By Heidi Hall • THE TENNESSEAN • April 30, 2009
Metro Nashville partially activated its emergency operations center and launched a swine flu hotline Thursday for residents who need up-to-date information about the pandemic.
The hotline number is 615-340-7775.
Tennessee's top health official said this morning residents should prepare for months of swine flu infections and make family plans to deal with it.
The Centers for Disease control is working to include the Novel H1N1 virus in next year's flu shot. For now, Tennessee Health Commissioner Susan Cooper is assuring Tennesseans there is plenty of anti-viral medication for people who contract the disease, and health care workers have practiced administering it in mass quantities.
She said parents need to be making plans for their families.
"If your children are dismissed from school, where are they going to go?" she said.
Two schools already have been temporarily closed over the state's only two probable cases to date: Harding Academy in Nashville and School of the Incarnation in Collierville.
Education Commissioner Tim Webb said districts will handle school closings on a case-by-case basis in line with CDC recommendations. Schools are still taking field trips to areas that aren't heavily affected.
The information came during morning a media conference call. What was missing from the information given: anything that could identify the victims outside of the schools they attend and counties where they live. Cooper wouldn't answer questions about whether the infections were related to Mexico travel.
"This is a global issue. It's not just related to Mexico," she said. "Many of the cases we're seeing in the United States have no link to Mexico."
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Alarmed homeowners question county tax reappraisals
Amid slumping market, many wonder how their property's worth could be on the upswing
By Clay Carey • THE TENNESSEAN • April 22, 2009
Like many other Sumner County residents, Aaron Kisner was alarmed by the new, higher value the county government has placed on his home.
On the notice he received last week, Kisner's home in Hendersonville was appraised for tax purposes at $166,000 — 15 percent more than it was three years ago. During that time, he said, he's fixed up the lawn a bit but made no major improvements to the home itself.
"My initial reaction was, 'I wish,' " said Kisner, 48, who works for an engineering firm. "I told them, 'If you want to buy it at that price, come on over.' "
Kisner's skepticism is shared by other homeowners in Davidson and Sumner counties, where land was revalued this year as part of a routine reappraisal that will happen in every Nashville-area county over the next three years.
This year, with the housing market slumping, many of those who have been notified question how their property's worth could be on the upswing, and whether the new values are setting the stage for higher taxes.
Davidson County homeowners will get their new property value notices in the mail this week, and many can expect increases: In the Sylvan Park area, values went up almost 29 percent; in the neighborhoods around Belmont and Vanderbilt, they are up more than one-third.
In Sumner County, property values across the board are up 14.25 percent, property assessor John Isbell said. In more rural areas, the values have increased more slowly — land values were up 12.28 percent in tiny Westmoreland in northeastern Sumner.
But in faster-growing areas closer to Nashville, increases were higher. Hendersonville property values are up 19.28 percent.
"I was shocked to death. I was astounded," Hendersonville retiree Bill Carney said. The value of his home in the Rolling Acres neighborhood off New Shackle Island Road rose 10 percent from $156,000 to $172,000.
"That is ridiculous," Carney said. "I would have to drive no telling how far from my neighborhood to find property selling for $172,000. … I'm floored."
The state requires reappraisals every four, five or six years, depending on the county. They are designed to make sure that property values used to calculate tax bills are in line with current trends.
In some cases, Isbell said, homes may not be selling for what they were a few months ago, but the adjusted values represent what the land was worth on the first day of 2009. And while land values may have gone down over the past few months, they remain above the levels of three years ago, the last time the county updated its rolls.
The reappraisal "has to encompass the growth of 2006 and 2007, as well as part of '08," Isbell said.
Appeals are hard to win
At the end of a reappraisal, the state issues counties and cities a new certified tax rate.
Governments are required to adopt those rates, which are calculated to bring in the same amount of property tax revenue that the existing rate generates.
