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News- September 2007

 

Richard Turner recognized

Stanton held another day of celebration on August 18, this time in honor of Richard Turner, who has run the cannery there since its inception in the 1970s. Lots of citizens, family members and friends were there to show support for Turner, who also received special recognition from U.S. Representative John Tanner. There for Representative Tanner was Tom Turner (left) who presented the award. Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith (right) introduced Tom Turner.

Stanton receives award

Joe Ing, director of the Brownsville/Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, presents Stanton Community members with an award of special recognition for uniting as a community and making great strides in leading the Town of Stanton in a progressive direction. Mayor Royce Barnett accepted the award on behalf of the Stanton community.

Delk crowned “Miss Farmer’s Market”

In addition to celebrating Richard Turner and the Stanton Cannery’s long history, Stanton Alderman Emma Delk was named “Miss Farmer’s Market 2007” on August 18 for her tireless efforts in starting a weekly farmer’s market in Stanton and for working with others in creating excitement in downtown Stanton this summer. Among the other dignitaries present at the celebration was Tennessee Senator John Wilder (right).

Leadership Haywood County announces 2008 Class

Kim Anthony

Mae Bufford

Rita Hathcock

 

 

 

Gloria Hayes

Diane Hooper

Katherine Horn

 

 

 

Natalie Lane

Steve McCool

Harrell Nation, Jr.

 

 

 

Nick Nichols

Becky M. Overton

Janice Reed

 

 

 

Chad Ross

Bob Scifres

The Trustees of Leadership Haywood County announced last week the participants in the Class of 2008. This is the 15th class to participate in the Brownsville-Haywood County Chamber of Commerce-sponsored program designed to heighten the awareness of community leaders, workers and volunteers about the community’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. For the next eight months, class members will learn about economic development, law enforcement, quality of life, education, and local and state government issues, as well as join more than 200 former Leadership Haywood graduates to work together to make a better Brownsville and Haywood County.

Officer Cates receives commendation


Kevin Cates

Brownsville Police Patrolman Kevin Cates, who serves on the city’s CERT (Crash Enforcement Reduction Team), received a certificate of commendation at the city board meeting Tuesday, August 14, for the excellent manner in which he went above and beyond the call of duty in connection with an accident on Interstate 40 at Exit 52.

After stopping a driver for speeding, another vehicle traveling on the Interstate hit the speeder’s car, trapping and injuring the driver. “Patrolman Cates handled this emergency situation very professionally,” said Assistant Police Chief Johnny Blackburn. “He called for emergency personnel and rendered aid to the injured driver until help arrived. I think it is important that everyone knows when our officers are recognized for outstanding duty,” Blackburn added. “They are out their on the line every day, and we should acknowledge the good work that they do.”

CERT officers cover city streets, county roads and the Interstate highways

Anne Banks to attend leadership Institute


 Anne Banks

Governor Phil Bredesen has selected Anne Banks, director of the Office of Community Development and administrative assistant to city mayor Webb Banks for the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.

The Delta Region Authority (DRA) sponsors this leadership program that targets leaders throughout the region covered by the Delta Regional Authority. The area includes 240 counties in Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana that surround the lower Mississippi River, plus 20 counties in Alabama whose issues are consistent with those in the Delta.

The Institute is a year-long program designed to improve decisions made by leaders across the Delta Region. The program, commenced in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has held sessions throughout the year in Little Rock, Arkansas; New Orleans, Louisiana; Tunica, Mississippi; and Metropolis, Illinois culminating with team project presentations and a graduation ceremony in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The Delta Leadership Institute prepares emerging leaders to meet the growing challenges of the 21st century. Working in teams, participants encounter real world problems and seek to collaborate to encourage change.

County Mayor Franklin Smith is a graduate of the 2006-2007 class that listed a total of five Tennesseans in a class of 26 participants.
 

Senior property tax-freeze rules

According to Carole Graves of the Tennessee Municipal League, the Division of Property Tax Assessments has spent the past several weeks hammering out the rules and regulations for the newly-adopted property tax freeze for senior citizens. The program requirements are set to be filed with the Attorney General’s office this week and will be posted on the Comptroller’s web site, www.comptroller.state.tn.us/pa/taxfreeze.

The Tennessee General Assembly approved the Property Tax Freeze Act, SB2 by Senator Mark Norris/HB 1033 by Rep. John DeBerry, in the final days of the 2007 Legislative Session. The new law authorizes, but does not require, a municipality or county to enact property tax relief program for eligible taxpayers.

The final version of the bill uses median household income for each county to determine eligibility requirements. The income limit is based on the weighted average of the median household income for age groups 65 to 74 and 75 and over who reside within the county as determined by the 2000 Census. Income limits will change annually to reflect the cost of living adjustment for social security recipients rounded to the nearest 10 dollars.

