Parking is a premium in Downtown Rocky Mount. To attract downtown investors city officials have made promises and have even entered into contracts regarding parking. Many of these promises and legal contracts center around the Tarboro St parking, that is now being explored to make workforce housing. We have assembled below the reporting by the Rocky Mount Telegram along with emails they obtained. Also, assembled are copies of contracts, press releases, video links and other source material.
Rocky Mount Event Center
Check It Out with Guest Lige Daughtridge - City of Rocky Mount questionable ethics issues discussed along with finances
City of Rocky Mount questionable ethics issues discussed along with finances. Check It Out with Guest Lige Daughtridge. Video available on the WHIG-TV YouTube channel.
To the Taxpayers of Rocky Mount, NC...How much more are you willing to pay?
The proposed 2018-19 budget by the Rocky Mount City Manager includes a $5.8 million increase. That’s a 9.13% increase from the current budget! It also includes an additional 3.8% property tax rate increase... an 18% increase over a five year period.
The FY 2019 proposed budget for the City of Rocky Mount calls for a 3.8% property tax rate increase and increases spending by 9.13%. If approved the tax rate for Rocky Mount will have increased 13.22% ($0.605 to $0.685) since 2017.
3.8% property tax rate increase and 9.13% spending increase
The FY 2019 proposed budget for the City of Rocky Mount calls for a 3.8% property tax rate increase and increases spending by 9.13%. If approved the tax rate for Rocky Mount will have increased 13.22% ($0.605 to $0.685) since 2017.
Did the Rocky Mount City Council violate the open meetings law?
"The Rocky Mount City Council may have violated open meetings laws
New Market Tax Credit financing for the Rocky Mount Event Center and OIC wellness center
The city of Rocky Mount approves New Market Tax Credit financing for the Event Center and the wellness center operated by OIC.
Community Center wont't save Rocky Mount
Link to Carolina Journal Commentary by Julie Tisdale - https://goo.gl/d3in7h
Julie Tisdale is city and county policy analyst for the John Locke Foundation.
Carolina Journal - Community center would add debt without taxpayer OK
Rocky Mount Mayor David Combs, speaking to a Dec. 9 meeting of the Local Government Commission, defends the city’s proposed use of debt that would not require taxpayer approval to build a new community center.(CJ photo by Kari Travis)
Click on image to link to newspaper. Turn to pages 8 and 9.
Rocky Mount Event Center: An Unwise Burden For Taxpayers
Insightful spotlight on the proposed Rocky Mount Event Center by Julie Tisdale of the John Locke Foundation.
Event Center - $2.5 million for land that’s only worth $1 million
The spending spree the City of Rocky Mount leaders have spent and propose to spend on the “proposed” Event Center is not sustainable.
Event Center - Public Hearing - Tuesday, November 1, 2016 @ 6:00pm - Rocky Mount City Hall
Tuesday night, the Rocky Mount City Council will discuss funding options on the $50+ million project.
Event Center goes from $32 million to $39 million - Oh Well!
According to City of Rocky Mount official the “proposed” Event Center will cost $32 million. City Manager Charles Penny was quoted in April that the “the guaranteed maximum cost of the potential facility is $32 million. The city is looking to be approved for $15 million in new market tax credits before moving forward to the next stage that will include getting local government consent.”
So why is this project now costing taxpayers $39 million? According to the Rocky Mount Telegram NC Senator Angela Bryant encouraged people to get involved regarding school funding by saying ““It’s not the county commissioners’ money, it’s your money.” Well we agree and hope she would say the same about The Rocky Mount City Council.””
We encourage you to attend the City of Rocky Mount City Council meeting to have your voices heard. This meeting will be held Monday, August 8, 2016, 7 – 9pm in the City Council Chamber of City Hall.
http://www.reachoutrockymount.org/?page_id=19&trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D117442996
Rocky Mount Property Tax Rate Increase? - With property values declining, city should put event center on hold
Nash County property owners will see tax values of their property reduced between $10,000 to $15,000 for every $100,000 worth of property while those in Rocky Mount could experience losses between $20,000 and $25,000 per $100,000 in value. Anyone who has sold or purchased property in our area can confirm the tax values mimic the market values.
