Just got the list of expenses for Jan 2013 for Tunica National. It cost Tunica County $63,553.95 for this facility.
Of course, we still don't know what the income and expenses are for Tunica County Public Projects because their Board of Directors think they don't have to tell the public this information.
Okay Supervisors, when are you going to cut off their monthly appropriation and when are you going to stop paying their expenses? We already know Dunn and Burnett think this way of doing business is fair to the citizens of our County. Why? Because Dunn and Burnett were on the Board of Supervisors when this situation was set up.
To the three new Supervisors: The citizens of Tunica County are counting on you to make Tunica County Public Projects transparent to the people who are funding this facility. It is our money and we have a right to know.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
NEWS Flash...
Last night at the Board of Supervisors' Meeting, I found one item that I actually agreed with that came out of Cedric Burnett's mouth.
Burnett asked Board President, James Dunn, to turn the BOS's Meeting over to Vice President Sonny Nickson when the BOS are discussing the Cypress Creek development. As it turns out, last night we found out that James Dunn is the developer of Cypress Creek.
We will be keeping a close watch on this project.
Burnett asked Board President, James Dunn, to turn the BOS's Meeting over to Vice President Sonny Nickson when the BOS are discussing the Cypress Creek development. As it turns out, last night we found out that James Dunn is the developer of Cypress Creek.
We will be keeping a close watch on this project.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Update on Tunica National Expenses and a Request of the Board of Supervisors
What we know as of today is that Tunica County has sent $335,105.38 to Tunica County Public Projects for the operation of Tunica National.
As we understand it, there are 2 extra monthly allotments of $39,583.33 within this total to tie TCPP over the winter months. These 2 additional payments were paid with the Dec 2012 claims. There should be no allotments paid to TCPP in Aug or Sep 2013.
It looks to me like we are on our way to spending $1.3M for Tunica National. We have no idea what is coming into Tunica National because TCPP thinks this is not any of our business. What we do know is that any monies TCPP is collecting are not going into the Tunica County General Fund.
Hmmm, so what do we have here? We have a Board of Supervisors who are attempting to make the Battle Arena more profitable by investing in upgrades and we have another facility that APPEARS to be draining our limited resources.
Supervisors, what are you going to do about this? This Committee is doing our part by continuing to send Freedom of Information letters to TCPP every month. How about a little help from the Board of Supervisors.
As we understand it, there are 2 extra monthly allotments of $39,583.33 within this total to tie TCPP over the winter months. These 2 additional payments were paid with the Dec 2012 claims. There should be no allotments paid to TCPP in Aug or Sep 2013.
It looks to me like we are on our way to spending $1.3M for Tunica National. We have no idea what is coming into Tunica National because TCPP thinks this is not any of our business. What we do know is that any monies TCPP is collecting are not going into the Tunica County General Fund.
Hmmm, so what do we have here? We have a Board of Supervisors who are attempting to make the Battle Arena more profitable by investing in upgrades and we have another facility that APPEARS to be draining our limited resources.
Supervisors, what are you going to do about this? This Committee is doing our part by continuing to send Freedom of Information letters to TCPP every month. How about a little help from the Board of Supervisors.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Tunica National Update
So far, Tunica County has spent $227,818.43 on Tunica National. This does not include expenses outside of the appropriations for Nov and Dec 2012. We have requested this information and should have it in hand by the end of Jan 2013 and will post the same on this blog.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Sheriff, this just isn't right...
I’ve just returned from the first 2013 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. There was a lot on the agenda.
One item added to the agenda was a $150,000 request from the Sheriff for communication devices that apparently are 15 years old and not repairable. So, how come the Sheriff cannot find $150,000 in his $7M dollar budget for this equipment? Why didn’t he know this last summer when he submitted his budget? This is one concern.
The Board of Supervisors elected to table this item until the 15 Jan 2013 meeting. This didn’t seem to be acceptable to the Sheriff. He apparently wanted a decision now and since this was not the will of the Board, the Sheriff brought up other decisions previously made by the Supervisors for things such as improvements to the Battle Arena. After the Board President tried to move on to the next subject, the Sheriff continued with what he wanted to talk about and thus controlled the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. Personally, I’m offended because I would have been escorted out of the meeting if I had behaved in such a manner. This is the second concern.
Next, a gentleman from the Sheriff’s Liaison Committee used the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary to “scare” the Board and the audience into approving the Sheriff’s request. The intimation was that we could be facing the same situation here in Tunica County if the Sheriff’s request was denied.
