure lack focus. BTW, Krusty wants to move, care to join him. I would volunteer to help even with my torn rotator cuff, but I would want to be careful because I would celebrate your departure as well. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:41 PM:
" Krusty, you want to leave La Crosse. Can I come over and help pack your bags. I promise to be careful with your stuff so your departure will be celebrated. Now if only Myturn Nestor would make the same offer... "
local man wrote on Oct 8, 2008 6:35 PM:
" Property taxes are outrageous in the city of LaCrosse and somehow they continue to rise.
Folks with (granted, over priced/over valued) $1M+ homes in So. California pay equal or less in property taxes than the average $100K home in the city of LaCrosse. How is that even possible?
Can we impeach a mayor? I don't know if LaCrosse can make it 6 more months with this moron at the helm. "
qntthree wrote on Oct 8, 2008 5:11 PM:
" traumacares 10:18pm posting confirms what I suspected after the 9:59am and 11:10am postings, an intelligent debate is also out of the question. "
Learn to Spell wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:45 PM:
" Sorry, delete that one "a" "
Learn to Spell wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:32 PM:
" I think you all need to take into account that even if one is victorious in a a "blog war," his penis will indeed still be the same size. Give it up. "
Myturn wrote on Oct 8, 2008 11:17 AM:
" There is nothing wrong with my equation. 54,000 citizens would have to throw $.50 in the bucket to pay for 'one' person's retirement package out of that entire population. You are a knucklehead for even attempting to defend it! Give it up, the vast majority of your neighbors get it. Even your side 'gets it'. They just are self serving. This is all about to come to a head. Unless you think this bailout mess will not affect the public benefit accounts, on top of the bailout trouble? Almost all of these funds have professional portfolio managers, where do you think they have placed this money????? You are going to have to do better than attempting interference with spelling and math allegations on the Blog glory. "
oldglorydays wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:08 PM:
" Nestor you need to check your equation. The La Crosse School District includes more than just La Crosse, it includes all of the towns of Campbell and Shelby as well as other towns. Besides this article is about the city levy and has nothing to do with the school levy! "
oldglorydays wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:03 PM:
" Im Still Jackson - Must be nice to have a second home! Sales taxes are higher in NC and they even tax food. We pay more but then we also receive more too. Compare incomes, crime, literacy, graduation, infant mortality and life expectancy and every other measure of quality of life. "
traumacare wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:18 PM:
" does qnt three stand for quint three as in a fire truck quint three "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:05 PM:
" Let's put this in perspective. Every man, woman, and child living in Lacrosse contribute $.50 for retirement for just Kember alone. Think about that for a minute! "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:02 PM:
" Jackson- Do you think your super of schools has $27k contributed to his retirement each year? Do you think they have $400 million in TIFs up to 27 years? "
Im Still Jackson wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:13 PM:
" NC home taxes are 900.00 for a 160,000.00 home "
Im Still Jackson wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:12 PM:
" Property taxes in LaCrosse are triple what I pay on my house in Chapel Hill NC. Sold a house in the city of Viroqua for 150,000.00 that the taxes were 1200.00 a year on in 92 and bought a 60,000 home in the Central school area of LaCrosse and they were 3800.00 and went to 4200.00 after making 20 grand in improvements back in 92. I got out quick "
Im Still Jackson wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:10 PM:
" Dont forget when figuring your proprty tax cost to add in the extortive parking violation rackets such as alternate parking ect...
