City, County to Consider $300,000 Study that Supports a New Tax on Vehicle Miles Traveled

City, County to Consider $300,000 Study that Supports a New Tax on Vehicle Miles Traveled

At this Wednesday’s City Commission meeting, elected officials will consider spending approximately $300,000 on a study that will provide support for the establishment of a new tax based on vehicle miles traveled. The tax is called a mobility fee. The cost of the study would be shared with the Leon County Board of County Commissioners. […]

Outside Legal Bills for Firefighter Lawsuit Cost Taxpayers $238,000

Outside Legal Bills for Firefighter Lawsuit Cost Taxpayers $238,000

Tallahassee Reports has learned that the City of Tallahassee paid $238,426 to an outside law firm for legal services associated with the lawsuit filed by former City firefighter Mark DeCarlo. A jury awarded DeCarlo $850,000 in a discrimination lawsuit. Public documents obtained through a public records request reveal that the City of Tallahassee paid Sniffen […]

ROUND 1: Pons and Maddox Spar at Local Forum

ROUND 1: Pons and Maddox Spar at Local Forum

On Monday the local Democratic Party held a forum at City Hall for local candidates. At the forum current Superintendent Jackie Pons and candidate and current City Comissioner Scott Maddox stole the show with pointed jabs at each other. Candidate Rocky Hanna was not allowed to participate because he is running as an independent. Pons […]

Which Festivals Do Tax Dollars Fund and How Many People Attend?

Which Festivals Do Tax Dollars Fund and How Many People Attend?

The Community Redevelopment Agency, which is composed of City and County Commissioners, recently released their annual report for fiscal year 2015. In the report was a list of “Promotional and Special Events” sponsored by the CRA. During the fiscal year, the CRA sponsored fourteen (14) events with approximately $65,000 in tax dollars. Listed below is a […]

Jury Awarded City Firefighter $700,000 for Mental Anguish

Jury Awarded City Firefighter $700,000 for Mental Anguish

Tallahassee Reports has learned that the recent jury verdict in favor of fired City of Tallahassee firefighter, Mark DeCarlo, included $700,000 for “mental anguish.” The total judgement awarded was $850,000. See our previous report here. Tallahassee Reports has obtained a copy of the verdict form. The entire form can be viewed here. The image below (click […]

City’s Ethics Board Delays Decision on Pledge

City’s Ethics Board Delays Decision on Pledge

The City’s Independent Ethics Board has been considering adopting an ethics pledge for Board members since November of last year. However, it appears the Board members cannot get comfortable with the language. In addition, during the meeting, City Attorney Lew Shelley, representing the City Commission, spoke to the Board and urged them not to adopt […]

Where are the Northside Community Centers?

Where are the Northside Community Centers?

If you live in the Northeast part of town, past Interstate 10 (I-10), you are in a part of town that is responsible for a large share of City property taxes and City electric rates. In other words, you are a major financial supporter of City services. However, if you live in this part of […]

Former Commissioner Debbie Lightsey Benefits Monthly From City’s Deferred Compensation Which Ended in 2010

Former Commissioner Debbie Lightsey Benefits Monthly From City’s Deferred Compensation Which Ended in 2010

Six years after the City Commission voted to end deferred compensation – the practice of augmenting Commissioner salaries with $20,000 – one former City Commissioner continues to receive financial benefits every month due to the program, even though she retired after the program was voted down. This is how. The City of Tallahassee’s Charter says […]