The general provisions of the Act are as follows:

  • The tax freeze is a local option for counties and municipalities and adopted by ordinance or resolution.
  • The amendment freezes the amount of property taxes on the principal place of residence for taxpayers 65 years of age or older.
  • Taxes are frozen as of (1) the time the ordinance or resolution is adopted by the local government; (2) the tax year in which the taxpayer turns 65 years old; or (3) the tax year in which a taxpayer age 65 or over purchases their residence.
  • The legislature set an annual income limit for each county for persons to qualify.

The Act also specified that the Office of the Comptroller shall develop uniform definitions, application requirements, income verification procedures, and any other necessary policies or procedures. Any municipality or county that adopts a property tax relief program authorized under this legislation must conform to the requirements, policies, and procedures developed by the Comptroller.

“Many of the requirements and rules will mimic the State Tax Relief Program,” explains Tom Fleming, assistant to Comptroller for Assessments.

Should a local government adopt the new property tax freeze; residents will need to apply for the tax relief benefit through an electronic application process posted on the Comptroller’s web page. Applicants will have to re-apply each year. And new income limits will be posted in January of each year to reflect the required cost-of-living adjustments.

A current list of counties by eligible income limits can be found on the Comptroller’s web page, long with other pertinent information about the tax freeze. Fleming said they will continue to update the web site with information on the new program.

In addition to granting local governments the authority to freeze property taxes for senior citizens, the legislature also enhanced the State’s Property Tax Relief Program for elderly low-income citizens, disabled homeowners, and disabled veterans and widows of a disabled veteran.

The following changes will becomes effective for the tax year 2007:

  • Elderly: income limit will increase to $24,000
  • Disabled Veterans and Widow of a Disabled Veteran: program made applicable to those 100 percent disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities (instead of the more restrictive combat-related requirement.

For more information and a map and list of the income limits for each county, go to http://www.comptroller.state.tn.us/pa/taxfreeze.htm. 

Beer board grants second license

The city’s beer board, which is comprised of the Brownsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen, granted the city’s second license to serve beer. The license was granted Tuesday, August 14, to Las Palmas Restaurant located on the square.

The restaurant has been granted a state liquor license. Under a new city ordinance, restaurants obtaining a liquor license are allowed to serve beer, but only after they’re issued a beer permit by the city.

Board moves to annex tiny tract on North Washington

City board members unanimously approved annexation of a small tract located on North Washington just west of Haywood Park Hospital.

The tracts were zoned R-2 and GC. The board’s action August 14 was a first reading. The final reading and public hearing on the annexation will be held September 11.

Mayor says retail growing

At the August 14 meeting of the city board, Mayor Webb Banks says the city isn’t currently very busy with industrial prospects, but is experiencing significant retail growth.

Mayor Banks cited several developments.

  • A Memphis restaurateur has purchased the old Corner Drug Store building located on the south side of the square.
  • A men and women’s clothing store plans to open by October on the east side of the square.
  • Golden Circle Tire plans to open a branch of its new and used tire business in the Arrow Supply Building located on East Main Street.
  • Best One Tire has purchased a lot on the bypass for the purpose of building a new store.
  • All of the spaces except one have been rented in the new strip center being built near Wal-Mart on the bypass. Banks said he did not know what businesses have spoken for the retail spots.
  • Construction continues on a new Walgreen’s Drug Store at the corner of Anderson and East Main. The store is expected to be open near the end of October.

1175th honors community

Det. 1 1175th Transportation Company of the Tennessee Army National Guard members, under the direction of Sfc Chris West, were hosts at an appreciation luncheon for community members for their support of the unit. Representatives from law enforcement, business, government, schools and other groups dined on a barbecue lunch while Sgt. West thanked everyone for the many ways they had shown their support. He presented recognition plaques to both Brownsville Mayor Webb Banks (right) and Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith (left) to be posted in the courthouse and city hall for all to see.

Sergeant Forman named TACP Police Officer of the Year

The Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police held its 37th Annual Conference in Memphis in early August and awarded the Western Tennessee Division Police Officer of the Year Award to Sergeant Dave Forman of the Brownsville Police Department. This award recognizes a police officer that has demonstrated exceptional achievement and shown genuine commitment in his profession, agency and community. Forman was recognized for his rescue of Donald Dixon, a drowning victim in Brownsville on May 28. Mr. Dixon was alive when EMS arrived at the scene, but later died at the Jackson General Hospital.

“Sergeant Forman is very deserving of this recognition. His uncommon valor exemplifies the highest standard of dedication, courage, selflessness, and service to mankind above all cost; demonstrating a genuine commitment to the profession of law enforcement, his agency, and his community,” Brownsville Police Chief Gill Kendrick said.

