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NEWS LEADER The
A newspaper for and about Decatur County
Vol. 87, No. 19
50¢ May 16, 2012
www.readtheleader.com
Sales tax rate on food to decrease beginning July 1
Shoreline Alliance spokesperson David Merritt encourages the use of $2 bills by Perryville Marina campers as a visible reminder to Parsons businesses of how much of their money flows into our local economy.
Shoreline Alliance gathers steam The area and scope of the Shoreline Alliance was broadened Saturday as concerned citizens and business owners from Wayne, Decatur and Benton Counties gathered at the Birdsong Marina to unite in opposition to recent mandates handed down by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The TVA has strategically targeted private marinas and other river related businesses along the Tennessee River Valley, dramatically raising lease rates that these entities must pay the TVA, as well as levying “taxes” of up to 4% on gas, food, boat sales and rentals and other revenue-generating operations. In the case of the Perryville Marina, the lease agreement for 2013 will include a staggering 550% increase in their lease fees. At the same time, longterm campers at the marina have been told that they must dismantle roofs and decks that they have built beside and above their camp spots. These simple structures shelter the campers from the elements and providing comfortable places for them to congregate in inclement weather. Although the TVA contends that they patrol the Tennessee River shoreline twice a year and have allowed these structures to mushroom unabated over the last twenty years, they now insist that they be taken down at the owner's expense. The TVA has quietly been
enforcing these mandates for the last year now, and in areas of Tennessee that they have been successful, the economic doom has been palpable. In Rhea and Meigs counties, for example, only three of twenty river-related businesses are still in operation. The ramifications are not limited to those on the river. For example, if the 47 longterm campers at Perryville vacate their sites, Decatur County stands to lose almost a half a million dollars a year from its local economy. Opponents are furious at the sketchy way TVA is enforcing their new mandates; targeting only private businesses with new fees and taxes, but allowing municipal, county, state and federal-run campgrounds to be exempt from their rules. Such actions will make it impossible for private companies to compete against government-run agencies. "We do not need a government entity running people out of business and destroying jobs," said David Merritt, a spokesman for the shoreline group. The Shoreline Alliance was organized in Decatur County to give ordinary citizens and businesses a chance to speak with one voice against the demanding nature of these TVA dictates, handed down by those with no thought of nor interest in the economic and cultural losses of the communities that they are affecting.
Organizers are delighted at the response from other communities up and down the river who are anxious to join forces and to become more formidable foes against TVA's tyrannical actions. The TVA, which expects to see its revenue from marinas surge from $1.7 million to $10.5 million, says that the extra income will go towards the repair and maintenance of boat ramps. However, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) maintains 90% of the boat ramps in the state. This begs the question, just what will TVA do with these funds instead? Shoreline Alliance members cast a dim eye on the reported salaries of the Board of Directors of the TVA and its employees. Tom Kilgore, the President and CEO of TVA, saw almost $4 million dollars in compensation last year, despite a track record that includes the TVA's Kingston Coal Ash Spill, considered to be among the world's top ten worst energy disasters, in 2008. TVA's negligence resulted in an $11.5 million fine, the largest ever levied by Tennessee environmental regulators, an amount deemed by many a slap on the wrist considering the size and scope of the disaster. Meanwhile, members of the Shoreline Alliance are gearing themselves for longterm action in order to protect the rights of citizens to enjoy
the Tennessee River. Local residents are planning to attend the May 21 meeting of the Decatur County Commission to bring focus to the financial ramifications that will be felt by all in the community if the TVA is allowed to continue unabated. Hundreds of letters and CDs have been sent to local, state and federal officials alerting them of TVA's actions and asking for support. Press releases have also been sent to radio, television and news outlets across the country. Plans are being established to send members of the group as well as elected officials to Washington to speak with Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander after next month's meeting. Another of the Shoreline Alliance's goals is to enlighten as many business owners as possible how much revenue will be lost. "We have decided to use $2 bills to purchase items in the Perryville Marina area, specifically Parsons, Tennessee in order for people to understand this is money they won't have next year if TVA goes through with what there trying to do," said Merritt. The next Shoreline Alliance meeting will be held June 23rd, 10:30am at the Perryville Marina campground area on Hwy 412 near Parsons TN. Interested parties are invited to attend and may go to shoreline alliance.com for additional information.
