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Tuesday, February 09, 2010
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City takes $745,000 hit

By Rosa Ruiz
rosa@newstribune.com

Loss of sales tax revenues partly offset by other savings

Published: Saturday, July 18, 2009 6:04 AM CDT
Jefferson City's sales tax revenue is down 7.45 percent for the year thus far, approximately a $745,000 loss, Finance Director Steve Schlueter said.

He presented the city's sales tax status report at Friday afternoon's City Council Finance Committee meeting, saying although there is a decrease, there are other ways the city is seeing compensation.

Pick up the newspaper or view the e-Edition for Saturday, July 18, 2009, to read the full article.






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boscoe wrote on Jul 25, 2009 6:20 PM:

" BTW: How much will our property taxes be lowered this year due to the recessionary economy with the bottom falling out of the real estate market? You can bet that your propterty tax bills will be HIGHER, even though home values have dropped considerably, and real estate sales have come to a near stand-still for the past year. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 25, 2009 6:18 PM:

" Jefferson City charges an occupancy tax for everyone who stays in a hotel, where is that money going? (I can tell you where, in salaries of people who do not successfully promote activities in your city). "


AMEN AMEN AMEN!

You forgot all about the fancy dinners and events for the Socialites that are held year round for the Elites who run the town! There's another benefit of your CVB and Chamber dollars--many of which are tax dollars paid by the working people of this town who will never be in the Elite Clique. "

darth wrote on Jul 25, 2009 6:41 AM:

" qtpieblonde - I couldn't agree more with your comment about Dave and Buster's. My wife and daughter are taking a day this coming week to go to Dave and Buster's. The only reason is that there is nothing for a 13 year old kid to have fun doing here.

Money that we would gladly recirculate in this economy is going to be circulated into Earth City's economy. "

qtpieblonde wrote on Jul 25, 2009 12:00 AM:

" It doesnt surprise me that this is happening. Jefferson City has been a joke for the last few decades when promoting tourism or bringing in businesses to help w/ sales tax revenue, such as a Dave and Busters or other family style activity center. Why is no one putting 2 + 2 together. Jefferson City charges an occupancy tax for everyone who stays in a hotel, where is that money going? (I can tell you where, in salaries of people who do not successfully promote activities in your city). "

maiximista wrote on Jul 24, 2009 10:48 AM:

" Honey Bee - LOL....Okay, I've had my big belly laugh for the day. Thanks so much for making my Friday even better.... "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 23, 2009 5:54 PM:

" Maxie-- Are you KIDDING???!!! Heck yeah, I'm a fan!! That Sonnylicious is my BAY-BAY (baby)! MMm MMm MMMMm!!! He knows how to make you TINGLE, if you know what I mean;) "

maiximista wrote on Jul 23, 2009 3:50 PM:

" Honey Bee - Nice play on the words there with the "jonesin"...Not everyone catches that. You a GH fan? "

maiximista wrote on Jul 23, 2009 3:49 PM:

" G-Will.....I wasn't bashing on Wal-mart....the conversation in these posts is about poor customer service in Jefferson City. My experience just happened to be at Wal-mart.....you are correct, it could have been at any other store, but in this instance, it was at Wal-mart.... I live in a small community outside of Jeff City, and we do all of our grocery shopping locally, and we attempt to make any purchase we can in our hometown to support our local businesses, but we have no stores that we can purchase electronics from. In this instance, Wal-mart was close by and on our way home. "

G.Willikers wrote on Jul 23, 2009 3:32 PM:

" Gotta love the Wal-Mart bashers...that exact same story can be told on just about any chain store, national retailer, etc.. All you have to do is change the name of the store and product. Poor customer service is not limited to just Wal-Mart. "

Lovebug wrote on Jul 23, 2009 3:16 PM:

" It's not just Walmart, We tried to buy a watch at Target the other day and there wasn't anyone there to help so we left. "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 23, 2009 2:59 PM:

" And here I thought I was the only one that has harrowing, trying, vexing experiences at the 'kingdom' known as "Wal-Mart"! Take a lesson people!! Don't let this happen to YOU!!LOL!!! Makes me wanna holler!!! "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 23, 2009 2:55 PM:

" Sorry--you done beat me to the punch--poor little impatient me!! "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 23, 2009 2:54 PM:

" Come on, Maxie--you done pulled me in--you got me jonesin'!! What HAPPENED??? "

maiximista wrote on Jul 23, 2009 2:50 PM:

" I'm not trained in electronics, nor in retail customer service, but in a matter of less than 3 minutes, I had located the item, verified the stock number, and returned to the clerk station with it. Her response??? (Imagine a valley-girl tone here, please)..."Oh my gosh, how did you find that? Thanks so much....next time someone is looking for that I'll know where to look." NOT KIDDING..TRUE STORY.....How is THAT for excellence in customer service???? I hate to be rude, so I just plastered on a "you are an idiot" smile as my husband paid for his electronic device, and rolled my eyes as we walked away. "

maiximista wrote on Jul 23, 2009 2:46 PM:

" He went back to work and as the day progressed and he thought about it more, he decided to call back again. He explained what had occurred, the person on the phone put him on hold, came back and said, "Yeah, we have those in stock. Just stop in and we'll get you hooked up.". So, after work, we went back, and while I perused the ladies section, he went back to electronics only to be told by the young lady at the counterthat they did not have the item, but would be glad to order it for him. He came back to me furious. Being a woman, I had to check it out for myself. (CONTINUED) "

maiximista wrote on Jul 23, 2009 2:44 PM:

" I just have to share a True Story regarding Customer service at the new Wal-mart this week. My husband went online to their website to find an item he was looking for. He got the item description (including the brand name) and the stock number and called the electronics department to see if they had the item in stock. He was told that it was in stock, and he advised that he would be by on his lunch hour to pick it up. When he arrived at the electronics counter with the same information, the clerk (not the person he spoke with on the phone) hum hawed around and told him they did not have it in stock. (CONTINUED) "

@da'lake wrote on Jul 22, 2009 7:41 AM:

" Why is it that everyone focuses on the street druggies? How much money did Bernie Madoff steal from people? How much money has AIG, Enron, Citigroup and other corrupt corporations stole from people? How much money has the govt. taken from folks in the name of improvement, just to turn around and blow it on pork barrel projects, waste and outright fraud?

People are either good and honest or they aren't. I'm tired of govt. and do gooders trying to control everyone in order to stop a few bad apples.

I'm willing to bet you buy things people consider excess or unnecessary...do you want those people to tell you how you should spend your money? "

bluenurse wrote on Jul 21, 2009 8:34 PM:

" misshoneybee, you crack me up. I love reading your posts.

As to casinos, the ones around here (St. Louis) are losing some serious money because of the economy. And now, there is this huge debate because as of yesterday, the St. Louis County Council is thinking of putting it on the ballot for the entire county to go smoke-free in all public places. For whatever reason, this would exclude casinos because they think the revenue would nosedive. Several people replied on the postings that they would go to casinos if they were smoke-free. Supposedly, they have smoke-free areas but you can still smell the smoke really bad. "

bluenurse wrote on Jul 21, 2009 8:30 PM:

" Boxergal: thanks for the info!

I have heard about walking the stairs to the top of the capitol - also heard that you have to get somebody to let you up there, like maybe a legislative assistant. I know some of them so will check it out one of these times.

As to Walgreen's, the one I go to here in StL near my home is actually pretty good. This older woman works as the evening cashier, is super friendly & knows all the people's names who come in often. Also goes out of her way to help people find stuff.

