Look and Compare
Your are looking at our neighbor's Fire Department, Police Department and City Hall in Burns, Tennessee. Its Sunday afternoon and the Fire Department bays are open and manned. If you zoom in you can also see the emergency vehicle in the middle bay.
Burns Fire Department
Burns City Hall and Police Department
Can someone tell me how Burns has managed to have such impressive buildings and have a lower property tax rate than White Bluff? According to their census, they have approximately 2500 city residents while White Bluff has approximately 3500 residents. Burns has a city tax rate of .40 cents on the dollar while White Bluff has .54 cents on the dollar (not including the tax increase recently discussed at our City Hall.
As a whole White Bluff is larger than Burns...so how can they have more and pay less?
Notice the number of Police Cars. Does anyone know just how many patrol cars they have and the number of officers they employ?
Burns does not have trash pick-up nor do they have sewer. White Bluff has trash pick-up at the cost of approximately $50,ooo give or take a few thousand. And according to the Town Council the sewer was the only department to make money this year. I don't recall the exact amount, I think it was over $20,000.
If someone has a copy of the budget, I would like to post it for the citizens to view.
I also want to comment on the posting someone wrote about regarding the automated system that was purchased a few years ago by the Town of White Bluff. I understand the Mayor said he purchased a software package to have our town records automated. Why aren't we using this technology if we have it? Also, if we have this software, why is the Mayor considering buying a second software package to the tune of $20,000 to replace what he purchased and never used? What happened to the first software package purchased? How much did it cost? I'm sure it wasn't cheap. It must be nice to be able to make such a purchase then discard it without another thought. But after all, it wasn't out of the Mayor's pocket! Just yours and mine.
AGAIN:
Burns Fire Department Burns City Hall and Police Department
Not exacly a palace, but pretty darn nice!
posted by John Q. Taxpayer @ 6:38 PM
59 comments
59 Comments:
Thanks for the pictures. You are exactly right. Good management is my guess. I believe the software that was purchased isn't used because they did not receive any training. Nice waste of money. I wish I could throw away that much money but I have property taxes to pay and one hell of a water bill every month. Our water bill averages $130.00 for three people. Over half is for sewer. I guess sh** does cost money.
I definitely could go for something like this, Nice enough. Fire Dept. looks nice too.It looks like something of this size would suit the city of White Bluff. Not showy, but would serve our needs.Looks like it would cost a lot less than 1.2 mil.
If Burns can manage their money they get in why can't we?
If that's true about the software purchased, they can check to see if there are upgrades on that and upgrade.If the city was promised someone from where the software was purchased would teach them how to use it, why wasn't the city attorney asked to look into their obligation? That's what he'e there for.
Check out the Town Hall and Fire Hall in Pegram
they have NO PROPERTY TAX!!
Sorry sonny
Burns has a 40 cent property tax rate while
white
bluff has 54 cents. But itlooks like the are still getting more for their money.
I said look at Pegram's
Fancy Town Hall
they have no City tax
Call white bluff city hall and ask about getting the salaries
They will give you the run around
And ask them why we furnish a car and gas for one town cop that lives 20 something miles away..
more wasted dollars
he knew how far white bluff was from his home when the took the job.
and find out if the Codes Inspector gets one to drive all the way home too
To answer Sunny, Yes the codes man does get to drive a city vechile home and he used to drive at least 30 miles one way. I don't know if he still lives in hickman county. I think they should all have to park there vechiles at city hall after there shifts are over.
can anyone tell me how many homes have been saved in the last 20 years by our Fire Department?
I sincerely would like to know.
Thank you
God Bless America
none
I know the answer none to the number of houses saved over the last 20 years. I reported a house being on fire a few years ago myself. They were able to put out the fire and save all but drywall and wiring. It was a slow burning fire and had been going for quite a while.I visted the house that afternoon and the homeowners were thankful to myself for reporting the fire and the fire dept. for saving most of it. The were only out of their home for 2 or 3 months.Just trying to be fair here.
I post here often and on Nicky's site as anonymous. I am not a relative, work for city hall, or get any other benefit a normal resident doesn't get.
Just being fair here and telling my own experience.