Maybe no one else will say it, so, I will. The tragedy at Sandy Hook occurred because the shooter’s mother did not lock up her guns and her irresponsibility cost her life, her son’s life and the lives of 26 others. There can be other viable discussions about assault guns, how many bullets in a clip, etc. but the bottom line is this: If you have children in your house lock up your friggin’ guns.
One item added to the agenda was a $150,000 request from the Sheriff for communication devices that apparently are 15 years old and not repairable. So, how come the Sheriff cannot find $150,000 in his $7M dollar budget for this equipment? Why didn’t he know this last summer when he submitted his budget? This is one concern.
The Board of Supervisors elected to table this item until the 15 Jan 2013 meeting. This didn’t seem to be acceptable to the Sheriff. He apparently wanted a decision now and since this was not the will of the Board, the Sheriff brought up other decisions previously made by the Supervisors for things such as improvements to the Battle Arena. After the Board President tried to move on to the next subject, the Sheriff continued with what he wanted to talk about and thus controlled the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. Personally, I’m offended because I would have been escorted out of the meeting if I had behaved in such a manner. This is the second concern.
Next, a gentleman from the Sheriff’s Liaison Committee used the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary to “scare” the Board and the audience into approving the Sheriff’s request. The intimation was that we could be facing the same situation here in Tunica County if the Sheriff’s request was denied.
Maybe no one else will say it, so, I will. The tragedy at Sandy Hook occurred because the shooter’s mother did not lock up her guns and her irresponsibility cost her life, her son’s life and the lives of 26 others. There can be other viable discussions about assault guns, how many bullets in a clip, etc. but the bottom line is this: If you have children in your house lock up your friggin’ guns.
Friday, December 14, 2012
1. Oct 2012 Freedom of Information: Tunica National
On 9 Nov 2012, the Transparency Committee sent the following Freedom of Information (FOI) letter requesting the amount of the expenses paid by Tunica County in Oct 2012 for Tunica National..
DELIVERED Via Email 9 Nov 2012
Dear Mr. Dulaney:
Pursuant to the state open records law, MS Code Sections 25-61-1 to 25-61-17, I write to request a total sum of the Oct 2012 expenses paid by Tunica County for Tunica National. This amount would be over and above the $39,583.33 showing in the Oct claims.
It is provided by the MS open records law that a response is expect within fourteen (14) business days (MS Code Section 25-61-5(1)).
If you choose to deny this request, please provide a written explanation for the denial including a reference to the specific statutory exemption(s) upon which you rely.
Please be advised that I am prepared to pursue whatever legal remedy necessary to obtain access to the requested records. I would note that willful violation of the open records law can result in a fine of up to $100 and all reasonable litigation expenses (MS Code Section 25-61-15).
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Barbara R. Tuchel
Cc: Clifton Johnson
Robert Tuchel
On 13 Nov 2012, our the Transparency Committee received the following information:
Andy,
The following is a list of expenses for Tunica National for the month of October 2012:
Salary $ 7,593.24
Ret. Match $ 1,082.80
SS Match $ 559.66
Insurance $ 620.00
Telephone $ 88.20
Utilities $ 14,491.44
Advertising $ 185.44
Serv. Agreements $ 600.00
Appropriations $ 39,583.33
Furniture & Equip. $ 4,681.00
Total Expenses $ 69,485.11
Also on 9 Nov 2012, the Transparency Committee sent the following FOI letter to Tunica County Public Projects, Inc./Tunica National.
DELIVERED Via US Mail
9 Nov 2012
Nolan Canon, President
Tunica County Public Projects, Inc.
PO Box 1453
Tunica, MS 38676
Dear Mr. Canon:
Pursuant to the state open records law, MS Code Sections 25-61-1 to 25-61-17, I write to request a total sum of the Oct 2012 income and expenses of Tunica County Public Projects, Inc. This amount would be over and above and should not include the $39,583.33 received from Tunica County.
It is provided by the MS open records law that a response is expect within fourteen (14) business days (MS Code Section 25-61-5(1)).
If you choose to deny this request, please provide a written explanation for the denial including a reference to the specific statutory exemption(s) upon which you rely.
Please be advised that I am prepared to pursue whatever legal remedy necessary to obtain access to the requested records. I would note that willful violation of the open records law can result in a fine of up to $100 and all reasonable litigation expenses (MS Code Section 25-61-15).
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Barbara R. Tuchel
Cc: Robert Tuchel
On 5 Dec 2012, the Transparency Committee received a letter in response to the above FOI letter:
Ms. Barbara Tuchel
P.O. Box 1076
Tunica, MS 38676
Re: November 9, 2012 letter
Dear Ms. Tuchel:
We are in receipt of the letter dated November 9, 2012. However, we do not believe that we are subject to the laws as cited in your letter as we are not a public entity.