Perry named Decaturville police chief By Rhonda Mitchell
Lynn Perry was named the new Decaturville police chief during the regular monthly meeting of the Decaturville board of aldermen. Before the regular meeting began, the city leaders bowed their heads for a moment of silence for their fallen police chief, Kenny Fox. “We need to also remember Deanna (Fox),” stated Mayor Gerald Buchanan. “She’s having some rough days.” During the discussion about hiring a new police chief, councilman Chad Keeton informed the board that the city had two applications. Both applications were certified policemen. Lynn Perry and Jeremy Inman both applied for the job. City alderman Chad Keeton told the board that Perry could start immediately and could work very flexible hours. Inman, who is a deputy for the county and is still under a doctor’s care from the accident which killed Fox, had explained that he wanted to continue working at night with the county. After the discussion, the board wanted someone who could work some days, some nights, weekends, during special events, etc. They wanted
someone to work flexible hours, but be on call at all hours. The City of Decaturville has been provided police protection by the county since the death of Fox. “The last board meeting we talked about going to Perry County and talking with them about them using the county officers,” explained Buchanan. “Since we lost Kenny, we lost our fire chief and our police chief. But after looking more into it, it is more favorable to have our own police chief and we would have control over him.” Perry has been employed with the City of Parsons for over 33 years in the police de-
partment and served as Parsons Chief of Police from 1995 until 2007. Chuck James made the motion to hire Perry. Allen Hays seconded the motion. Chad Keeton, Betty Maness and Melvin Taylor all voted aye. Mike Ferguson was absent from the meeting. Jeremy Inman is presently serving as the fire chief in Decaturville and a permanent chief will be picked at the next fire meeting. In other business, it was questioned what was “going on” in the area around Third Street. The mayor explained that the city was putting in a
new drain. The city had a drain and the old Sportswear building had a drain in another angle and they were going to have to reroute all the water. The road was going to be cut into and a new pipe installed. “It will be very expensive to us,” noted Buchanan. “Part of the road is caved in.” Mayor Buchanan told board members that “people are beginning to use the park more and more. We’re trying to please everyone. City workers will be unlocking the restrooms each morning at 7 a.m. and locking them back at 4:00 each afternoon.” The News Leader contacted Perry after the meeting Tuesday night and he said he was looking forward to going to Decaturville. “I’m starting in the morning,” stated Perry. “I’ll be doing general police work, checking stores, businesses, and I’ll be concentrating on the school zones. I also want to fight drugs. I’m strongly against drugs. The sheriff’s department has pledged their support and will help out and I can utilize them as much as possible.” “I just like the people and I like the new challenge,” concluded Perry.
House Bill 3761/Senate Bill 3763, passed by the legislature on April 27, 2012, provides for a reduction in the state sales and use tax rate on sales of food and food ingredients. Effective July 1, 2012, the state sales and use tax rate on sales of food and food ingredients will be reduced from 5.5% to 5.25%. With the change, food and food ingredients will be subject to a reduced state sales and use tax rate of 5.25% plus the applicable local sales and use tax rate. Prepared food, dietary supplements, candy, alcoholic beverages and tobacco continue to be subject to the general state sales and use tax rate of 7% plus the applicable local sales and use tax rate. Existing laws defining which items are considered food and food ingredients remain unchanged by the new legislation. Businesses selling food items subject to the reduced rate of sales and use tax are advised to begin making the necessary changes to allow for the new rate beginning July 1, 2012. Changes to cash registers and accounting systems should be completed by the July 1, 2012 effective date. However, businesses must continue to collect and
remit the existing 5.5% tax on sales of food and food ingredients made through June 30, 2012 to the Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 91 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2011 fiscal year, the department collected $10.4 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, the Department of Revenue collects taxes for local, county and municipal governments. During the 2011 fiscal year, local government collections by the Department of Revenue exceeded $2.0 billion. In collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to .
