COT Red Light Camera Program: Is it effective and how much does it cost?

COT Red Light Camera Program: Is it effective and how much does it cost?

The City of Tallahassee (COT) began installing red light cameras in August of 2010. Like many local governments across Florida and the US, Tallahassee turned to the cameras in the name of safety. But from the beginning, there have been those who have argued that the program violates due process and is designed to turn […]

Ethics Advisory Panel Addresses Issue of Oversight Authority

Ethics Advisory Panel Addresses Issue of Oversight Authority

Since October 1, 2012, the City’s Ethics Advisory Panel has held eleven meetings. The panel’s research includes gathering information from around the state on how other cities address ethics, listening to testimony from citizens, former city commissioners, and the former Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Ethics. The ultimate goal of the panel is […]

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 […]

The Mayor’s Gun Resolution Deleted from Tonight’s City Agenda

A resolution on President Obama’s special task force on gun safety was scheduled to be voted on at tonight’s city commission meeting at the request of Mayor John Marks. However, the item has been deleted. Tallahassee Reports has been told by city staff that the “Mayor has requested the item be removed and brought forward […]

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 […]

Where Does The Tallahassee CRA Spend Your Money?

The City of Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has spent or committed over $27 million to redevelopment activities in two sections of town and the majority of this money has been spent in the last four years. Under Florida law (Chapter 163, Part III), local governments are able to designate areas as community redevelopment areas […]

CRA Board Discusses Homeless Shelter and North Monroe CRA District

CRA Board Discusses Homeless Shelter and North Monroe CRA District

Commissioner Gil Ziffer, the liaison between the CRA Board and the Homeless Shelter, reported that the ideal situation would be for the CRA to work with a private developer to sell the shelter property. This would enable the shelter to change locations. It was clear The CRA Board was not interested in offering formal support […]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT: This Weeks Preview

Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting On Monday, November 25th there is a Community Redevelopment Agency meeting that begins at 11:00 AM in the City Hall Chambers. Among the issues addressed will be the 2012 Annual Report, the establishment of a North Monroe Redevelopment Area, and an update from Commissioner Gill Ziffer on issues related to the […]