October 2007

October 3, 2007 22:25 - Do You Want a Formula One Race Track in Blanco County?

If you are concerned about this proposed development, you should plan to attend the next meeting of the Johnson City Independent School District. (Read Article)

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October 6, 2007 11:35 - Formula One Racetrack in Blanco County - Update

Over the course of the past few days there have been several discussions with staff and Directors of the Johnson City Independent School District. There is good reason to be hopeful that the tax abatement requested by Motorsports Resorts International may be denied.

Although it was accurately reported by one Board member that a motion in favor of pursuing a Letter of Intent passed with a solid majority, developments since shed doubt on approval. It is now quite possible the staff recommendation to the Board will call for the request to be denied. In discussions citizens have had with
Directors, several Directors have expressed either reluctance to approved the measure or outright opposition.

The District had instructed developer Steve Patti to have his attorneys prepare the Letter of Intent. As of Thursday, that document had not been delivered to the District.

In addition, Mr. Patti informed the District that he may not be able to attend the meeting. Given the shift in the views of some District officials, those factors are not likely to weigh in the development's favor.

We urge interested citizens to attend the meeting this coming Monday evening (details below). In the hopeful event that the request is denied, we should be prepared to congratulate and thank our elected officials and District staff.

Rejection of the tax abatement request will be a prudent business decision that well serves the interests of education and preservation of the resources and culture of our region. If, on the other hand, some Board members need additional encouragement to make the right decision, we should be on hand to provide that as well.

Again, the meeting will be held:

Monday, October 8th

6:00 PM

303 LBJ Drive

Johnson City Middle School

Administration Building, 2nd Floor (next to the old gym)

Johnson City

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October 9, 2007 16:23 - JCISD Board Turns Down Tax Abatement Request

We are delighted to report that by a vote of 6 - 1 the Johnson City Independent School District Board rejected the request by Motorsports Resorts International for a 25 year tax abatement.

Board President Randy Brodbeck asked Superintendent Shanely for a report of his research and investigation into the request. Among Shanley's findings was the fact that the law allows only a 10 year abatement, so the request for a 25 year abatement was flawed on its face.

In the discussion of the findings, President Brodbeck observed that approval of the abatement would cost the District over a quarter of a million dollars annually. Those are school funds that taxpayers would have to make
up.

President Brodbeck asked Mr. Shanley for his recommendation. The Superintendent recommended the request be denied and that no further consideration of tax abatement be given. Director Kip Thompson asked for clarification of "no further consideration". Mr. Shanely explained he meant only this request, not all future requests. In the vote that immediately followed, Mr. Thompson cast the lone vote in favor of further consideration of the current abatement request.

About a dozen citizens were present for consideration of the tax measure. Mr. Milton Hawkins, Mr. Bill Irwin and Mr. John Watson each rose to speak during the Public Comment period that began the meeting. Each thanked the Board for listening and being responsive to citizen concerns. They each urged that the Board reject the
abatement request.

No representatives of Motorsports Resorts International appeared to be present; certainly no one spoke on behalf of the proposed development.

The following letter to the editor was submitted to the Johnson City Record-Courier this morning:

Preserve Our Water commends the JCISD Board and staff

Dear editor,

On behalf of Preserve Our Water, I am writing to publicly thank and commend the Board and staff of the Johnson City Independent School District. The Board's action Monday evening regarding the controversial tax abatement request by Motorsports Resorts International deserves the praise and thanks of all citizens and taxpayers within the school district.

The 6 to 1 vote to terminate investigation of the tax abatement request serves the best interests of the students of the district as well as the interests of parents and taxpayers. It is also a very important victory for the natural resources of Blanco County on which so much of our economy relies.

The professional and comprehensive research carried out by District Superintendent David Shanley also deserves commendation. The leadership he has shown in recommending that the Board terminate exploration of the request is exemplary.

We hope this action by the JCISD sends a loud and clear message to those who would seek, for personal profit, to exploit and destroy that which makes Blanco County such a beautiful and desirable place to live and raise a family. Hopefully, such interests will understand the citizens of the county are ready and willing to defend the resources of the county for the benefit of its children and their future.

Dave Collins
President
Preserve Our Water, Inc.

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