To clarify this, I am writing the appropriate official in Jackson to request an opinion. If we are subject to this law, we will certainly respond.
Sincerely,
TUNICA COUNTY PUBLIC PROJECTS, INC.
By Nolen Canon, President
So, in a nutshell it looks like former Boards of Supervisors created Tunica County Public Projects, Inc. as a means of keeping income and expenses under cover? Hmmm, maybe the current Board of Supervisors needs to consider cutting TCPP's funding until they tell the public what their monthly income and expenses are.
DELIVERED Via Email 9 Nov 2012
Dear Mr. Dulaney:
Pursuant to the state open records law, MS Code Sections 25-61-1 to 25-61-17, I write to request a total sum of the Oct 2012 expenses paid by Tunica County for Tunica National. This amount would be over and above the $39,583.33 showing in the Oct claims.
It is provided by the MS open records law that a response is expect within fourteen (14) business days (MS Code Section 25-61-5(1)).
If you choose to deny this request, please provide a written explanation for the denial including a reference to the specific statutory exemption(s) upon which you rely.
Please be advised that I am prepared to pursue whatever legal remedy necessary to obtain access to the requested records. I would note that willful violation of the open records law can result in a fine of up to $100 and all reasonable litigation expenses (MS Code Section 25-61-15).
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Barbara R. Tuchel
Cc: Clifton Johnson
Robert Tuchel
On 13 Nov 2012, our the Transparency Committee received the following information:
Andy,
The following is a list of expenses for Tunica National for the month of October 2012:
Salary $ 7,593.24
Ret. Match $ 1,082.80
SS Match $ 559.66
Insurance $ 620.00
Telephone $ 88.20
Utilities $ 14,491.44
Advertising $ 185.44
Serv. Agreements $ 600.00
Appropriations $ 39,583.33
Furniture & Equip. $ 4,681.00
Total Expenses $ 69,485.11
Also on 9 Nov 2012, the Transparency Committee sent the following FOI letter to Tunica County Public Projects, Inc./Tunica National.
DELIVERED Via US Mail
9 Nov 2012
Nolan Canon, President
Tunica County Public Projects, Inc.
PO Box 1453
Tunica, MS 38676
Dear Mr. Canon:
Pursuant to the state open records law, MS Code Sections 25-61-1 to 25-61-17, I write to request a total sum of the Oct 2012 income and expenses of Tunica County Public Projects, Inc. This amount would be over and above and should not include the $39,583.33 received from Tunica County.
It is provided by the MS open records law that a response is expect within fourteen (14) business days (MS Code Section 25-61-5(1)).
If you choose to deny this request, please provide a written explanation for the denial including a reference to the specific statutory exemption(s) upon which you rely.
Please be advised that I am prepared to pursue whatever legal remedy necessary to obtain access to the requested records. I would note that willful violation of the open records law can result in a fine of up to $100 and all reasonable litigation expenses (MS Code Section 25-61-15).
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Barbara R. Tuchel
Cc: Robert Tuchel
On 5 Dec 2012, the Transparency Committee received a letter in response to the above FOI letter:
Ms. Barbara Tuchel
P.O. Box 1076
Tunica, MS 38676
Re: November 9, 2012 letter
Dear Ms. Tuchel:
We are in receipt of the letter dated November 9, 2012. However, we do not believe that we are subject to the laws as cited in your letter as we are not a public entity.
To clarify this, I am writing the appropriate official in Jackson to request an opinion. If we are subject to this law, we will certainly respond.
Sincerely,
TUNICA COUNTY PUBLIC PROJECTS, INC.
By Nolen Canon, President
So, in a nutshell it looks like former Boards of Supervisors created Tunica County Public Projects, Inc. as a means of keeping income and expenses under cover? Hmmm, maybe the current Board of Supervisors needs to consider cutting TCPP's funding until they tell the public what their monthly income and expenses are.
Freedom of Information for Tunica County Employees
On 8 Nov 2012, the Transparency Committee sent the following FOI letter to County Administrator Clifton Johnson through the Board of Supervisors' attorney.
DELIVERED Via Email to: Attorney Andy Dulaney 8 Nov 2012
8 Nov 2012
Clifton Johnson
County Administrator
Tunica, MS 38676
Dear Mr. Johnson:
Pursuant to the state open records law, MS Code Sections 25-61-1 to 25-61-17, I write to request that a list of all persons employed by Tunica County as of 1 Oct 2012 be made available to the public by placing a copy of this listing in the Oct 2012 minutes of the Board of Supervisors of Tunica County, MS. If it is not possible to place this request in the Oct 2012 minutes, please place the requested records in the Nov 2012 Tunica County Board of Supervisors’ Minutes. This list would include the name of each employee, the department to which each employee is assigned and the corresponding salary for this employee for the period covering 1 Oct 2011 through 30 Sep 2012. This request is being made on behalf of the Citizens of Tunica County and their right to know.