When will the Rocky Mount City Council and Manager pull their heads out of the sand?
When will the Rocky Mount City Council and Manager pull their heads out of the sand? Who in the world is going to come to Rocky Mount when a game is cancelled due to GUNSHOTS not weather?
Rocky Mount - Utility savings? Or smoke and mirrors?
How much has the City of Rocky Mount allowed residential customers to share in the savings due to the recent reduction in electric and natural gas rates?
Rocky Mount Telegram - NC Bond Referendum and the Event Center
It was interesting to read the Rocky Mount Telegram Editorial in support of the North Carolina bond referendum. This referendum will allow North Carolina taxpayers to vote, up or down, for a $2 billion general obligation bond for infrastructure.
Rocky Mount Event Center - Buyer Beware!
The Rocky Mount City Council has voted. The building of the Event Center which is now called the Downtown Community Center is apparent. Thankfully, the City Council voted to have a local contractor design/build the Event Center. At the Monday - September 14, 2015 City Council meeting the construction duo of Barnhill/Holt Contractors will reveal preliminary design and layout to the public.
We remain disappointed this was not put to a referendum and remain doubtful this will meet projections. The Community Council has pointed out areas of concern along with providing examples of failed projects. While saying this we hope our concerns are wrong and this proves to be the catalyst that transforms Rocky Mount.
This leads us to Ralston, NE which is another example of an arena that is a drain to the taxpayers. Ralston is small but is located just outside of Omaha which sports a MSA population just shy of 1 million. Ralston citizens were allowed to vote on this project which passed with 80% approval. Voters were told this would be so successful property taxes would be cut by 33%, construction debt would be serviced and the arena would generate a profit. Instead the forecasted revenue is $1 million short and operations exceeded the forecast by $2 million. Now Ralston citizens are faced with a property tax increase, funds diverted to cover debt and the potential of bankruptcy.
Sounds crazy but read the articles in the Omaha World-Herald. http://goo.gl/FFtneU
Here's to success and as the band R.E.M. sang about here's to Shiny Happy People. Buyer Beware!
Property Tax and Rate Increases - Rocky Mount and Edgecombe County Considering Budget
City of Rocky Mount
On Monday night, June 8th, the Rocky Mount City Council will consider a new budget that includes increases to the property tax in addition to water and sewer rates. The property tax increase is to build the event center when it has not even been approved by the City Council or the NC Local Government Commission.
- Increase current property tax rate of $0.58 to $0.60 (3.33% increase) or $0.605 (4.13% increase) by 2019 the plan is to increase property taxes to $0.6385 (9.16% increase)
- Property Taxes include things such as homes, land, cars, trucks, boats, etc.
- Increase Water Rates by 4%
- Increase Sewer Rates by 5%
Click on the link to see the time and location of the City Council Meeting. http://goo.gl/wK3u5K
Edgecombe County
On Monday, June 22nd, the Edgecombe County Commissioners will consider a new budget that includes a substantial property tax increase of $0.075 (7.73% increase). This will move Edgecombe County from the third highest property tax rate in North Carolina to the second highest. Currently Northhampton County has a tax rate of $0.92 and Scotland County has a tax rate of $1.03.
Edgecombe County side of the City of Rocky Mount
The Edgecombe side of Rocky Mount will have a property tax rate 19% higher than the Nash side of Rocky Mount. Currently there is a 15.25% property tax difference for the same jurisdictions.
Event Center and Sales Tax Legislation could result in Rocky Mount increasing property taxes by 20%
Rocky Mount Telegram letter to editor states how the "proposed" event center and sales tax legislation could result in Rocky Mount increasing property taxes by 20%.