RHS advances to Regional finals Pay at the gate to ensure future hosting privileges The Riverside baseball and softball teams earned the right to host the Regional finals with their performances on Monday in the Regional semi-finals. It took the Panthers just three innings to move past Memphis Northside 15-0 while the Lady Panthers won by forfeit over Memphis Westwood, who elected to not make the trip. Both programs have had tremendous seasons and will be at home Wednesday against Trinity Christian Academy (TCA) to play for seeding in the Sectional (Sub-state) games which will be played Friday, May 18. Seeding is simple. Win Wednesday and play at home on Friday ––– lose and play on the road Friday. The winners of Friday’s games win a ticket to Murfreesboro May 22-25. School officials urge everyone to come out and support your Panthers and Lady Panthers, but also remind fans to buy a ticket. To comply with Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) guidelines, tickets for Regional
games are $5 each. According to school administrators, it is extremely important to demonstrate the ability to affectively charge at the gate. Failure to do so could result in the loss of hosting privileges. Exemptions are few and include players in uniform from each participating team, plus coaches and bat boys, working media and radio. Arrangements should be made for scorekeepers, ball boys, ticket sellers and takers. TSSAA receives 18% of gross gate receipts in the region baseball/softball tournaments. After TSSAA’s 18%, game expenses and team mileage have been paid in both the semi-final and final game of the region, net receipts are divided between the two participating teams. The traveling team also receives 40¢ per mile round trip. So come out and support your Panthers and Lady Panthers and make sure Riverside is the host site on Friday.
Teaching positions to be cut next year “I’m going to have some teachers mad at me this July,” said Director of Schools Dr. Michael Price Thursday night during the Board of Education meeting. The money is just not going to be there for the next school year. No new revenues, less federal funding, and no county tax increase (which all aid the school budget) is creating great difficulty for the teaching profession. Ten teaching positions must be eliminated. With five teachers retiring, only five more positions need to be cut. Dr. Price expressed that he would try to inform any teachers who would not be rehired as early
as June, if possible. Also, in the budget discussion an extra $12,000 would be allotted for the baseball and softball programs for their building. Price stated that if they received funds, then the football program also needed a portion to “get back in the black”. Assistant coaches should not be turning in time sheets expecting pay if they haven’t been approved by the school board. The board voted unanimously that all assistant coaches who receive supplemental pay and volunteer coaches not being paid must be approved by the school board. See “Teachers” on A4
A newspaper for and about Decatur County
Vol. 87, No. 19
50¢ May 16, 2012
www.readtheleader.com
Sales tax rate on food to decrease beginning July 1
Shoreline Alliance spokesperson David Merritt encourages the use of $2 bills by Perryville Marina campers as a visible reminder to Parsons businesses of how much of their money flows into our local economy.
Shoreline Alliance gathers steam The area and scope of the Shoreline Alliance was broadened Saturday as concerned citizens and business owners from Wayne, Decatur and Benton Counties gathered at the Birdsong Marina to unite in opposition to recent mandates handed down by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The TVA has strategically targeted private marinas and other river related businesses along the Tennessee River Valley, dramatically raising lease rates that these entities must pay the TVA, as well as levying “taxes” of up to 4% on gas, food, boat sales and rentals and other revenue-generating operations. In the case of the Perryville Marina, the lease agreement for 2013 will include a staggering 550% increase in their lease fees. At the same time, longterm campers at the marina have been told that they must dismantle roofs and decks that they have built beside and above their camp spots. These simple structures shelter the campers from the elements and providing comfortable places for them to congregate in inclement weather. Although the TVA contends that they patrol the Tennessee River shoreline twice a year and have allowed these structures to mushroom unabated over the last twenty years, they now insist that they be taken down at the owner's expense. The TVA has quietly been
enforcing these mandates for the last year now, and in areas of Tennessee that they have been successful, the economic doom has been palpable. In Rhea and Meigs counties, for example, only three of twenty river-related businesses are still in operation. The ramifications are not limited to those on the river. For example, if the 47 longterm campers at Perryville vacate their sites, Decatur County stands to lose almost a half a million dollars a year from its local economy. Opponents are furious at the sketchy way TVA is enforcing their new mandates; targeting only private businesses with new fees and taxes, but allowing municipal, county, state and federal-run campgrounds to be exempt from their rules. Such actions will make it impossible for private companies to compete against government-run agencies. "We do not need a government entity running people out of business and destroying jobs," said David Merritt, a spokesman for the shoreline group. The Shoreline Alliance was organized in Decatur County to give ordinary citizens and businesses a chance to speak with one voice against the demanding nature of these TVA dictates, handed down by those with no thought of nor interest in the economic and cultural losses of the communities that they are affecting.
