"Wamp em!"
Published Thursday, October 9, 2008
Ever felt as if you have been "sucker punched?" Many citizens who spoke at Monday night's City Council meeting had the feeling that they had been hit in the gut by the Steve Wampler property assessment methodology. Sadly, Wampler had been unable to explain to Franklin citizens on two previous occasions how his unique, inconsistent assessment process actually worked. Citizen after citizen showed examples of double and in a few cases of triple digit assessment increases above the previous assessments that were conducted only two years ago by Blue Ridge!
It was clear that the vetting of Wampler's company was not thorough. How many more "off base" hires with such severe consequences can this small city absorb without individuals being held accountable? Two council members ran on a platform of greater city employee accountability. Is this not a time to "walk the talk?" Shouldn't Council members address the poor vetting effort? Who is responsible?
The Board of Equalization was unfairly held up as the scapegoat for citizen's ire. Mayor Council did try to put a positive spin on the board members being fellow citizens with fair intentions, who had to work within the limits of their state supplied training and guidelines. This would have been the appropriate time for those involved with the Wampler vetting process to come to the board's defense. If this had occurred, the following could have been addressed with the irate citizens:
Explain the vetting process used. Who recommended Steve Wampler to us? Were any localities who had used his services contacted and what were their comments? Was Wampler's methodology different than that of Blue Ridge? (previous assessors)? Was his approach out of line with the Board's state supplied training? Was the seemingly unfair methodology reported to the correct state authorities? What recourse do citizens have beyond what has already occurred? To what body or individual can they appeal?
Shouldn't the vetting process be changed to "practice what they preached?"
Comments
The Council can easily rectify an overall assessement increase across the board with a rate adjustment. Did the equalization board give Wampler any feedback in isolated situations such as commercial lots that are valued in line with Lowes, Farm Fresh & KFC.
Individual business are hit hard in Franklin with regard to meal & property taxes, business licenses and utility costs. Small business cannot continue to absorb these items. Look at all the vacancies throughout our city.
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