The Ellis County Press: Lancaster: Dist. 4 councilman shouts, 'I kill people'; 4-3 vote approves tax increase

Lancaster: Dist. 4 councilman shouts, 'I kill people'; 4-3 vote approves tax
increase
================================================================================
Staff Report on 09/16/2010 12:46:00


LANCASTER - During the recent vote Monday, Sept. 13 to increase taxes in the
city of Lancaster, Councilman James Daniels let all residents know how he felt
about the recent flier concerning the tax increase hearing going around and
inserted in The Ellis County Press.
"I will not be threatened," said Daniels, district 4 representative. "I kill
people, I was in the military for 35 years."
Daniels continued to say, "Don’t threaten me, I will vote my conscience
tonight."
Not the only one feeling heat from the flier, others expressed their opinions.
District 2 Councilman Todd Love said he wanted to make clear he does not always
vote with City Manager Ricky Chil-ders recommendations.
"I vote issues, not people," said Love.
Support from ex-city or school officials to increase taxes were apparent.
"I am not Mark Cuban but, I have a check for $100 to give the city and I urge
everyone of you to do the same," said Carol Strain-Burk, a member of the council
for 10 years who was voted out this past May.
Ex-School Board President Carolyn Morris agreed.
"Everyone should be at the school board meeting, their taxes are high over
there," said Morris, also voted out of her seat this past May.
"I agree, we should bring the mayor and city manager money."
The nine percent tax increase was approved with a final vote of 4-3.
Mayor Marcus Knight and Councilmember’s Love, Daniels and Clyde Hariston voted
for the increase.
Mayor Deputy Pro Tem Nina Morris and Councilmember’s Marco Meja and Walter
Weaver voted against.
"This was our third public hearing, we are not trying to deceive you [the
taxpayers] at all," said Knight.
"This is your city, your council chambers, call or e-mail us."
While a water increase was also set off for the evening, Love questioned
Childers recommendation about the quality of the water.
"It should taste better," said Childers.
Love recanted with, "should?"
"I don’t like paying more for something I don’t like," said Love.
With a motion made by Love, the water increase failed with a 4-3 vote.
Knight, Daniels and Hairston opposed.
Knight said the city will have to discuss what to do in a workshop later on
since there are not going to be an increase in fees.
Finally, the budget was approved with a 4-3 vote the same as the tax increase.
Fifteen warm bodies will no longer have jobs as of Oct. 1, much to the disgrace
of residents willing to pay the tax increase if the fire personnel could be kept
on.
One local was noted as saying, "Our choices are between increased taxes and
losing services, I don’t want to see anyone lose their job if at all
possible."
Childers noted the city is cutting $1.5 million out of the budget by cutting 34
positions, 15 of those currently occupied.