Organizers are delighted at the response from other communities up and down the river who are anxious to join forces and to become more formidable foes against TVA's tyrannical actions. The TVA, which expects to see its revenue from marinas surge from $1.7 million to $10.5 million, says that the extra income will go towards the repair and maintenance of boat ramps. However, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) maintains 90% of the boat ramps in the state. This begs the question, just what will TVA do with these funds instead? Shoreline Alliance members cast a dim eye on the reported salaries of the Board of Directors of the TVA and its employees. Tom Kilgore, the President and CEO of TVA, saw almost $4 million dollars in compensation last year, despite a track record that includes the TVA's Kingston Coal Ash Spill, considered to be among the world's top ten worst energy disasters, in 2008. TVA's negligence resulted in an $11.5 million fine, the largest ever levied by Tennessee environmental regulators, an amount deemed by many a slap on the wrist considering the size and scope of the disaster. Meanwhile, members of the Shoreline Alliance are gearing themselves for longterm action in order to protect the rights of citizens to enjoy
the Tennessee River. Local residents are planning to attend the May 21 meeting of the Decatur County Commission to bring focus to the financial ramifications that will be felt by all in the community if the TVA is allowed to continue unabated. Hundreds of letters and CDs have been sent to local, state and federal officials alerting them of TVA's actions and asking for support. Press releases have also been sent to radio, television and news outlets across the country. Plans are being established to send members of the group as well as elected officials to Washington to speak with Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander after next month's meeting. Another of the Shoreline Alliance's goals is to enlighten as many business owners as possible how much revenue will be lost. "We have decided to use $2 bills to purchase items in the Perryville Marina area, specifically Parsons, Tennessee in order for people to understand this is money they won't have next year if TVA goes through with what there trying to do," said Merritt. The next Shoreline Alliance meeting will be held June 23rd, 10:30am at the Perryville Marina campground area on Hwy 412 near Parsons TN. Interested parties are invited to attend and may go to shoreline alliance.com for additional information.
Perry named Decaturville police chief By Rhonda Mitchell
Lynn Perry was named the new Decaturville police chief during the regular monthly meeting of the Decaturville board of aldermen. Before the regular meeting began, the city leaders bowed their heads for a moment of silence for their fallen police chief, Kenny Fox. “We need to also remember Deanna (Fox),” stated Mayor Gerald Buchanan. “She’s having some rough days.” During the discussion about hiring a new police chief, councilman Chad Keeton informed the board that the city had two applications. Both applications were certified policemen. Lynn Perry and Jeremy Inman both applied for the job. City alderman Chad Keeton told the board that Perry could start immediately and could work very flexible hours. Inman, who is a deputy for the county and is still under a doctor’s care from the accident which killed Fox, had explained that he wanted to continue working at night with the county. After the discussion, the board wanted someone who could work some days, some nights, weekends, during special events, etc. They wanted
someone to work flexible hours, but be on call at all hours. The City of Decaturville has been provided police protection by the county since the death of Fox. “The last board meeting we talked about going to Perry County and talking with them about them using the county officers,” explained Buchanan. “Since we lost Kenny, we lost our fire chief and our police chief. But after looking more into it, it is more favorable to have our own police chief and we would have control over him.” Perry has been employed with the City of Parsons for over 33 years in the police de-
partment and served as Parsons Chief of Police from 1995 until 2007. Chuck James made the motion to hire Perry. Allen Hays seconded the motion. Chad Keeton, Betty Maness and Melvin Taylor all voted aye. Mike Ferguson was absent from the meeting. Jeremy Inman is presently serving as the fire chief in Decaturville and a permanent chief will be picked at the next fire meeting. In other business, it was questioned what was “going on” in the area around Third Street. The mayor explained that the city was putting in a
new drain. The city had a drain and the old Sportswear building had a drain in another angle and they were going to have to reroute all the water. The road was going to be cut into and a new pipe installed. “It will be very expensive to us,” noted Buchanan. “Part of the road is caved in.” Mayor Buchanan told board members that “people are beginning to use the park more and more. We’re trying to please everyone. City workers will be unlocking the restrooms each morning at 7 a.m. and locking them back at 4:00 each afternoon.” The News Leader contacted Perry after the meeting Tuesday night and he said he was looking forward to going to Decaturville. “I’m starting in the morning,” stated Perry. “I’ll be doing general police work, checking stores, businesses, and I’ll be concentrating on the school zones. I also want to fight drugs. I’m strongly against drugs. The sheriff’s department has pledged their support and will help out and I can utilize them as much as possible.” “I just like the people and I like the new challenge,” concluded Perry.