And, I still love coming to JC despite that one bad experience. "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 21, 2009 5:05 PM:

" I consider the items that I buy for myself worldly--whether it is a five cent piece of gum or a gold bracelet--because I worked hard to buy what I want for ME. And I don't like people stealing my 'worldly' items. If you think I live in a cave, I could care less--dope dealers can be lumped into the same catagory as the addicts as far as I'm concerned! Let 'em all steal from you, that way, they can keep their paws off my stuff (worldly goods);)! "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 21, 2009 4:38 PM:

" Most addicts that I have seen usually use any means necessary to get money that they do not have. A person that was supposed to be my friend ripped checks out of the back of my checkbook and forged them to buy crack. That was a NIGHTMARE to deal with because not everyone that works at a bank does their job properly. I got the matter resolved but it was a lot of expense on my part to fix the problem--and the jerk never paid the restitution! However, that was MY experience with an addict and I sure don't wish that on anyone--even people I don't like. "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 21, 2009 4:30 PM:

" Oh by the way @da'lake--I understand what you are saying and I do agree--to a pretty good point. "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 21, 2009 4:28 PM:

" Sure, people can make their own choices and when those gambling, meth and crack addicts CHOOSE to steal from me to support their choice of gambling and doing dope, then I have a problem with that. The addicts need to EARN their OWN money to go to the boat or smoke and/or snort/shoot up their dope. They may spend their money where ever or however they wish as long as it is their OWN money that they are using and not money that they may have obtained by stealing from me. I work very hard for what I want and if they have VICES, they need to work hard as well. "

@da'lake wrote on Jul 21, 2009 3:53 PM:

" misshoneybee - No offense, but it is THEIR life and they should be able to choose how to live it without intrustion from you or I. Who am I to tell someone else what to do with their money or even know/care if they have the $$ to be spending?

That is part of what is wrong with this country....we have lost the ability let others be and let them make their own choices, good and bad. Everyone (including the govt.) feels the need to save everyone from every ill, real and perceived, including themselves. "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 21, 2009 3:26 PM:

" I pray that we don't get gambling boats in JC--the gambling addicts will be spending money that they don't have to start with and, like the meth and crackheads, start robbing all us hard working citizens of our worldly goods and pawn them to, not to buy drugs, but to sate their slot machine fix. EEEWWWW!!! "

@da'lake wrote on Jul 21, 2009 2:32 PM:

" Gaming boats is not the answer to the current economic situation. I saw an article today that Gulf area casinos are seeing the worst decline in attendance/profits since Katrina. "

psiblue wrote on Jul 21, 2009 2:16 PM:

" Hey, let's utilize "River Boat Gambling Casinos" ... they'll be great for tourism and conventions -we could even give the whole deal a nostagic theme... the "Capitol-City Casino and Convention Center... riverboat tours with live music and dining... a streetcar-style shuttle from Adrian's Island to the hotel... the workers can all be in early 1900's costumes... "

boxergal wrote on Jul 21, 2009 11:19 AM:

" Yep. "

ODF wrote on Jul 21, 2009 8:56 AM:

" Boxer - Isn't she the goddess of agriculture? "

ODF wrote on Jul 21, 2009 8:56 AM:

" Limerick - There is no customer service any more. You, the consumer, will take what the shops offer, you will pay what they want to charge and you will like it. Oh yeah, and if it falls apart, do not bring it back to them....talk to the manufacturer. The whole mindset of this country has changed...and not for the better. A lot of the business mindset has changed because of national box stores. They have figured out they simply do not need to cater to individual customers because quantity can override their lack of quality customer service. "

Travelin_Rose wrote on Jul 21, 2009 8:37 AM:

" Online purchases are a huge problem and will get more problematic in time. Missouri and cities can ignore it but it's not going away. I know lots of people that buy exclusively online and will be the first to scream when a local store goes out of business. "

boxergal wrote on Jul 20, 2009 9:57 PM:

" Off topic.....its the goddess Ceres. Did you know that there are old greenhouses at the top of the Capitol?? The flat portion before the dome starts. Fascinating place, if you haven't been up the old stairs that lead to the tip top where there is an outer ring area you can walk out on, you haven't lived. If the place could only talk. Ah, veto session, don't miss that at all. And yes had a bad experience at Walgreens but I understand thats a problem at a lot of Walgreens. "

bluenurse wrote on Jul 20, 2009 9:48 PM:

" Sorry, I meant to type WALGREENS. "

bluenurse wrote on Jul 20, 2009 9:47 PM:

" I guess I haven't contributed to sales tax revenue lately - haven't been out since the Legislature is out.

