Precious Moments TIF Agreement.

The City Council will review the proposed Precious Moments Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Agreement in first reading during tonight’s regular meeting in City Hall. The agreement has taken four years in the making since portions of the Precious Moments property was declared a TIF District in December of 1995. The agreement specifically states that the City will not issue any obligations for the project.

The establishment of a TIF District allows the developer of the property to recoup funds used to construct public improvements such as streets, traffic control devices, water and sewer mains and others. The amount the developer recovers is based on the assessment of the property before private improvements are made. The incremental increase in property taxes over and above that base is captured by the City for up to twenty-three years and used to reimburse the developer as the funds become available.

The agreement specifies $513,823 in reimbursable expenses for Phase A of the plan. Up to an additional $2.1 million of reimbursements will be made if the Phase B of the project is completed by the year 2005. In order to qualify for the reimbursement, Precious Moments must construct private improvements that are subject to assessment and ad valorem taxation being at least $23 million. Phase B would include the construction of a golf course and a hotel on the property.

The public improvements listed for Phase B include a new entry road from the frontage road adjacent to 71 Highway within a quarter mile of the HH interchange, a water main extension south from Chapel Road to the golf course and hotel, a sewer main extension to the golf course and hotel, widening, drainage, street lighting, curbs, gutters, and related street improvements to existing roads and the proposed Precious Moments Boulevard.

Taxes captured for a TIF District can include 50% of Economic Activity Taxes (EATS) which would include sales tax and franchise taxes among others. The Carthage agreement with Precious Moments does not include these taxes.

The City’s authority to create a TIF District comes from the Real Property Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the State of Missouri.

The Developer is Precious Moments, Inc., Samuel J. Butcher, Precious Moments by Samuel J. Butcher, Inc. and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

letter from ma

Ladies’ rooms are some of the most entertaining places I know of. It’s also good for meeting other women, especially when it’s crowded during intermission of a big doings. Standing in line there, all women have a common need and certainly the same goal.

Amid the chatter and laughter, barriers come down. Even the snootiest can’t appear elegant asking for help to untwist her panty hose.

Likewise, no matter how expensive the shoe, it looks pretty tacky with a strip of toilet paper clinging to the heel when the wearer emerges from the cubicle.

The camaraderie of the modern-day rest room comes as a direct descendant of the old rural outhouse. It also served a social purpose.

Women seldom went alone to that outdoor facility. In the company of another woman, the shelter became a sanctuary where menfolk didn’t intrude.

Difficulties in their lives were discussed, they gossiped a little, and they shared secrets.

Of course, one of the drawbacks was the weather. I shiver, thinking of those cold seats.

But I say viva the ladies’ room - whether indoors or out, heated or not, two holer or three holers. It’s part of our heritage we can’t let go.

Commentary

Martin "Bubs" Hohulin

State Representative, District 126

It is hard to believe that we will be back in Session in less than 6 weeks. Many of you have asked me what the big issues will be in this upcoming Session. The fact is, that while no one can predict the future, election year Sessions tend to be pretty dull. No one wants to be out front with wildly liberal ideas in an election year.

It would be nice if we could use that window of opportunity to advance some of our conservative legislation, but under the leadership of Speaker Steve Gaw (D-Moberly), Republicans aren’t allowed to handle legislation in the House without giving away the farm to do it. This continues the practice that former Speaker Bob Griffin started.

One of the issues that looks like it might come up is what to do with the money from the tobacco settlement. You could see this coming a mile away. You can’t throw millions of dollars into the middle of a bunch of politicians and expect things to go smoothly. It kind of resembles throwing slop into the middle of a bunch of hogs.

I voted against the settlement in the first place. I still have a hard time understanding how we could blackmail a company that makes a legal product into giving the government hundreds of millions of dollars. The money is going to come from the pockets of the citizens anyway. When the settlement was announced, tobacco prices went up immediately.

I heard folks complaining about the increases and how unfair it was that it was being passed on to the customers. That is a perfect example of how taxes work as well. It doesn’t matter who gets taxed, the money eventually comes from the pockets of the citizens.

During the debate, the handler of the bill said he didn’t understand how I could be against someone giving the State millions of dollars. That is a fundamental difference in us. The liberals think government can spend our money better than we can. I KNOW that people do a better job of spending their money.

There have been many proposals put forth of what to do with the money. Look for it to be a fight that lasts all Session.

As usual, I can be reached at House Post Office, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or 1-800-878-7126, or mhohulin@services.state.mo.us for your questions, comments, or advice.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

I’ve heard that turkey has some chemical in it that makes ya sleepy. I suppose I’m not one to argue with experts, but I’ve never noticed it bein’ any different than a good helpin’ of roast beef. Eatin’ a good portion of anything seems ta make most folks wanna take a little nap.

Learned that in the first grade (they didn’t have kindergarten where I went to school). We all brought our nap mats and laid ‘em out on the floor. Mostly we just made faces at other kids under the desks, but on occasion I’d actually snooze a little.

It’s amazin’ how few first graders snore. Must be a learned at a higher grade level.

They say us Americans don’t get enough sleep. Nappin’ still sounds good.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune Brooks Hospital

Health Notes

A release from the Warner Wellcome Company, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, presents some facts that should alert all of us to the importance of proper first aid procedures.

For example, the release notes that although they no longer make front page news, Strep A infections cause the deaths of at least 50 people a year. Strep A, which incudes a strain known as the flesh-eating bacteria, can enter the body though a tiny cut or scrape. Yet most people ignore these wounds, believing that if they’re so small, there’s nothing to worry about. However, infections can occur.

Dr. Gravier points out, "The biggest single mistake people can make is not medicating a minor wound to kill germs, and not providing the protection necessary during the healing process."

The American Red Cross advises the following steps for dealing with minor cuts and abrasions:

1. Cleanse. If you get a minor cut or scrape, wash it with soap and water.

2. Medicate. Use a broad spectrum antibiotic ointment (check with your pharmacist for recommendations) to kill infection-causing bacteria and help speed healing.

3. Bandage. Cover the area with a bandage and keep it clean. This procedure should be repeated two to three times a day until the wound is healed.