Click here to view the County budget

RESOLUTION NO. 8073

A RESOLUTION MAKING APPROPRIATIONS TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS OF HAYWOOD COUNTY, TENNESSEE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
JULY 1, 2007 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2008

WHEREAS, Section 5-9-109, Tennessee Code Annotated, authorizes the County Legislative Body to make appropriations to non-profit organizations; and,

WHEREAS, The Haywood County Legislative Body recognizes the various non-profit organizations providing services in Haywood County have great need of funds to carry on their work; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Haywood County Legislative Body on this 20th day of August 2007.

Section 1: That one hundred and three thousand, three hundred and seventy five dollars (132,062.00) is appropriated to the organization listed below.

58500-316 CARL PERKINS CHILD ABUSE CENTER $12500.00
58500-316 BEN RICH CENTER $ 7500.00
58500-316 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE $57500.00
58500-316 GOLDEN AGE CENTER $ 7000.00
58500-316 BROWNSVILLE-HAYWOOD CO. YMCA $12500.00
58500-316 SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE TOURISM $ 875.00
58500-316 BROWNSVILLE-HAYWOOD CO. ARTS COUNCIL $ 500.00
55170-316 JACOA $ 5000.00
55170-316 ASPELL RECOVERY CENTER $ 3000.00
55170-316 TENNESSEE OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS (TOPS) $ 4487.00
55170-316 AMERICAN RED CROSS $ 5000.00
55170-316 HAYWOOD COUNTY READING RAILROAD $ 2700.00
55170-316 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY $10000.00
55190-316 WEST TENNESSEE HEARING & SPEECH $ 3500.00

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all appropriations enumerated in Section 1 above are made subject to the following conditions:

1. That the non-profit organization to which funds are appropriated shall file with the County Clerk and the disbursing official a copy of an annual report of its business affairs and transactions and the proposed use of the county’s funds in accordance with rules promulgated by the Comptroller of the Treasury, Chapter 0380-2-7. Such annual report shall be prepared and certified by the chief financial officer of such non-profit organization in accordance with Section 5-9-109 (c), Tennessee Code Annotated.

2. That said funds must only be used by the named non-profit organization in furtherance of its non-profit purposes benefiting the general welfare of the residents of the county.

3. That it is the expressed interest of the County Commission of Haywood County in providing funds to the above named non-profit organizations to be fully in compliance with Chapter 0390-2-7 of the rules of the Comptroller of the Treasury and Section 5-9-109. Tennessee Code Annotated and any and all other laws which may apply to county appropriations to non-profit organizations and so this appropriation if made subject to compliance with all of these laws and regulations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage.

APPROVED on this 20th day of August 2007

__________________________________
A. FRANKLIN SMITH, III
Haywood County Mayor

ATTEST:
__________________________________
ANN MEDFORD, County Clerk
 

Haywood Schools offer Adult Basic Education

The Haywood County Adult Education Department is offering GED classes beginning August 13, according to Vicky Morris, counselor/recruiter for the adult education program. After July 1, if your scores are a 480 overall average with no section below a 430 on the Official GED Practice Test, you will qualify to take the official GED for free.

Morris offers these statistics about GED graduates:

  • GED graduates, on an average, earn $7,000 more per year than high school dropouts.
  • GED graduates are more likely to be working full-time than high school dropouts.
  • The wages of GED graduates grew at a faster rate after earning the credential.
  • Nearly 34 percent of Haywood County’s adult population does not have a high school diploma.
  • Graduation exercises for GED students who pass the test are held each May

Classes for the GED are held:

Tuesday and Thursday nights - Fast-track classes from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Haywood County Justice Academy

Monday and Wednesday mornings – Entry-level classes from 9 a.m. to noon at the Haywood County Board of Education office, 900 E. Main Street

Tuesday and Thursday mornings - Fast-track classes are from 8 a.m. to noon at the Haywood County Board of Education office, 900 E. Main Street.

The local Adult Education Program also offers computer classes for beginners or advanced students, and ESOL classes that help improve English-speaking skills.

The Haywood County Adult Education Program does not discriminate in employment or admission on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. This program is funded under an agreement with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

How much do the classes cost? All instructions and books are free. For more information or to enroll, call 772-9734 or 772-9743.

Unemployment up slightly

Last month about this time the state’s labor force estimates reported the unemployment rate in Tennessee dropped in all but one of the state’s 95 counties. This month the picture isn’t so good with 62 counties reporting rising unemployment – but the report still paints a bright picture for Haywood County’s employment. The county’s rate is up but by only a fraction.

The most recent statistics are for June.

Haywood County’s unemployment stood at 6.9% of our labor force of 9,730. That’s up only a tenth of one percent from May. A year ago 7.7% of Haywood Countians were unemployed.
The state reports neighboring counties had similar results for June.

Madison and Tipton, 4.6%
Crockett, 5.5%
Hardeman 5.7%
Lauderdale, 6.4%

For more information, go to: http://www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/june2007county.pdf