No surprise, sales tax revenues are still down in Sioux Falls. If you think we are just going to ‘POP’ out of this recession by simply ‘SAYING’ things are getting better, you are crazy. I actually think things are getting worse and we have not bottomed out yet in Sioux Falls, and it is refreshing to see that our new mayor understands at least one thing that is going on in our city and country;
But, numbers released Thursday show that the sales tax numbers have now dropped one percent compared to last year at this time. Mayor Mike Huether says he was not surprised by the seven point swing, saying the economy hasn’t fully turned around yet.
“I think that those are more realistic. The economy in no way has recovered completely,” Huether said.
And Huether says the new numbers prove that the city needs to keep spending under control and do even more this year to cut the budget.
“We will scrutinize the spending habits of city government even more,” Huether said.
While I agree cuts should be made, we must also have a one year break from special interest spending. I guess I don’t agree with cutting customer service to citizens when we are not cutting special interests. If we want to cut back on the Parks budget, which is beneficial to everyone, then we need to stop giving the Zoo money for monkey hot tubs. Citizen services should come first, and foremost. Trust me, I believe that Mike wants to trim the city budget, but if he cuts services for the sake of indoor pools and hockey rinks, he’ll hear about it, and not just from me. Remember Mike, you can’t have your cake and eat it to. Munson thought that was the case. You have to make a decision; Citizens or Special interests.
Doesn’t this also kind of prove the point that a Sales Tax for the Events Center really wouldn’t work at this point since there would be so much opposition to it not only from the group for the low-income/food stamps people, but just in general citizens that think it is a bad idea?
Yes, but Mike was against that idea anyway. But the triple B is kind of the same premise. While I don’t oppose the increase in the BB & B tax, to ‘help’ with funding a new EC, It still won’t cut it. The facility will need at least 70-80% private funds to make it.
City swimming pools are not open for Memorial Day. KELO reported $60,000 was saved. Given the parks budget, isn’t this just trivial. Think of all the kids who eagerly awaited the pool to open who will be sitting home bored or in trouble this weekend. Mayor Mike doesn’t have school aged kids, nor do I. Fee/fine, punish, or imprison the adult citizens but do no deprive children of their childhood.
It sure sounds like they’ll be asking for a tax increase soon.
Yes, cut special interests. Also, cut Channel 16. Cut city employees who live outside city limits and don’t pay property taxes (about 500).
Where will an events center come from? It’s a Munson like fairy tale that can never happen before 2020 when the Iowa Casino starts to lose popularity.
Cut city employees who live outside city limits and don’t pay property taxes (about 500).
That is pretty short sighted… where do you think most of those city employees buy food, clothes, new televisions, furniture etc? Besides – they are still paying property taxes whereever they live – the only things the city would be missing out on are the special curb assessments etc which is a rather trivial amount.
Detroit L3wis:
“The facility will need at least 70-80% private funds to make it.”
Stop channelling Kermit’s nonsense. That level of private funding doesn’t happen, even in a good economy. 20%-30% is all we’ll ever see for private investment.
Big picture people: Lyon County will draw more people to the area. It’s ripples will be felt in Sioux Falls. We need to focus on drawing more people in, whether it’s to visit or to stay. Events Center and it’s ripples are a critical component, as is better & cheaper air service.
BTW, are you L3wis or Detroit L3wis or WTF? Fuckin A pick a handle.
I’m curious how many concerts will be lost to the casino with the 1200 seat events hall they are planning.
1,200 seats isn’t exactly the same market as 12,000 – 15,000. If your number is accurate they will end up competing against the Orpheum or Pavilion or even places like the Holiday Inn… but not against the Arena or future EC.
That’s what I was talking about, the Pavilion, since the Pavilion consistently passes up rock concerts.
Do people who gamble go to Rock shows? More like Toby Keith a lyrical mastermind. Or Daniel O’Day.
Congrats to the Little River Band for adding one more potential destination!
Hey, I’ve seen Lucinda Williams at a Casino in Council Bluffs. Laugh at it all you want, but if the Casino thinks they can make money booking a rock band at the Casino, they’ll do it. Unlike the Pavilion, they are concerned about making money not being elitists that are funded by taxpayers.
gogolo bordello is playing at that same CB casino in july. the stir is a great venue.
Sweet. Can’t wait for Merle, Willie, David Allen Coe and the rest of the Good Ole Boys to appear LIVE in Larchwood, Iowa.
Is that why the last ED was fired? He brought in acts people like? Tater Salad, Joan Rivers, and local?
John I think you meant to say Daniel O’Donnell, and he is good, I know lots of younger people that like him, as well as older people.
Of course he is, he comes from the land of drinkers.