Citizens of Kingman, your mayor and City Council want to give the developer, Vestar, 60 percent of the sales tax revenue for an indefinite period of time for construction costs. This is the same developer who negotiated a $23.2 million giveaway with our (and your) former economic development director, Jeff Weir.
60% of what sales tax revenue?? Does anyone know?? All incoming revenue from sales tax or something else??
This kind of blatant propaganda really stinks. Why doesn't anyone back up their bark with some bite?? Does it have to be Missouri or can't someone 'show me' the agreement that backs up the above that is quoted??
I don't pretend to know the issues about giving away $23.2 million dollars so I won't comment on the situation in Oro Valley.
Arizona passed a law in August of 2006 that requires an independent third party to confirm that, without the giveaway, the developer would not build.
Again, what is being given away here?? In Kingman we are talking about a reimbursement of actual costs the city cannot pay up front or get a loan for. Someone please explain what exactly is being given away.
Vestar "suggests" that the town hire the firm that Vestar recommends. They will also provide the information to the firm. Vestar cannot be trusted!
It is very obvious that the city cannot use who Vestar informed the city on to who has done these reports in the past for the feasibility study. There are others that can do the job. But keep in mind whoever is eventually hired to do the study is going to have to get information from Vestar in order to do the study.
They told the voters of Oro Valley that their Marketplace would provide "an extraordinary shopping experience with unique standout shops." They are giving us Wal-Mart and other stores that can be found in any mall in the country.
At least you won't have to drive as far now (or when the shopping center opens).
They also said that approval of the Marketplace will "help the town of Oro Valley to avoid the imposition of a property or other taxes at a time of budget deficits." Shortly after Vestar announced who the tenants of the Marketplace would be, the town imposed a 2-percent utility tax, and they are now talking about imposing a property tax as well. Do not be fooled like we were! Go to www.ov1st.com for more information.
Phillip L. Gibbs
Oro Valley, Ariz.
Sounds like you all need some new city leaders that will be more honest with you. How does one thing lead to the other though??
The city of Kingman already is planning for a new property tax WITHOUT any agreement to build a new traffic interchange or shopping center. It is right in the Kingman Area Economic Development Strategic Plan that was recently approved.
From that plan (on pages 16 and 17)...
Support the adoption of a city primary property tax which will provide adequate funding for existing and additional city
services that satisfy providing the quality of living desired by current and future residents.
Creation of a Responsible Funding Approach Committee that will prepare an appropriate message that results in a
successful adoption of a primary property tax for the City of Kingman.
Initiate immediately.
And Mr. Gibbs, please feel free to clarify your position here at MOCO. I'd love to hear more details about your situation down near Tucson.
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