It is provided by the MS open records law that a response is expect within fourteen (14) business days (MS Code Section 25-61-5(1)). This is not necessary if you will just make the above request available to the public as stated.
If you choose to deny this request, please provide a written explanation for the denial including a reference to the specific statutory exemption(s) upon which you rely.
Please be advised that I am prepared to pursue whatever legal remedy necessary to obtain access to the requested records. I would note that willful violation of the open records law can result in a fine of up to $100 and all reasonable litigation expenses (MS Code Section 25-61-15).
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Barbara R. Tuchel
cc. Andy Dulaney
Robert Tuchel
On 13 Nov 2012, the Transparency Committee received the following response from Andy Dulaney.
I have this request. Certainly you can request and received a list of the county’s employees and their salaries.
As to the issue to include that information in the requested format in the Board’s minutes, I think that is a Board decision outside of the public records act.
If you would like this list, let us know and we can get it.
Thanks,
Andy
On various occasions, the Transparency Committee has spoken with Clifton Johnson about this annual inclusion. It is my understanding that the Board of Supervisors decided to only include this listing when raises are involved. We can not find this decision in the public records.
Additionally, the Transparency Committee has found more then one error in the listings we do have. When we found these errors, we reported them to the County Administrator and were never given confirmation that the records were corrected.
The Transparency Committee will go to the Board of Supervisors on 14 Dec 2012 and request this information be included in their records as of 1 Oct each year.
Good news. We made our presentation tonight at the Board of Supervisors' Meeting and the Board voted to make this information a part of their minutes each January. Making this listing a part of their minutes will put this information in the Public Records and therefore available for all to see.
Thanks to the Board of Supervisors for taking this action.
DELIVERED Via Email to: Attorney Andy Dulaney 8 Nov 2012
8 Nov 2012
Clifton Johnson
County Administrator
Tunica, MS 38676
Dear Mr. Johnson:
Pursuant to the state open records law, MS Code Sections 25-61-1 to 25-61-17, I write to request that a list of all persons employed by Tunica County as of 1 Oct 2012 be made available to the public by placing a copy of this listing in the Oct 2012 minutes of the Board of Supervisors of Tunica County, MS. If it is not possible to place this request in the Oct 2012 minutes, please place the requested records in the Nov 2012 Tunica County Board of Supervisors’ Minutes. This list would include the name of each employee, the department to which each employee is assigned and the corresponding salary for this employee for the period covering 1 Oct 2011 through 30 Sep 2012. This request is being made on behalf of the Citizens of Tunica County and their right to know.
It is provided by the MS open records law that a response is expect within fourteen (14) business days (MS Code Section 25-61-5(1)). This is not necessary if you will just make the above request available to the public as stated.
If you choose to deny this request, please provide a written explanation for the denial including a reference to the specific statutory exemption(s) upon which you rely.
Please be advised that I am prepared to pursue whatever legal remedy necessary to obtain access to the requested records. I would note that willful violation of the open records law can result in a fine of up to $100 and all reasonable litigation expenses (MS Code Section 25-61-15).
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Barbara R. Tuchel
cc. Andy Dulaney
Robert Tuchel
On 13 Nov 2012, the Transparency Committee received the following response from Andy Dulaney.
I have this request. Certainly you can request and received a list of the county’s employees and their salaries.
As to the issue to include that information in the requested format in the Board’s minutes, I think that is a Board decision outside of the public records act.
If you would like this list, let us know and we can get it.
Thanks,
Andy
On various occasions, the Transparency Committee has spoken with Clifton Johnson about this annual inclusion. It is my understanding that the Board of Supervisors decided to only include this listing when raises are involved. We can not find this decision in the public records.
Additionally, the Transparency Committee has found more then one error in the listings we do have. When we found these errors, we reported them to the County Administrator and were never given confirmation that the records were corrected.
The Transparency Committee will go to the Board of Supervisors on 14 Dec 2012 and request this information be included in their records as of 1 Oct each year.
Good news. We made our presentation tonight at the Board of Supervisors' Meeting and the Board voted to make this information a part of their minutes each January. Making this listing a part of their minutes will put this information in the Public Records and therefore available for all to see.
Thanks to the Board of Supervisors for taking this action.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)