JAMES MADISON QUOTE - 1822

"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives."

SCOTTSBORO WEATHER - SUN & MOON RISE

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Scottsboro 2016 Election Run-Off Forum and Debate - Scottsboro Mayor and Board of Education Places 2 & 3

Scottsboro City Hall - Mayor Candidates Brent Miller and Robin Shelton debate at Scottsboro High School. (photo and videos by G. Morgan)

Mayor Debate, Part 1



Mayor Debate, Part 2



             Scottsboro Board of Education Runoff Forums for Places 2 & 3
Scottsboro Board of Education, Page Administration Complex, Scottsboro Board of Education photo, Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary. (Photo crop by G. Morgan)

Board of Education Forum Video

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Scottsboro City Council Duel Session - Special Called Work Session and Regular Session September 26, 2016

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan
A public meeting will be held at City Hall Council Chambers regarding the square renovation on Thursday, September 29, 2016 4:00 PM till 6:00 PM. Square renovation will affect businesses, First Monday Trade Days and access to government offices.

City of Scottsboro Budget Meetings will begin on October 5, 2016 at 5:00 PM at City Hall.

AGENDA - SPECIAL CALLED WORK SESSION

VIDEO - Work Session



                 AGENDA - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

VIDEO - Regular Council Meeting

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Jackson County Commission Regular Session - Board Appointments and FY 2017 Budget Approval

Jackson County Courthouse, south side (photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA
Click on image for an expanded view.

VIDEO PART 1



VIDEO PART 2 - FY 2017 Budget Approval



                     Jackson County Commission FY 2017 Budget
                                       Projected Revenue
Click on image for an expanded view.

Projected Expenditures


Thursday, September 22, 2016

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Jackson County Commission Work Session September 19, 2016

North Entrance, Jackson County Courthouse, Scottsboro Alabama (photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA
Click on image for an expanded view.

VIDEOS



Budget Hearing Video

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Jackson County Commission Regular Session September 12, 2016

Jackson County Courthouse, North Side (photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA
Click on agenda for an expanded view.

VIDEO

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Jackson County Commission Work Session September 6, 2016

Jackson County Courthouse, north entrance. Photo by G. Morgan

AGENDA

Not on Agenda - Privilege Tax Issue, change to the Attorney Generals Opinion, county on the hook for $420,000?

VIDEO

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Scottsboro City Council Work Session, Labor Day First Monday and Important Reports from the Capital Improvements Project Committee and the Mayor of Scottsboro - September 6, 2016


September 3rd, 4th and 5th was the Labor Day First Monday Trade Days Event. City of Scottsboro First Monday History: http://www.cityofscottsboro.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=39&Itemid=119  Photos by G. Morgan
First Monday 1915 - Horse Swapper Days, Scottsboro Alabama. Original photo owned by G. Morgan

The First Monday Trade Days event represents the heart of Scottsboro's Valued History. Some have suggested that it should be removed from the square as it takes up parking, I say, those who say this do not realize the historical significance and prosperity of the event.

To remove First Monday from the Courthouse Square is denying the reality of history and the importance of history to our community. First Monday goes back to the foundations of our judicial system where the Grand Jury met on the first Monday of the month and people traveled far and wide to see their friends, talk about politics, their families events, to participate in government and trade. Historically, First Monday was the one or few days that government worked to bring the people together. We still celebrate the historical significance of the event today in Scottsboro, Alabama. This is the First Monday we know and prosper from its' history,
In the past horses were traded, stories told. Today stories are told and items are traded; now we have a Cruz-In on the First Saturday where vintage and antique cars are shown, music played, food consumed, awards given, friends meet and poor children fed through the Cruz-In Back-Pack Kids program. This is the Spirit of First Monday!

Car shows, trade'n and meeting old friends - First Monday Trade Days Weekend is always the weekend immediately before the First Monday of each month, and of course the First Monday. The suggestion to move First Monday off the square is a bad idea.  Photo's and video by G. Morgan

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA

Presentation Outline by Jim Olyniec, Capital Projects Plan
VIDEOS


We want our money...

 As a result of a recent Attorney Generals Opinion, Scottsboro claims hundreds of thousands of dollars due them, taken by Jackson County improperly. A $381,000 up to $420,000 dispute over - Who gets the Privilege Tax?

  http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/09/breaking-news-as-result-of-recent.html

Agenda item 3 - Reference demolition of the warehouse at N. Houston and Maples St.

Large difference in bids regarding demolition of city property on N. Houston and Maple St.; near $65K vs over $200K. City documents state no hazardous materials, contractor I spoke to who inspected the dilapidated structure stated that is not the case. Reference old roof structure containing asbestos and lead throughout the building.

MAYORS REPORT

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Breaking News -- As a result of a recent Attorney Generals Opinion, Scottsboro claims hundreds of thousands of dollars due them, taken by Jackson County improperly. A $381,000 up to $420,000 dispute over - Who gets the Privilege Tax?

Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter announces the recent Attorney Generals Opinion about Privilege Taxes. (photo by G. Morgan)

State of Alabama Department of Public Examiners Seal. Fair Use Rights for non-profit news reporting.

Link to Attorney General's Opinion: http://www.ago.state.al.us/opinions/pdf/2016-046.pdf

Department of Public Examiners has a Face Book Page - https://www.facebook.com/ExaminersofPublicAccounts

From: STATE OF ALABAMA OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
LUTHER STRANGE

July 26, 2016
To:Honorable Ronald L. Jones, Chief Examiner.Department of Examiners of Public Accounts
Post Office Box 302251, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2251

Subject: Privilege Tax — Corporate Shares Tax Funds — County Commissions — Counties

The county and all tax-recipient agencies or funds that previously received a portion of the old shares tax, pursuant to the Corporate Shares Tax provision, are entitled to receive tax proceeds pursuant to the Alabama Business Privilege and Corporate Shares Tax provision as set forth in section 40-14A-26(b) of the Code of Alabama.

Dear Mr. Jones: This Attorney General is issued in response to your request.

QUESTION: Should all agencies or funds that received a portion of the old shares tax proceeds in fiscal year 1 999 receive a portion of the proceeds from the Alabama Business Privilege and Corporate Shares Tax?

FACTS AND ANALYSIS
In your letter of request, you seek a reconsideration of the opinion issued to Honorable John F. Porter, Ill, Attorney, Jackson County Commission, dated January 19, 2016, A.G. No. 2016-020. In Porter, this Office stated that, without statutory authority, the ultimate use and distribution of the Alabama Privilege and Corporate Shares Tax received by Jackson County would be left to the discretion of the Jackson County Commission.

CONCLUSION
The county and all tax-recipient agencies or funds that previously received a portion of the old shares tax, pursuant to the Corporate Shares Tax provision, are entitled to receive tax proceeds pursuant to the Alabama Business Privilege and Corporate Shares Tax provision as set forth in section 40-14A-26(b) of the Code of Alabama.


Mayor Melton Potter stated, "The county owes us 3 years back taxes." The back taxes could amount to $420,000. This places the financially strapped Jackson County government in a serious financial hole. It appears this case may be headed to the courts for a resolution. (photo by G. Morgan)