And as for myself.I will say back when Eric Deal was just volunteering, my husband was out of town and I was home with our 2 young children. I smelled something burning but couldn't tell what. I called either the fire dept or city hall, I don't remember which, and he came out, found the wires on one of the ceiling fans buring. He took it down, put temporary wire nuts on until my husband came home to fix it.And I am greatful for that.
Anonymous You dont have a clue about how many homes have been saved by WBFD!!!!!!!!. I dought I can go back 20 years but sence our first paid guy has went on the payroll we have kept pretty good records. I will do the research and get the numbers for as many years as I can. Just off the top of my head Ebtide Boats has had three fires in the last three years and its still standing. This year the house behind Brady Mans was saved and a house on Jorden Circle was saved. I could go on and on but I will try to get the numbers of saved verses total loss.
This is not about the fire dept. doing their job. They are. If they weren't you would hear about it. It's about money. I don't think money is over spent on it either. Be glad we have a fire dept. I know if they are called to my house and do their best to save what they ca. I think they probably try to save my dog too if I had'nt been able to get him out myself.
I'm sure they take the responsibility seriously. I myself would not want to have to put out a fire at my house but I would if I had to.
I'm sure there many people who could tell you they have responded to their homes or whatever when being called that are within the city limit.
I'm the the same ananoymus who gave their personal account of the incident with a neighbors house.
If you knew who I really was, you would know this as the truth. Because I'm sure I'm not considered a friend to City Hall. City Hall is not the Fire Dept.
They just happen to both be run by the mayor.
I was responding to the anonymous who said (none) when the question was asked how many homes have been saved in the last twenty years.
I try not to take some of these comments personal but its so hard to do when you see the morale of our dept lowering more and more every day as all this plays out. We all want the most for our money just like everyone else. Although a pretty building would be nice we think whats in our building is way more importent.
Bottomline
The mayor and your council are the problem. Not the fire department or most of the workers in the other departments.
But because of the bad leadership it reflects on the entire town.
Regarding the Fire Department it is common knowledge that Eric Deal should be the Chief,
I was at Ponderosa and have overheard some people talking about White Bluff spending so much on the Cith Hall. It is a joke.
Traci said something about
Sh## costing money.
It does in White Bluff that is for damn sure
What this town needs is to give an enema to city hall!
Our rates are out sight.
And just as a side note
They should not be making a profit on the Sewer they should be breaking even.
When are the next city elections? Let's get these people out who are only in it for their interest!
John Q. if you are so enthralled and enamoured by Burns, why don't you do everyone, including yourself a favor and move to Burns!!
By the way with regard to the Codes Man living so far away, get the facts straight he lives right here in White Bluff! Not too far from town! You should know the facts before you post!
You are so ignorant telling people to move because they think the town is being ran like crap.
I don't know where McClurkan lives now, but he used to in another town.
His attitude is the problem.
And the Detective lives in freaking Cunningham
I don't care where they live but don't give them a car and fuel to get here.
How many that work in Nashville get that, not many.
Dean Hester - Outside of Town too
And find out whose mowers are cutting his grass.
Were are not going to move to suit a bunch of people intent on slopping at the public feed trough and sucking on the public teat long after they should be weaned.
They should fire about half and turn out the rest at the elections. I won't say what they are doing is illegal
but the management of this town is terrible and the decisions are costing us dearly.
Shame shame shame
I was told that the Claylick Fire Department is not taxpayer funded.
How is this possible compared to the White Bluff Fire Department?
So I'm ignorant because I don't want to hear the rantings and ravings of people who are just sitting around complaining??! After reading some of the posts on this board, I can tell you that if I am ignorant I have PLENTY of company in that department!
That is exactly right - you don't know where the Codes Man lives. Just like you don't know the full details of what goes on. You just speculate and see what you want to see.
Dean Hester lives within a stone's throw of the City Limits. What about the City of Dickson Police Department? We have plenty of individuals who are on the police force in Dickson but who live here in White Bluff. Do you think the City of Dickson should fire them too?
If you are so concerned about whose mowers are cutting Dean Hester's grass why don't you team up with John Q and take some pictures of this taking place??
I realize there are problems with White Bluff, just as there are in any town government. The biggest problem are people who are content to sit and gripe while being the same people who elected these individuals in the first place!