The Gundersen area is the most extortive thing Ive ever seen. Tell me why you need 2 hr parking for a square mile around the hospital?? 2 hr parking almost all the way to losey on Greenbay street? "
qntthree wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:35 PM:
" I would find it difficult to have an insightful debate with someone whose chief form of communication involves half truths and insinuation. If traumacare could be consistent in his blogs, (first I’m negative then in a later blog I’m asking everyone to not be negative), it might be easier to take him seriously. I won’t hold my breath waiting for anything insightful OR positive from traumacare. "
qntthree wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:33 PM:
" traumacare writes, Rather than being negative, let’s have some insightful debate on the subject of spending. Earlier he/she tries to insinuate firefighters being paid time and a half for being in the parade. Was the earlier comment insightful or positive? I had a difficult time distinguishing which one it was. It certainly didn't sound positive, and according to another poster wasn't at all insightful. "
Goofus wrote on Oct 7, 2008 7:48 PM:
" It will be coming soon...MN cities like Moorehead, Albert Lea and Farmington are issuing tens of millions in bonds, just to pay teacher retirement benefits. With the boomer retirement and imploding economy, its only going to get worse. "
oldglorydays wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:13 PM:
" ryeguy - And half of the residential property in La Crosse is rental which is assessed less per sqf than comparable owner occupied property. The result is owner occupied residential properties pay more per sqf as well as per resident. "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:05 PM:
" Keep in mind that the Capital Budget is made up from amounts like Park funds that are to be left unmolested. When asked Pfaff has no "in house" itemization of the makeup of that City Fund. It is a slush fund that they spend it faster than it comes in. Surprised? "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:02 PM:
" Keep in mind that we have near $400 million involved in TIF's that have evolved quickly to an unacceptable 27 year amortization. "
ryeguy wrote on Oct 7, 2008 5:51 PM:
" Keep in mind almost half of the land in La Crosse is non-taxable! "
ryeguy wrote on Oct 7, 2008 5:50 PM:
" La Crosse taxes are high, I agree. But the property taxes have gone up because (a) more and more property goes off the tax rolls from government (UW-L) and church expansion; (b) Madison keeps cutting back on funding via income and business taxes to "cut taxes" while mandating government services and education; and (c) TIFs. No TIF money leaves the TIF area to fund services city wide. The city is in a bind from earlier decisions and actions out of its control. I would recommend that instead of lashing out, go to a budget hearing and find out what the money is being spent on. Call your council person and give specifics. They represent YOU. "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 5:13 PM:
" 2 Trillion in private retirement funds. Once again the private sector workers will get it in the 'end'! As the vast majority/almost all of government workers will remain on a fixed retirement amount. Usually based on the last or highest income earning years. As some of these funds are involved in the markets/portfolios that are disintegrating in front of our very eyes. Now, do you really believe these government benefits will not cost us huge amount of money to hold up? Separate and in addition to the bailout money? "
Been there, done that wrote on Oct 7, 2008 5:03 PM:
" Well, City of La Crosse tax collectors.... get in line behind everyone else who wants MORE of my paycheck.
Good Godfree! Does everyone think money grows on trees? Everything is up, except my paycheck. ENOUGH! "
oldglorydays wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:22 PM:
" let1102 - You're comparing apples to oranges. Your parents farm in Buffalo County is zoned agricultural and so is assessed at a different rate. It is also in a town and not a city with all of the services and expenses of a city. "
new world order wrote on Oct 7, 2008 2:00 PM:
" I diagree....I own a 1300 square foot house, have no idea what it's valued at, but pay only $2900 in yearly property taxes. To me, that's a bargin. "
let1102 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:54 PM:
" new world order you are very misinformed La Crosse is one if not the worst mill rates in Wisconsin couple that with it is the only place I have ever lived where the city portion of your taxes is more than the school district. My parents own a 400 acre farm with a new 250,000 dollar house on it and pay 2800 in Buffalo County, I own a 130,000(according to the morons at the appraisers office) dollar house that is worth 95,000 and pay 3100 in taxes. We have the 5th highest police payroll yet are what the 13th city in size. Know some facts before you open your piehole. "
traumacare wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:14 PM:
" I one is referring to me as N estor, I promise you couldn't be more wrong. So what is your position on city spending. Are there areas the city needs to trim the budget. "
dumas wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:11 PM:
" to Mack:
Yes, home values ARE down but unfortunately assessed values are NOT. There is absolutely no way I could get close to my assessed value if I wanted to sell my home right now but they just play the "we're just catching up the values to where they should have been? card. Bull$h1t. "
oldglorydays wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:03 PM:
" Aah yes, the enlightenment of Nestor as predicted. If we could compost it and bag it up, it would make great fertilizer! "
traumacare wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:57 PM:
" As a person who spent a considerable amount of time living in the Boston MA area, I must say that yes, property values/taxes ARE lower here, but salaries are also lower. The city of La Crosse has an extremely high property tax rate. Ironically, the money that we pay in taxes is actually still our money. The beauty of the American government, is it is OURS. "Whining" about government and government spending whether another agrees or not is the beauty of your government. Rather than being negative, lets have some insightful debate on the subject of spending. "
new world order wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:33 PM:
" 'cease to amaze' - That's exactly what I'm talking about! What a bunch of spoiled whiners here....I agree with YOU! "
never cease to amaze me wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:29 PM:
" This post isn't even about the school district yet Myturn has to bring them into it. What a cry baby you are. "
new world order wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:19 PM:
" Here's a new idea for everyone who has posted here to consider....Since when is the money that the city spends 'your money?' It's not your money, it's theirs. When you bought your property you knew paying property taxes was part of the deal. So quit complaning! This isn't something that came about over night. The city of La Crosse does a good job. People here have no idea of how good they have it. Property taxes here have got to be some of the lowest anywhere. Live near Washington or Baltimore, which is where I used to live. I bet everyone would change their tune rather quickly. "
Mack wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:56 AM:
" That little levy hike is actually a tax decrease when you factor the crash in home values. "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:18 AM:
" Last night at the School Board Meeting Kember thought it a good idea to consider 'car pooling'. To a day long visitation of the area schools for the Board Members. Now, does anyone see anything funny in this guy spewing 'frugal' mantra, as he receives near $27k per year for just his retirement contribution and accounts????? You might add to that he has been spewing "$18 million for 'boilers' "? Isn't this guy able to mouth the words, 'air conditioning and the 'new' plenum (duct) system to carry that cold air from Oct to May?????? "
get it right wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:12 AM:
" When it comes to the cost of living, the city needs to be smarter when using gas and electricity. Using 3 vehicles to do the job of 1 vehicle is dumb. No wait that's the uion rules. The same union that has wage hikes. Or you see city vehicles driven home and on personal time. Having late night meetings that use electricity are dumb too. The city needs to be smarter in how they do things, and quit wasting time, money, and energy. Especially when its my money your wasting. "
traumacare wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:10 AM:
" with the budget of the fire dept. and the number of personnel on duty each day, the fire dept. should be interacting with the public all the time. Maybe the fire dept. would be happy to interact with the public by like clearing snow, or picking up litter in their respective station districts during their "down-time". "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:09 AM:
" Learn to spell- "I don't care 'than' you insulted the mayor at all." Self righteous a&%. Goodness turnabout is ugly.
I agree with you the Grant writier reflected to me publicly more than once he had integrity. You still are an A&%.
In regard to "your life"? Go over to 'Jimmy's Blog on this Website and read the fools last post, and the scrum of people covering Palin. With the usual alternative side editied all too often by 'Jimmy's' button. That will be highlighted, and in our near future in other media forums. There is more than once way to get at the hamster other than the door. "
Jim Hillcoat wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:58 AM:
" To "Traumacare"
Let me make this clear and simple. Members of the Fire Department were not paid time and a half for participating in the parade. We do those things on our own time and certainly enjoy interacting with the public any chance we get. "
Big Spender wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:30 AM:
" Er um, Meeester Maaayor, we're in an economic supercollapse now... "
Learn to Spell wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:26 AM:
" Krusty/Myturn-
I don't care than you insulted the mayor at all. I know who woody is, but we are not the same person. I'm not bothered by your hours, just the fact that blogging is somehow your life, since I would say probably 75% of articles in the Tribune have your name at the bottom.
Why am I an a$%? I know the former grant writer and think he is a wonderful person. I'm glad he has moved onto bigger and better things that he can actually enjoy doing. "
Krusty wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:19 AM:
" Woody/learn to spell...Are you the same person pretending to have someone supporting your view? I still think you must be a councilman or even the mayor, God knows he has plenty of time to be online, he sure doesn't spend much time on his actual job. Does it bother you that my hours don't match yours, or are you just cranky because I insulted that idiot we call a mayor? "
traumacare wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:59 AM:
" I like how during the Maple Leaf parade, the City Fire Dept. is using an aerial ladder truck to drive the parade people in the bucket of. With fuel at its current high prices, and staffing being extremely expensive, I find it interesting to see the large number of fire-fighters in the parade, most likely being paid time and a half for doing special duty. Hope that wasn't too expensive for the city to do. "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:53 AM:
" SOON! There will be informational Meetings held against the City entering the 'AMBULANCE BUSINESS'. Where to-date we have had one meeting held by Johnsrud, and all other opinion, alternative view, and information was limited to 'two minutes'. Where you can hear alternative information from 'professionals' rather than 'numbers' thrown out from the Chief furnished by the Union to insure retaining Fireman and Department budget numbers in our future. I might add, 'Numbers' that were derived at without City Finance Director Pfaff or his office. As Fire Calls drop 'dramatically' nation wide. Even as Johnsrud warms up and we are sure to hear more scare tactics in the form of 'response times'. Response times we never heard from before, until this push to guaranty jobs and money. "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:17 AM:
" Learn to spell- Spelling has nothing to do with a blog, or texting for that matter. You are an a&%, and an out of touch a&%. The Grant writer had intellect, a sense of right and wrong and courage. A death sentence in our current Administration run by Johnsrud/Kirch followed by their minion Councilman. I was at the Meeting where the writer took Farmer to task in open meeting for making one of those 'unappreciated' statements. I approached him immediately after and congratulated him after the meeting. "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:12 AM:
" Oktoberfest event, Johnsrud is introduced, the applause stops, a few heckles, and silence. This guy is done, he will not be making any changes after April 2009. His dual Department Head touch every bit of business, never get a political bloody nose Deputy will be reigned in. Regardless of the list of Candidates I will advertise the number of closed door Meetings, and the votes flows and similarities on key projects and issues in our City, among other actions. "
Myturn wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:10 AM:
" Part-time Librarians with full time benefits. Football Teams on the old Dump site that pay in a few games what the Logger's pay in a season. Attempted forays into a City Ambulance 'Business' to save Fireman and Budget numbers because fire calls are dramatically falling throughout our nation. Kember allowed to spew "$18 million for boilers", when in fact a good portion is apparently secret and for air conditioning and plenum to carry it. $35k full operation audit of Pettibone Campground going on three years for an operation on a flat rate rent schedule. Planned hotels that were turned down twice before on hold because nobody noticed a sign. "
Learn to Spell wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:02 AM:
" Krusty, are you a third shifter, or are you just a lonely old man who sits at his computer 24/7, blogging like it's a full-time job?
The grant writer left because he didn't feel appreciated and wanted out. He was not fired or let off. People who work in City Hall are actual human beings too. Quit being such a nit-picker, step outside, and actually enjoy your existence for once. "
Future Doctor wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:29 AM:
" Raising taxes.... Trickle down, trickle down... I am so glad the bailout came through. That should really... not help at all... "
Krusty wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:27 AM:
" Woody, you must be a city council person, nobody else is that stupid. If the grant writer was doing such a good job why would they get rid of him? That would be totally moronic, but then again 95% of what our mayor and city council does is moronic "
woodyearly wrote on Oct 7, 2008 7:54 AM:
" krusty, assessments were already set in May. Grant writer is already gone, but wrote for alot of federal money. Unions were getting 1.5 percent while economy was booming. Do your homework, then do your belly-aching. Isn't Swanson's name Deke? Maybe you voted for the wrong dude. "
Km wrote on Oct 7, 2008 7:48 AM:
" "The general public" is suffering, your city budget is not. When companies continue to down size and close their doors. The city continues run as normal, with no lay-offs, no door closures, no real pain felt like the business communities and their employees. Companies continue to close their doors not only because of poor business practices but also because of high taxes and employee benefits. Don't companies usually hand out raises based on the profit they make that year? "
common-cents wrote on Oct 7, 2008 7:47 AM:
" Hey Tribune how about another point of view that the public sees ? My last assessment went up $25,000 on a $175,000 home last year. I think the $21 increase on $100,000 is laughable.
It's time the mayor makes hard decisions and starts to cut jobs and any duplications in any dept. I call for an across the board 10% pay cut to city employees or this train is going to run out of track and crash. I'm sick of the tax and spend policies of La Crosse.
P.S. And if any employee feels that they deserve more pay, they can go find a better one just like the private sector does. "
oldglorydays wrote on Oct 7, 2008 7:44 AM:
" It's a quarter to eight of a weekday morning and it won't be long now before we are enlightened. "
frog wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:46 AM:
" If all of Marks relatives would pay property taxes from the past 2 years we would be in alot better shape!!!! How about getting rid of ass. airport director!!!! "
Krusty wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:34 AM:
" Speaking of the grant writer, does anybody know if he did anything? If this guy pays for his salary with grants he pulls in then by all means keep him, if not then show him the door...Right after the mayor of course "
Krusty wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:07 AM:
" The tax rate is "only" going up 1.7%, but those weasles will increase the value of your house by another 15% to make up the difference. One way or another skid mark is going to get the money out of you. I just wish I could find someone dumb enough to buy my house so I could escape the money pit that is lacrosse. "
newsmike wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:33 AM:
" Well, not unexpected. Economy is down, but thank god the union got a 3% pay raise, and who's paying for that... oh yeah, me. "
unpolitical_correctness wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:02 AM:
" Johnsrud, you lied! You said during your campaigning that you would not raise city taxes. Hahaha we all believed you.
"Don't blame me, I voted for Deak" "
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