smitty

At least you got the second sentence right. Now if you can only convince the other pro-bonders of this. Like I've said before, I don't drink the kool-aid. It's a one way street.

Dude, I may have to if this bond passes. So, dude, you are one of the ones that equate more money equals better education? Dude, are you one of the ones that think school district will no longer exist when/if this bond fails? Dude, what color is the kool-aid they are serving you? It must be good. But remember, the result is always the same. Let me correct you, It's not that I haven't had any good answers, I haven't had any answers, none. 10 years from now, when there is not money for it, explain to me then how it's only 2% when you have zero in the bank. Look Brudo, I'm in favor of the bond but I still don't like a lot of the details involved. So tell me again why I should vote no. ??? Dude move if you dont like it. Geez dont you have a life other than trying to ruin things for kids in your area. Go be a greeter at Walmart. ???

Well, friends I know in Port Neches say their taxes are sky high. But if your's fell, then great. Is this from the current bond? Sorry for taking so long to reply to this. I forgot I had posted in this thread. Yes, this is from the current bond. I believe the district did it like this because, even while this bond was on the table, they were already talking about the next bond (tentatively scheduled for 2014) in which they would completely replace the elementary schools. Although the plans weren't final, it was a safe bet, and really still is, that the bond would be approved by the school board and again at the polls, and the schools would be replaced within the ten-year lifespan of the "cheap" roofs. Considering this, it was a viable strategy for our school district until the roofs started leaking. From what I understand, our school board has already contacted the contractors and they are coming out to fix the problem soon. Nederland is in a different position then we were with our bond. Y'all are trying to get everything done in one bond, whereas we were spacing things out, so this particular strategy may not work for you. Not happy? The only mention of taxes in our district was to point out that they fell .05% ($00.05 on every $100), even with the bond. Now, we have a large industrial tax base, so we aren't in a position to take a massive hit when a bond comes around in the first place, but still, to have one bond passed and another in the works and have a tax break is unprecedented. Again, we're in a different position than Nederland is, so we can't really compare the logistical or financial aspects of our bonds, only the construction and comparable conditions of our districts' schools.

Who does PN-G play their first game next year and where?

I hear the PN-G people are not real happy with the amount of taxes the now have to pay because of the bond issue. People in Nederland need to take note. Is this from the current bond? Sorry for taking so long to reply to this. I forgot I had posted in this thread. Yes, this is from the current bond. I believe the district did it like this because, even while this bond was on the table, they were already talking about the next bond (tentatively scheduled for 2014) in which they would completely replace the elementary schools. Although the plans weren't final, it was a safe bet, and really still is, that the bond would be approved by the school board and again at the polls, and the schools would be replaced within the ten-year lifespan of the "cheap" roofs. Considering this, it was a viable strategy for our school district until the roofs started leaking. From what I understand, our school board has already contacted the contractors and they are coming out to fix the problem soon. Nederland is in a different position then we were with our bond. Y'all are trying to get everything done in one bond, whereas we were spacing things out, so this particular strategy may not work for you.

James, I think the 5% is exclusive at this time to Nederland because of the small tax base. Other districts, say Port Arthur, it would be a higher percentage because they could absorb more than a 5% loss. Now if 5% is correct, and home values fall, and Ned can't pay it back, then what? Whether or not it includes a merger, well, the State says that is an option. I hope my home value keeps going up. But over the life of the bond, is this realistic? Are we trying to take on this much debt with the hope values never fall? Has this even been addressed? I'm good with where I'm at thanks. You got to remember too I never got an apples to apples answer concerning this - show me one school district in America which had to merge with another due to 5% fallen home valve and bond sales. So both sides have not answered some of my questions. I guess you have to vote on which side you feel has shown over the course of their lifetime the most passion, commitment, and concern for our schools. To me it is very clear who has spent their entire life serving our community and it is very clear who has not. Pretty easy vote if you ask me. Preserve History: Heck, if they can move out of Texas Stadium, Yankee Stadium, etc,,, you get the picture, they can tear down a few elementary schools. All I wanted out of this was an answer to a few questions and I never got one.

It's always good to see which side loses it's cool first when the tough questions are asked. The heat is getting to them. They'll even devour their on. James has said he'll vote for it. Come on to our side, James. We are as cool as the other side of the pillow. ;D ;D ;D PS - James, I'll answer your question: They'll have to come back with a 3rd bond issue to pay for it.

I concur!

Don't drink the kool-aid myself. Wouldn't last long. I think the people are realising that the message is they are going to have to pay a tremendous amount of more taxes over the life of the bond. Don't need a good spokesmen to understand this.

You would have a point hear if the important think would be the messenger. It's a good thing it's the message! ;D

Good question! Let's see if we can get some good and intelligent answers. Hope someone ask the question how we going to pay for replacement field turf, ($400,000), in the future. ;D

OK, Gt, how about letting us know if you have any vested interest in this bond passing.

Thanks, James. I try to make people think on both sides of the issue.

I don't remember you saying you don't have any interest. But thanks for the answer.

And I have said several times, Nederland. Anything else to add?

This is good.

Ah, it's been an intelligent conversation so far. Until this post. So obviously you can't disprove this serious charge. That would take a little work. But not to fear, there are some here that will try to get to truth of the matter. You are not one of them. I've given gawgnuts every opportunity but he/she keeps floundering in the pro-bond wilderness. PS - Dawgnuts, did you ever tell this board if you had a vested interest in the passing of this bond issue? You know, are you a district employee? Do you provide a service to the district in some form or fashion? Are you related to anyone who works or provides a service to the district?

Not sure of the names, if any. But, the state said it's an option if x, y, and z happens. Nederland does not have a very large tax base. Mainly homes. So any loss in revenue, remember 5% in reduce property evaluations is not a lot, and we are in a bind. So, James, the question should be: Is any of this that's been said not true and not an option. I know and trust the individuals who put this out. But if anyone can PROVE it's not true, then we'll go with that. Can they provide names of school districts which have actually had to go through this exact, I said exact, merging senerio mentioned above?

dawgnut, what so you?

You are right, it is scary. A 5% drop in home values and Ned can't pay the bonds back. That's not a huge drop, friend. If you think values will never come down during the life of the bond issue, then I guess there really is a Santa Claus. If they can't pay, the state of Texas said it will have to merge, not me. So, by you not addressing the statement, do you feel this can never happen?

James, I'm just using yours again. But you need to read this as well as everyone here. This is from a local blog report: "after reading documents that were not disclosed to the public that if the Nederland ISD Bond is passed by taxpayers - and if an economic slow down occurs in Southeast Texas that directly affects home prices - that the school district might have to file for bankruptcy and be absorbed by another district according to state law." And went on to say, "If the district passes this bond. And if home prices decrease more than 5% across the board - we could have a situation where the district could be insolvent. If that happens - we would look for another district for Nederland to attach itself to. Most likely it would be Port Arthur due to the ratio of minority students to white students," the source at the State Board of Education told us this past week." Interesting stuff.

OK, you just forgot to put baseball in the statement. I understand now. Thanks.

Well it said QB's. I was kinda wondering about that myself. Can anyone explain? By pro's and D1 ball you mean baseball, right?

Probably the best in recent years would have to be William Delage. He brought Nederland farther into the playoffs that has not been duplicated since and before, since the 50's.

Good one!