Solve the problem by voting them out if you don't want them there.
Getting on here and blasting them and badmouthing individuals is childish and pathetic.
By the way, I have relatives who have jobs and who have company vehicles as part of their jobs. They do not turn in their vehicles at night or on weekends. They keep them and have them for personal use as well as for business. Again - get the entire facts before you make a statement.
So the detective lives in Cunninham (I have my doubts as to this statement and I am checking it out). Plenty of officers live out of the county where they serve. The Dickson County Sheriff's Department hires individuals who live outside the immediate area but they drive their vehicles home. You can see the county cars EVERYWHERE. It is just part of the job.
Why not really, seriously investigate the internal workings of the city rather than surface complaints that can be misinterpreted or interpreted as an individual sees fit.
Oh let me make sure you all know - I am not a council member, relative of a council member, etc. Just someone who is sick of the whiners!
Last week people were complaining about the animal control officer. I want to relay a story that was witnessed this weekend. Apparently some type animal had been hit on Highway 70 Friday night or early Saturday morning. The scene was horrible. The animal control officer was there doing his job which includes picking up and disposing of the remains of this animal and attempting to clean the area. How many people who are so quick to complain would do this job for the minimal amount he is paid? Any volunteers? Remember this was a SATURDAY morning.
I never said i knew where the building and codes man lived now. I just stated the fact in the last couple of years he has not always lived in white bluff but he has got to drive the city's vehicle home.
The election a couple of weeks ago people of this town elected the same two people back into office. The next election is in APRIL of this next year.
For what it is worth, I did my part in NOT re-electing anyone back in office. Thanks for the heads up on the elections in APRIL. I have a lot of work to do between now and then.
As to to who lives where.The codes guy did live on Ridgecrest Circle in Dickson but now I think he lives somewhere on old 70. Someone said he has worked for this city for 9-11 years now. Even if poeple do drives their vechicles home, I don't think having them for personal use should be part of the deal.
About the election, I didn't vote for them either. If someone was running without competition, I didn't vote at all. I wanted the numbers reflected as to how many votes were not cast.
As to whinning and complaining, getting any information about the city from the city, try that one yourself. I have seen myself, it's not easy to do.
No there was no city election two weeks ago.
Except for the Town Judge who actually does not live here in town anymore.
I don't think that is
legal either.
You are right about one thing there is one next spring for mayor and council.
So the animal man can do something? wow give him a bozo button. He will not do anything about animals running around town. He has reportedly told many people he is afraid of dogs and a letter in the paper said he was afraid of being scratched by cats.
So you think it would be ok for city mowers to cut Dean or Jimmy's yard? And us pay for it. You must be ready to drink the koolaid too.
If the "dectective" lives in Katmandu good for him.
But I don't want to pay for a plane to drop him off everyday for that either. BAD BUSINESS!
And it is not how close Dean or Keith or the others live it is that they don't pay city taxes but we pay their salary.
TO TINY DANCER:
Claylick is all volunteer and they do fundraisers to help support the department. Also some people sign up and pay them so much each year if they so choose.
White Bluff once upon a time was all volunteer, but not now. They now take tax money from the city so they are under the thumb and control of politics.
That is the best way to destroy a good thing to make it about politics.
Go ask some of the old timer that used to work there. Like the Daughertys, Browns, Catheys. How it was back in the day. JR Bibb knew how to run the place without help from City Hall.
The people served by Claylick have the choice of signing up or not. We here in town have to pay taxes if we think it is run right or not.
I say it needs to be a REAL VOLUNTEER FD again.
They will blow smoke up your butt about insurance rates or it being better to have someone there fulltime. Well one is either watering flowers or driving a school bus. Some people checked on those insurance rates it did not matter much or at all.
That is the diff Tiny Dancer
Claylick is run right and not taxing us.
White Bluff is ran by the Mayor
Anonymous you don't want to hear the rantings and ravings of people ???
Well don't read them
what do you think people are upset and talking about???