The new certified rate is almost always lower than the existing rate, but that doesn't mean taxes won't go up. Metro increased the rate after each of its last four reappraisals. After Sumner's last full reappraisal in 2003, county commissioners raised the property tax from $2.14 per $100 of assessed value to $2.59.
Since Sumner homeowners started getting new property value notices last week, Isbell said, his office has fielded a steady stream of callers and visitors with complaints and concerns. Dozens have already signed up to appeal their values.
"We fully expected that, given the temperament," Isbell said. Appeals will be heard in June and July.
There may well be more appeals this year in Sumner and elsewhere because of tough economic times, said Steve Nelson, president of Criterion Property Resources, a Brentwood property tax consulting firm. But it isn't likely that there will be more successful appeals.
That is because it is hard to show with any authority exactly what the economy did to housing values last year. Hard data on sales lag behind by as much as a year, Nelson said.
"You have to prove the economy has done what we know it has done. …You have to prove your case," he said. "People may be feeling pain, but you have to have data to back it up."
By Clay Carey • THE TENNESSEAN • April 22, 2009
Like many other Sumner County residents, Aaron Kisner was alarmed by the new, higher value the county government has placed on his home.
On the notice he received last week, Kisner's home in Hendersonville was appraised for tax purposes at $166,000 — 15 percent more than it was three years ago. During that time, he said, he's fixed up the lawn a bit but made no major improvements to the home itself.
"My initial reaction was, 'I wish,' " said Kisner, 48, who works for an engineering firm. "I told them, 'If you want to buy it at that price, come on over.' "
Kisner's skepticism is shared by other homeowners in Davidson and Sumner counties, where land was revalued this year as part of a routine reappraisal that will happen in every Nashville-area county over the next three years.
This year, with the housing market slumping, many of those who have been notified question how their property's worth could be on the upswing, and whether the new values are setting the stage for higher taxes.
Davidson County homeowners will get their new property value notices in the mail this week, and many can expect increases: In the Sylvan Park area, values went up almost 29 percent; in the neighborhoods around Belmont and Vanderbilt, they are up more than one-third.
In Sumner County, property values across the board are up 14.25 percent, property assessor John Isbell said. In more rural areas, the values have increased more slowly — land values were up 12.28 percent in tiny Westmoreland in northeastern Sumner.
But in faster-growing areas closer to Nashville, increases were higher. Hendersonville property values are up 19.28 percent.
"I was shocked to death. I was astounded," Hendersonville retiree Bill Carney said. The value of his home in the Rolling Acres neighborhood off New Shackle Island Road rose 10 percent from $156,000 to $172,000.
"That is ridiculous," Carney said. "I would have to drive no telling how far from my neighborhood to find property selling for $172,000. … I'm floored."
The state requires reappraisals every four, five or six years, depending on the county. They are designed to make sure that property values used to calculate tax bills are in line with current trends.
In some cases, Isbell said, homes may not be selling for what they were a few months ago, but the adjusted values represent what the land was worth on the first day of 2009. And while land values may have gone down over the past few months, they remain above the levels of three years ago, the last time the county updated its rolls.
The reappraisal "has to encompass the growth of 2006 and 2007, as well as part of '08," Isbell said.
Appeals are hard to win
At the end of a reappraisal, the state issues counties and cities a new certified tax rate.
Governments are required to adopt those rates, which are calculated to bring in the same amount of property tax revenue that the existing rate generates.
The new certified rate is almost always lower than the existing rate, but that doesn't mean taxes won't go up. Metro increased the rate after each of its last four reappraisals. After Sumner's last full reappraisal in 2003, county commissioners raised the property tax from $2.14 per $100 of assessed value to $2.59.
Since Sumner homeowners started getting new property value notices last week, Isbell said, his office has fielded a steady stream of callers and visitors with complaints and concerns. Dozens have already signed up to appeal their values.
"We fully expected that, given the temperament," Isbell said. Appeals will be heard in June and July.
