While they’re at it

August 8, 2017

Part of the city’s problem with issuing the $69 million in certificates of obligation is that the debt would place the city over prior council’s mandated limit of 30 cents per hundred dollars of real estate valuation.

The $69 million would put them at 30.4 cents or so depending upon what issuing the bonds really costs.

Don’t worry

Their solution is to raise the rate to 35 cents.

In fact once they do that they figure then can issue another $200 million in debt.

This slide was part of yesterday’s presentation:

We are surprised they did not ask for 40 cents.

We deserve better

Brutus

8 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

City council especially clever

August 7, 2017

They’re having a very special city council meeting today (Monday, August 7, 2017).

They plan to:

  1. Discuss and take action on next year’s city budget.
  2. Discuss and take action on the city’s debt management policy.  The policy currently does not allow them issue certificates of obligation for quality of life projects.  They want to throw more money at the projects since they were so underestimated by the previous city manager.
  3. Discuss and take action relative to issuing almost $69 million in certificates of obligation.
  4. Discuss the 2012 street infrastructure program.

When they want to do special things like take more of our money they like to have special meetings to keep the un-special taxpayers out of the meeting.

We deserve better

Brutus

 

 

2 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

What’s it going to be Mr. Mayor?

August 6, 2017

Elrichboy over at elchuqueno.com published a post that details what our current mayor said during his election campaign about property tax increases.

Read it here.

Talk is cheap.

We deserve better

Brutus

8 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

EPISD–branding

August 5, 2017
This came in from Dan Wever:
This company was hired for $250,000 with 3 more years possible to improve the Brand of the EPISD. 
Below is what they put on their RFP materials answer bid. 
How could anyone not see that this was an effort to help the bond issue with taxpayer money. 
dw
 
 
 
 
BrandEra’s marketing methology is straight forward: Survey stakeholders and understand goals and expectations. Research key demographics of target market and assess competitors’ brands, messaging and advertisement placements. Develop a comprehensive marketing plan and timeline deliverables. Implement the approved campaign initiatives.
We believe the Districtwide marketing and campaiign for El Paso Independent School District must be smart to distinguish EPISD, serving to re-introducte the District to students, parents, business and community leaders, legislators, faculty and staff, alumni and area residents. The marketing initiatives must find the right balance between consistency and cutting edge ideas so that EPISD is branded boldly delivering deisred results such as increased loyalty and reserval in enrollements, attendance, and gratuation rates as well as changed perceptions of the District in specific areas. As a full-service marketing agency, BrandEra provides all elements of a successful integrated marketing, advertising and PR campaign, including: Logo and corporate branding initiatives; Market research; Creative conceptualization and campaign development; Strategic planning; Producing marketing collateral, such as newsletters, brocuches, flyers, direct mailers and point of sale materials from conception through printing and delivery; Development of digital and social medica strategies; Creation of unforgettable print, ratdio, TV and web advertising campaigns from concept through graphic design and copywriting; Strategic media buying: stretching advertising dollars and finding your “wasted” dollars; Scriptwriting press materials, including media kits and news releases; Planning special events and education showcases; Designing and updating websites; and Development of pitch packages and promotional initiatives.

30 Comments | El Paso Independent School District | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

Cement Lake

August 4, 2017

Helen Marshall sent this in:

Just a few more dollars in debt coming up when we have to pay for the damage…

Helen was referring to Will the City of El Paso Destroy Cement Lake, a recent post in elpasonaturally.com

We deserve better

Brutus

3 Comments | City government, State Government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

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