"Proposed" Rocky Mount Event Center by the Numbers – Interpretation
Here we try to breakdown the SFA presentation to be less confusing.
“Proposed” Rocky Mount Event Center by The Sports Facilities Advisory (SFA) - V2
On February 23, 2015 the Rocky Mount City Council held an informational meeting regarding the "proposed" event center for citizens and property tax payers.
"Proposed" Rocky Mount Event Center by The Sports Facilities Advisory (SFA)
On February 23, 2015 the Rocky Mount City Council held an informational meeting regarding the "proposed" event center for citizens and property tax payers.
Rocky Mount Event Center Presentation
Rocky Mount Event Center Presentation
by Sports Facilities Advisory (SFA)
Will the Rocky Mount City Council tap EB-5 funding to finance the "proposed" event center?
EB-5 funding is back in the news.
Update from The Community Council
We want to take a few moments to update you on The Community Council and our plans regarding the “proposed” event center by the Rocky Mount City Council.
Charlotte has $22.8 million worth of reasons why Rocky Mount should not build an event center
The Charlotte City Council will vote to stick creditors with $22.8 million of debt owed for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
EB-5 Funding - Rocky Mount's option for funding the event center
Rocky Mount's option for funding the "proposed" event center.
What happens when you sell US citizenship for $500,000? The dark, disturbing world of EB-5 visas: http://bit.ly/1uirMtd
Author Heywood Sanders of Convention Center Follies speaks at the John Locke Foundation Shaftesbury Society luncheon
Author Heywood Sanders of Convention Center Follies speaks at the John Locke Foundation Shaftesbury Society luncheon September 29, 2014.
Update from the Community Council
This year The Community Council has been working and researching various topics which impact our community.
How Rocky Mount stacks up to other North Carolina Municipalities
Over the past few months the Rocky Mount City Manager and Council have made some bold proposals that impact our community.
How much more can we handle?
According to the Rocky Mount Telegram we will likely see a 7% increase in our electric and gas bills while sewer charges will increase by 5%.
Is it Possible to Make the "Proposed" Event Center Profitable?
It comes to no surprise that the Rocky Mount City Council votes to proceed with securing funds (including, but not limited to EB-5 and New Market Tax Credits) for funding of the "proposed" event center.
Quid pro quo? - Audio of Rocky Mount City Council Meeting - April 28, 2014
This audio provides great insight into the mindset of the Rocky Mount City Council.
Rocky Mount Telegram Opposes the Proposed Event Center.
The Rocky Mount Telegram does not “believe an event center is in the best interests of this community at this time.”
Proposed Rocky Mount Event Center Financing
On March 24th, the Rocky Mount City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting consisted of presentations by Davenport & Company, Bridget Chisholm with BWC Consulting and an attorney.
Things to Consider with the City of Rocky Mount Proposed Event Center
We encourage folks to read both the Rocky Mount Event Center Market Feasibility Study by AECOM and Frequently Asked Questions piece published by the City of Rocky Mount.
Financing Options for the proposed Rocky Mount Event Center
Rocky Mount City Manager, Charles Penny, will present financing options for the proposed Event Center at the 2:00 PM City Council of the Whole Meeting March 24, 2014.
Wrong Time, Wrong Place, Maybe Wrong all the way Around?
The proposed Downtown Event Center should be a concern to every citizen in the City of Rocky Mount, Nash and Edgecombe Counties.
Event Center - City of Rocky Mount Event Center Market/Feasibility Study
The City of Rocky Mount has released the proposed Event Center Market/Feasibility Study by AECOM Technical Services, Inc (AECOM).
Proposed $37.2 Million City of Rocky Mount Event Center Presentation
What: Proposed $43.6 Million City of Rocky Mount Event Center Presentation
When: Monday, December 9, 2013, 4 – 6pm
Where: The Fred Turnage Municipal Building on Franklin St - Committee Room
Why: -- Please Read Below --