There may well be more appeals this year in Sumner and elsewhere because of tough economic times, said Steve Nelson, president of Criterion Property Resources, a Brentwood property tax consulting firm. But it isn't likely that there will be more successful appeals.
That is because it is hard to show with any authority exactly what the economy did to housing values last year. Hard data on sales lag behind by as much as a year, Nelson said.
"You have to prove the economy has done what we know it has done. …You have to prove your case," he said. "People may be feeling pain, but you have to have data to back it up."
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Crime log for South Davidson County, April 11-15
To see entire list please go to:
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090416/COUNTY0104/90416084/1123/COUNTY01
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090416/COUNTY0104/90416084/1123/COUNTY01
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Security Issue- What to take to bed with you!
What to take to bed with you (sent by Fran as a reminder)
- PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT
Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents
your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you
run across. - Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise
outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just
press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off,
and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or
the car battery dies. - This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you
come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think
of this: - It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and
requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most
everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your
battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key
fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your
car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your
house, odds are the burglar rapist won't stick around... After a
few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to
see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. - And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a
parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there ..... This is
something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it
could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.
P.S. This is being sent to everyone because of the importance
Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart
attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my
Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside
and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then
she'll know there's a problem.
Please pass this on even IF you've read it before. It's a
reminder.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wilhoite invites Rooker to Discuss Property Reappraisal
As many of you know, it is time for the Davidson County Property Reappraisal. Some of you have already received notices. Please attend the meeting that I have set to be held 6:30pm - Thursday, April 16 - Una Elementary School (in the cafeteria) 2018 Murfreesboro Road. This is an important meeting where Mr. George Rooker and his appointees will be on hand to answer your questions about your tax assessment. Below is Correspondence from Mr. Rooker, Property Assessor.
Please attend.
Gratefully,
Vivian
Correspondence from Property Assessor George Rooker
Re: Davidson County Property Reappraisal
Dear friends - As you are probably aware, Davidson County is going through a property reappraisal. I appreciate the many questions that you probably have about this process. I am very interested in answering your questions thoroughly and listening to your concerns carefully. Please see the broad facts below as a starting point for discussion.
Public meetings countywide: Public meetings have been scheduled around the county by many Council Members. If you are unable to make the meeting in your area, please feel free to attend any that will work with your schedule (see schedule below). Each meeting will include a quick, 20-minute power point presentation with Q and A immediately following.
Notice mailing datesand property information updated online: My office will mail property reappraisal notices to approximately 260,000 property owners throughout April.
The southeastern portion of the county (including Council districts 13, 16, 17, and 26-33) will receive notices around April 10. The northern portion of the county (including Council districts 1-15, excluding 13) will receive notices around April 17. The southwestern portion of the county (including Council districts 18-25, as well as 34 and 35) will receive notices around April 24. Please also see our website for more information, to view your property information specifically after the corresponding mailing date, and to contact my office if you have concerns - go to http://www.padctn.com/ or call 862-6080.
Here are important broad facts to get us started:
Please see the Property Assessor's website for more information and to contact us - http://www.padctn.com/ <http://e2ma.net/go/1892151726/1732672/64622381/goto:http://www.padctn.com/> .
Thank you for your time and please don't hesitate to contact us if you need more information.
George Rooker, Jr.Assessor of Property
615-862-6080
Please attend.
Gratefully,
Vivian
Correspondence from Property Assessor George Rooker
Re: Davidson County Property Reappraisal
Dear friends - As you are probably aware, Davidson County is going through a property reappraisal. I appreciate the many questions that you probably have about this process. I am very interested in answering your questions thoroughly and listening to your concerns carefully. Please see the broad facts below as a starting point for discussion.
Public meetings countywide: Public meetings have been scheduled around the county by many Council Members. If you are unable to make the meeting in your area, please feel free to attend any that will work with your schedule (see schedule below). Each meeting will include a quick, 20-minute power point presentation with Q and A immediately following.
Notice mailing datesand property information updated online: My office will mail property reappraisal notices to approximately 260,000 property owners throughout April.