DONNA IF YOU CAN TELL ME WHERE DICKSON CO
SHERIFF DEPUTY LIVES 30 MILES FROM HERE AND DRIVES A COUNTY CAR HOME AT NIGHT I WILL COMPLAIN TO TOM WALL
ABOUT THAT
I DON'T THINK SO THOUGH
I hope that the use of city vehicles for personal use is reported on their tax returns. If you drive a company vehicle for work and personal use, it is federal law that you report that use on your tax return. The IRS is someone that won't care what the excuses are.
You are right Traci
and I also think the "girls"
at City Hall would be responsible for reporting that along with wages and compensation.
You are right Traci
and I also think the "girls"
at City Hall would be responsible for reporting that along with wages and compensation.
Claylick Fire Dept gets some money from the county but I dont think its enough to even keep the lights on and fuel in the trucks. Most of there money comes from fund raising. Somthing WBFD is not aloud to do.
volunteer fireman-Who made that rule about no fund raising? It's a volunteer fire dept. If people are allowed to volunteer, then they should be able to have fund raisers for people to give money to the dept. if that is what they want.Since it is not a fully staffed dept. paid for by the city, you would think they would be glad to have some money coming in that could be used for needed equipment.I would like to hear more on this matter-Thanks a lot.
Bird Man - My name is NOT Donna. Keep on guessing!
ImpeachDanny - Read my post again. I NEVER said it was okay for the city to mow Dean or Jimmy's yards. I said PROVE that it is happening! Can you do that?! Sounds like you're drinking more than koolaid with comments like those!
Traci - Why don't you go face to face to City Hall and inquire as to the IRS information you are so concerned about. Once again someone trying to stir up something. I think I have the answer to your sewer problem. You are so full of it, it must be overworking itself! Stop creating trouble and making insinuations that are not backed up with facts!
In today's mail I received a package with a copy of the White Bluff budget that was just voted on and passed for next year.
I wanted to thank ever who it was that sent that along to to me, much appreciated. I cross posted this here because I was not sure if ever who sent that was reading here or on blufwatch.
This is the one with the 1.5 Million Dollar City Hall and the extra no bid $100 grand for the design plan.
There are some other interesting things in there too, but I am still going over what all is contains. I may try to post it all online for those who are curious, but need to find some way other than straining my not too good typing ability! Note this does not break down salaries per individual as some I had seen asking for online. But it does give them for each department.
Nor does it break down anything about vehicle use, gas allowence or the like. City Hall should have such detail records, if anyone wants to see about obtaining them.
I had only stopped to say thanks for sending me the budget, but wanted to comment on a few things here I just read.
To the most recent anonymous:
I only see where Traci said she hoped the income reports were done right regarding salaries from the city. Nothing wrong with that.
And someone mentioned about lawns being mowed with city epuipment, I don't know if that is true or not. You said to "prove it" Good idea anonymous!
But a good way to prove it would be a picture.
Bur would that be OK or lead to people talking about "stalking", or "let us do our jobs".
About fundraising for the Fire Department, I don't think that is their idea not to do that, I have heard it is not allowed because they get money from the city.
Anyway thanks again and have a good evening everybody.
Sence the dept is city funded we are not permitted to have fund raisers. The only thing we are aloud to do is toys for children which is like toys for tots. If someone did make a donation to the fire dept it would go into the general funds account.
wbfd vol-Thanks for the info. I'll try to give more when ya'll take up for the kids.
why can the city have fundraisers for the ballfields and other things but not the Fire Dept?
They should be able to do that and help offset what it costs and get more equipment for our firefighters.
If you get that picture of Dean mowing his grass please send put it on here that would really be awesome.
If they are getting a profit from using cars and gas they should pay tax on that. It is only fair
To anonymous: I am only a concerned citizen and will face the town council at the next meeting. Since your so full of it, why don't WE meet face to face? Do you think I care what you think? No really. But don't confuse yourself or address me unless you can face me. Bring it on. Will we see you at the council meeting so you can defend all these people? Probably not. Talk about complaining and whining. Give yourself a bozo button.
AFTER CARFUL ANALSYST
I NOW THINK THIS WEBPAGE IS THE WORK OF MRS. HOWELL
I APOLGIZE TO THE LITTLE BOY WHO WAS TAKING PHOTOGRAFS
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hey regulator
you should be careful with those ANAL SYST
Go get Dr Bombay up in the bluff to lance that bad boy haha.
