Lightsey Complaint Dismissed, Investigation Continues

Lightsey Complaint Dismissed, Investigation Continues

In a convoluted decision that is sure to keep the controversy surrounding the pension payments of former City Commissioner Debbie Lightsey alive, the City’s Independent Ethics Board dismissed a complaint filed by local businessman Erwin Jackson, but called for further investigation. The Ethics Officer, Julie Meadows-Keefe, recommended the compliant be dismissed “without investigation because it […]

Oversight Authority At Center of Ethics Panel Discussion

Oversight Authority At Center of Ethics Panel Discussion

The City’s Ethics Advisory Panel held a public hearing Wednesday night in the City Hall Chambers. But before the public meeting, the Panel took care of some unfinished business with regards to the structure of the oversight authority for a new ethics code. The focus of the Panel was a recommendation by Panel member Jaber […]

Is the City Doing Enough to Inform the Public?

Is the City Doing Enough to Inform the Public?

After two weeks of controversy swirling around allegations that the city of Tallahassee was charging state sales tax on electricity provided to certain customers, Wednesday’s city hall meeting ended with Commissioner Scott Maddox statement of, “We’re not taking candy from babies.”  This was in regards to Erwin Jackson who brought the issue to the table […]

COT Not Responsible For Notifying Customers of Tax Exemptions

The Citizens Advisory Board for utilities met today at City Hall and discussed the recent controversy over sales tax exemptions on electricity. Dr. Erwin Jackson spoke at the meeting. Reese Goad, head of Business Services, stated that it was not the responsibility of the city to notify citizens and business owners about tax exemptions that […]

Facts About The Sales Tax Exemptions On Electricity Controversy

Facts About The Sales Tax Exemptions On Electricity Controversy

The recent controversy about sales tax exemptions for certain citizens and businesses will be addressed by the City of Tallahassee in two different venues this week. First, on Tuesday, the issue is on the agenda of the Citizens Advisory Committee on utilities under the heading of “Overview of the Residential Usage Florida Sales Tax Exemption […]

City Faces Controversy Over Sales Tax on Electric Bills

During the last City Commission meeting, Dr. Erwin Jackson alerted city commissioners that the City’s utility department was charging state sales tax on electricity provided to certain customers that were exempt from the tax. To make his point, Mr. Jackson showed documentation that included a refund from the city to Mr. Jackson of approximately $5600 […]