House Bill 3761/Senate Bill 3763, passed by the legislature on April 27, 2012, provides for a reduction in the state sales and use tax rate on sales of food and food ingredients. Effective July 1, 2012, the state sales and use tax rate on sales of food and food ingredients will be reduced from 5.5% to 5.25%. With the change, food and food ingredients will be subject to a reduced state sales and use tax rate of 5.25% plus the applicable local sales and use tax rate. Prepared food, dietary supplements, candy, alcoholic beverages and tobacco continue to be subject to the general state sales and use tax rate of 7% plus the applicable local sales and use tax rate. Existing laws defining which items are considered food and food ingredients remain unchanged by the new legislation. Businesses selling food items subject to the reduced rate of sales and use tax are advised to begin making the necessary changes to allow for the new rate beginning July 1, 2012. Changes to cash registers and accounting systems should be completed by the July 1, 2012 effective date. However, businesses must continue to collect and
remit the existing 5.5% tax on sales of food and food ingredients made through June 30, 2012 to the Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 91 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2011 fiscal year, the department collected $10.4 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, the Department of Revenue collects taxes for local, county and municipal governments. During the 2011 fiscal year, local government collections by the Department of Revenue exceeded $2.0 billion. In collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to .
RHS advances to Regional finals Pay at the gate to ensure future hosting privileges The Riverside baseball and softball teams earned the right to host the Regional finals with their performances on Monday in the Regional semi-finals. It took the Panthers just three innings to move past Memphis Northside 15-0 while the Lady Panthers won by forfeit over Memphis Westwood, who elected to not make the trip. Both programs have had tremendous seasons and will be at home Wednesday against Trinity Christian Academy (TCA) to play for seeding in the Sectional (Sub-state) games which will be played Friday, May 18. Seeding is simple. Win Wednesday and play at home on Friday ––– lose and play on the road Friday. The winners of Friday’s games win a ticket to Murfreesboro May 22-25. School officials urge everyone to come out and support your Panthers and Lady Panthers, but also remind fans to buy a ticket. To comply with Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) guidelines, tickets for Regional
games are $5 each. According to school administrators, it is extremely important to demonstrate the ability to affectively charge at the gate. Failure to do so could result in the loss of hosting privileges. Exemptions are few and include players in uniform from each participating team, plus coaches and bat boys, working media and radio. Arrangements should be made for scorekeepers, ball boys, ticket sellers and takers. TSSAA receives 18% of gross gate receipts in the region baseball/softball tournaments. After TSSAA’s 18%, game expenses and team mileage have been paid in both the semi-final and final game of the region, net receipts are divided between the two participating teams. The traveling team also receives 40¢ per mile round trip. So come out and support your Panthers and Lady Panthers and make sure Riverside is the host site on Friday.
Teaching positions to be cut next year “I’m going to have some teachers mad at me this July,” said Director of Schools Dr. Michael Price Thursday night during the Board of Education meeting. The money is just not going to be there for the next school year. No new revenues, less federal funding, and no county tax increase (which all aid the school budget) is creating great difficulty for the teaching profession. Ten teaching positions must be eliminated. With five teachers retiring, only five more positions need to be cut. Dr. Price expressed that he would try to inform any teachers who would not be rehired as early
as June, if possible. Also, in the budget discussion an extra $12,000 would be allotted for the baseball and softball programs for their building. Price stated that if they received funds, then the football program also needed a portion to “get back in the black”. Assistant coaches should not be turning in time sheets expecting pay if they haven’t been approved by the school board. The board voted unanimously that all assistant coaches who receive supplemental pay and volunteer coaches not being paid must be approved by the school board. See “Teachers” on A4