The southeastern portion of the county (including Council districts 13, 16, 17, and 26-33) will receive notices around April 10. The northern portion of the county (including Council districts 1-15, excluding 13) will receive notices around April 17. The southwestern portion of the county (including Council districts 18-25, as well as 34 and 35) will receive notices around April 24. Please also see our website for more information, to view your property information specifically after the corresponding mailing date, and to contact my office if you have concerns - go to http://www.padctn.com/ or call 862-6080.
Here are important broad facts to get us started:
- Why does the Property Assessor's office reappraise homes? To restore fairness. We are required by state law to reappraise property values periodically so the city may distribute the property tax burden fairly.
- Why do we have a property tax? The property tax funds about half of the city's annual budget, which pays for services - fire and police protection, public schools, parks, corrections, libraries, trash collection, and so on.
- How do you determine my property's value? Much like when you bought your home, we conduct an appraisal - which means we visit every property in the county to determine if and how the property has changed (or not). Then we compare each property in the area to similar properties in the same area that sold near January 1, 2009 (creating market value)
- I know my property value has fallen... The reappraisal process happens every four years. The last reappraisal was done in 2005. Most properties in our city gained value throughout 2005, 2006 and part of 2007. Data show us that values have fallen since the summer of 2007, but not enough to outweigh overall gains. At the end of the day, most home values have produced a net gain since 2005.
- The county may not make a "profit" from the reappraisal process. If the appraisals for the entire county show an increase in overall property values, the property tax rate (the multiplier) is reduced to neutralize the gain. The discussion about the property tax rate continues from there. The Property Assessor's office does not determine the final tax rate.
- My assessment seems wrong... We want to set your property value correctly and fairly. We encourage you to check our work and inform us of any errors about your home's characteristics (number of bathrooms, for example). Please see the Property Assessor's website to view specific information about your property, and to see information about the process for informal review and appeals.
Please see the Property Assessor's website for more information and to contact us - http://www.padctn.com/ <http://e2ma.net/go/1892151726/1732672/64622381/goto:http://www.padctn.com/> .
Thank you for your time and please don't hesitate to contact us if you need more information.
George Rooker, Jr.Assessor of Property
615-862-6080
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Hello District "29" Neighbors
I pray that all of you and everyone in Davidson county was safe through the storms and tornado experienced today (April 2, 2009) and will continue to be safe until after the storm pass. I can't help but ask, "Are you prepared in the event of a tornado?" The American Red Cross advises that severe weather season is upon us.
Click on Get your family prepared today! http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=gfLKJMNpEaKJI2I&s=8fLMJ2OBJ9LJKXOvFlE&m=lmKYKgOUIdK6G to learn tips of how to stay safe.
Be Blessed!
Gratefully,
Vivian
Click on Get your family prepared today! http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=gfLKJMNpEaKJI2I&s=8fLMJ2OBJ9LJKXOvFlE&m=lmKYKgOUIdK6G to learn tips of how to stay safe.
Be Blessed!
Gratefully,
Vivian
Garage Sale - Update
We have about 20 units so far that are planning to participate...It is not to late to join in!
First of all I want to thank the many people that have offered to help with signs or anything else that needs to be done! Will let you all know if helped is needed and pass the word to your neighbors...The more the better.
So far we have a good variety of units that want to participate, but can still use more.
If you would like to participate just feel free to leave me an email at mssphotography@aol.com and I will add you to the list.
Come on the more the better!
If not interested feel free to come out and meet your neighbors!
Happy Holidays to all!
Mindy
First of all I want to thank the many people that have offered to help with signs or anything else that needs to be done! Will let you all know if helped is needed and pass the word to your neighbors...The more the better.
So far we have a good variety of units that want to participate, but can still use more.
If you would like to participate just feel free to leave me an email at mssphotography@aol.com and I will add you to the list.
Come on the more the better!
If not interested feel free to come out and meet your neighbors!
Happy Holidays to all!
Mindy
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