According to the Oklahoma Watchdog, State Auditor Steve Burrage might take a little longer than expected to complete his round of audits. But this might be for a good cause: he’s conducting further investigations into suspected wrongdoing in Adair County, especially in regards to private property and special projects issues.
Nebraska Lawmakers Reject Proposed Tax Increase
November 11th, 2009 by EditorNebraska Watchdog reported recently that the attempt of Omaha’s mayor, Jim Suttle, to raise the city’s sales tax is not garnering the support he hoped at either the state capitol or the city council. The 0.5 percent tax increase, according to the mayor, was meant to alleviate the issues surrounding Omaha’s Fire and Police pension problem. Currently the sales tax in Omaha is 7 percent. 5.5 percent goes to the State of Nebraska and 1.5 percent to the City of Omaha.
Likely aware of the legislature’s pending disapproval of the measure, The Omaha City Council voted down the proposed tax Tuesday. If the tax proposal would have passed, it would then move to the legislature for approval and finally, to the people of Omaha for a ballot vote.
Leading Candidate for Houston City Controller Owes More than $100k in Federal Income Taxes
October 28th, 2009 by EditorSteve Miller at Texas Watchdog revealed that Ronald Green, who is the leading candidate for Houston City Controller, owes $120,043.11 in backed federal income taxes. These liens go as far back as 2002.
While Green maintains he has done nothing wrong and that his liens are part of standard procedure when disputing the amounts of tax bills. His opponent, Pam Holm, disagrees.
“It says, one, he’s got a lot of nerve, and two, he has no respect for the voters,” said Bethel Nathan, Holm’s campaign manager. “If he can’t handle his own finances, how can he handle the city’s finances? If he comes back and says he paid this, we would ask for proof. And if he says he worked out a payment plan, it doesn’t matter – look what you did going back to 2002.”