What did you expect after all those years of coffee drinking and setting on your tail for the State?
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Also, my mom is not running this page. She was only voicing her opinions like everyone else. I wish I was the one running this page, but I'm not. I'll be wearing a name tag at the meeting. If you want to say something to me in person, go ahead.
NOW I NO I AM RIGHT
MUST HAVE HIT A NERVE
SAYIN YOU ARE NOT THE MASTERMIND OF THIS PGE
THAT DOG JUST WONT HUNT
LITTLE MISSY
Little Missy? The name's Crystal. By the way: it's know not no.
Crystal - Really classy and childish!
Now,who seems to be getting all "b***hy" about their opinions not being agreed with?
It's okay for you to sit and foam at the mouth about those who don't agree with you, but you don't have to be so foul-mouthed! That just isn't necessary! And if I was your mother, young lady would have your mouth washed out with soap and a scrub brush!
Oh well, I guess we will see who we see at the meetings won't we?
By the way, how will you know I am there or not? I don't feel the need to advertise myself around town. I can do just as much quietly and discreetly and not have to wear nametags, post my name (especially with all this crazed reactions!) to get all this attention.
By the way, Traci referred to my "whining and complaining". I have not complained about one thing except the stupid complaints and comments being made without substantial evidence to back them up.
Again, I am sorry you feel as though you must resort to this trash-talk and common language that no one else on here has resorted to using. Obviously, your mother must be okay with this but I wonder how your Dad would feel about this. How sad!
I'm my own person and do not need permission from my parents to talk the way I want to talk. Yes, I admit I probably shouldn't have used FOUL language, but I felt like it. Let's not drag my father into this. If John Q. wants to edit or delete my comment he can. He has the power to. This site was created to talk about taxes, not to begin personal attacks. So, sorry to everyone I have offended by using my foul language. I won't do it again. Blah, blah, blah. Sorry, John Q.
Don't let them get to you
Traci and Crystal
That is just what they want to do
make it about somebody rather than about the
waste and mismanagement of White Bluff
Keep on writing about the facts of this screwed up town
Thank you, in the know.
"That is just what they want to do
make it about somebody rather than about the waste and mismanagement of White Bluff
Keep on writing about the facts of this screwed up town"
In the Know -
So you don't think it should be made about "somebody" do you? Well, it appears that most of the comments have been made about "somebody" from the Codes Man, Dean, Jimmy and Chief Potts. How about the direct complaints about the animal control officer? These all appear to be about "somebody" rather than the mismanagement.
This was never a personal attack on anyone. This was about having indisputable evidence to back up your complaints and comments. If you don't have that then you don't have "the facts" to which you referred.
Apparently, you are not as "in the know" as you think you are. You are just "under the assumption".
No problem Crystal
ANONYMOUS
all those people you mentioned are under the authority of the mayor if they are not a department head, then that too.
So their ineptness or misuse of public funds or property should be reigned in by mangagement i.e. the Mayor and Council.
You may think they are all without fault, fine and dandy.
But some don't and when they are screwing up the town with our money that is everybodys business.
No problem Crystal
ANONYMOUS
all those people you mentioned are under the authority of the mayor if they are not a department head, then that too.
So their ineptness or misuse of public funds or property should be reigned in by mangagement i.e. the Mayor and Council.
You may think they are all without fault, fine and dandy.
But some don't and when they are screwing up the town with our money that is everybodys business.
In the know -
I understand that if they are "screwing up" that changes need to be made. However, you can't demand changes on speculation, accusations, insinuations or simply people's beliefs. You need solid evidence before you accuse someone of inappropriate conduct. Just believing something or posting a message does not make it true. In fact, the only defense to defamation of character is that the comments are true. That being said, these people whose names are being drug through the mud, may have an issue of defamation of character or slander if these accusations cannot be proven or if they are proven to be untrue.
In the know-employees can't reigned in by the council, just the mayor. Remember he told the council they weren't going to micro-manage the employees.I had something I believed to be important to say on here this morning. But after reading my horoscope(yes sometimes they just ring so true for me, sorry)on Nicky"s site I thought this was not the best time. I have my own reasons for that.
Stop slinging mud at each other. Don't you realize the best way to defeat someone is to divide and conquor?Stand up for whar you think is right, but stop the name calling.It's only working against the idea of this whole sight. Inform the public, let them decide for themselves.
here here to the last anonymous post.
stick to the issues brought up here and
debate them where you don't agree. But don't get drug into the name calling by those who would just bait people in to that.
the next to last anonymous
mentioned being able to prove what is being said.
Most of what I have seen here has been in forms of questions being raised.
But in the case of vehicles being used or other things you say need to be proved how better to prove that than to take a picture? Or would a signed confession be what you need?
I say to all the posters here, and I will take this to heart myself.
Ignore the post of those who are just trying to attack you for asking questions and saying what you believe to be true about the gross mismanagement of this town.
Ignore the ones who ask who you are or why you want to know about what is going on here in White Bluff.
You have every right to question and report on your government.
IGNORE THE FOOLS WHO THINK OTHERWISE
To all my critics who don't know me personally: I haven't named names, just the council as a whole. I have had dealings in the past with everyone mentioned above. I have never had a personal problem with any of them. I haven't said anything about the FD. I think they are great. I am glad that there are people out there who are willing to risk their lives to keep people safe. I do think that the money in question for the Palace should be used for a new fire hall on a safer road than Taylor Town. There is a blind curve there and can be quite dangerous. After some inspiring conversations this morning after calling it quits, I have decided to continue to voice my opinion. It is my God given right. Plus, majority rules and from what I can see, I am in the majority. Once again, this is not my site, I would say so because I am not a liar. I may be alot of things, but not a liar. I believe that people should pay their taxes, take care of their families, and set a good example. My daughter was just being a loyal child. She has had her mouth washed out before, but that was for lying. She is old enough to vote and does. I am quite proud of her, but I did tell her that she shouldn't use that time of language on line. But she is over 21 and do pretty much her own thing. The next time you see her father out, ask him what he thinks about it. We all pretty much think for ourselves. Thanks to all who told me to shake it off. I have.
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Not here to debate......just clarifying.....
yes - I do live in the city limits
yes - I have worked here since sept.1995
yes - I do drive a city vehicle home
yes - I am a taxpayer in the city of white bluff and have been even when I moved for awhile.
yes - I did live on Ridgecrest circle in dickson for about 3 years
yes - I am on call 24/7
yes- I do have more than one position
no - I do not and have never lived in hickman county nor have I ever lived 30 miles away
someone thinks I have attitude problems.... be glad to speek with that/those persons to find out why.....I can be reached through city hall.everyone knows that number......keep on keeping on
everyone has a right to an opinion just try to find out the facts
yeah everyone wants to get talked to like that boy did over taking a picture in public.
no attitude there.
Which job are you on call for 24/7?
and what is the total salary for those two jobs including inspection fees gas and vehicle use?
Regarding the cost of the new town hall
allow me post what I have found out and pose this QUESTION
At the risk of someone suggesting I move to Pegram. Anyone who takes a ride up toward Bellevue would have seen the new all brick, large and pretty fancy City Hall & Fire Department in Pegram. Some calls were made inquiring about the cost of that construction. From what I hear it was around $600,000. Much less than HALF what is proposed here for White Bluff City Hall. I know building cost do rise, and I have not seen the inside of the Pegram facility, but it looks large enough to more than handle anything we need here, plus that includes a new Fire Station, not a make over of an old one.
Just wanted to give a comparison, have to wonder just what all they are asking us to pay for, and if more than one plan and firm should have be considered. Take care everybody.
J Q keep it going.
Traci, Crystal et al
hang in there.
And as I said, I count myself in good company among the 'accused' of being John Q.
Who knows maybe we all are part of this vast conspiracy to say what we think...damn outragous ain't it?
Just a little FYI. Birdman, I do not post on this board. I did one time. After I seen it really has nothing to do with what is really going on I decline to leave comments. I feel the only purpose of this board is to give whiners, and people with personal vendetas a place to come vent. Also, you will never see me post anonymous! If I have something to say I say it and am not afraid to put my name behind it.
Maybe I'll stop by the mayor's house and get my share of the $20,000 dollars back.
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