Only bad experience I have honestly had in JC with rude people was at the Wakgreens.
I attribute that to a very young cashier who was more interested in talking to these young guys hanging out - but I was there once myself.

BTW, can somebody tell me who the statue is on top of the Cap?

See you in September for Veto Day. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 20, 2009 9:20 PM:

" Darth, why don't you tell the out-of-town guests to go down and look at the statues. That should be good for a few hours of entertainment. While they are down by the bear, tell them to look up at the capitol dome to see the "Pride of Missouri" statue up there. That one is classic--proves that our capitol designers had a sense of humor. "

darth wrote on Jul 20, 2009 7:17 PM:

" I can honestly say I don't experience rudeness in JC. I guess my contributions to Jefferson City's sales taxes are down due to the fact there is nothing to buy in town. Other than groceries, we buy everything online or in Columbia.

While I'm at it.....Why would anyone build a convention center here? There's absolutely nothing to do after 5:00PM that doesn't involve a bar. I love it when out of town staff come in for meetings and ask what to do after work. I tell them 1)go to a bar, 2)go to a movie, or 3 go to our one bowling alley. "

boxergal wrote on Jul 20, 2009 2:23 PM:

" Agreed Byron, not prudent. Now why did you have to go and say that to Boscoe??? I know its not just him as I have had three landscapers never show. And I know its not just me as its happened to relatives of mine that had HUGE jobs for them. Poor Boscoe. "

Byron W. wrote on Jul 20, 2009 1:44 PM:

" boscoe wrote "Called them, settled on a price, and then they never come or never call back. I've got the work, got the money, want it done, but they never come back."

Maybe it's you. "

Byron W. wrote on Jul 20, 2009 1:43 PM:

" boxergal wrote "Build it and they will come. Until then folks, count on your taxes to go up and up."

Neither is prudent in these economic times. Don't build now and don't raise taxes until things stabilize. "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 20, 2009 11:29 AM:

" Sillyrabbit--I guess you got to read my post before it disappeared-LOL-well, I have to say that you have a valid point. Most of us do buy a bunch of junk that we don't need--It's all about the fun, baby! F-to the-U-to the-N! "

NT Webmaster wrote on Jul 20, 2009 9:57 AM:

" Comment deleted for using nonsensical characters for profanity. "

sillyrabbit wrote on Jul 20, 2009 8:53 AM:

" I'm sure with the opening of the new Wal-Mart this will be offset soon.


The truth is we have to much money around here anyway and I'm sure most of you are like me and just waste it on things you don't really need. It's not all about money anyway, just have fun in life. "

fishing01 wrote on Jul 20, 2009 8:16 AM:

" Nor I either. I am extremely kind and patient. But there is a big difference in the attitude between JC and Columbia. Like they like where they live. ha!!!!!!!!!! "

boscoe wrote on Jul 19, 2009 10:54 PM:

" The Chamber of Commerce must train its members that customers are evil. Do not sell anything to them. You are better than them, etc. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 19, 2009 10:53 PM:

" Yeah, Boxer, I have experienced the problem with landscapers, carpenters, cleaning services, etc. Called them, settled on a price, and then they never come or never call back. I've got the work, got the money, want it done, but they never come back.


I can't tell if it is rude customer service, or maybe general laziness. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 19, 2009 10:50 PM:

" If that isn't the truth. Jefferson City stores seem to have some of the rudest employees. Many of them are very argumentive and do not know their products. Some of them outright lie to customers.

Jefferson City's retail owners and employees have made online shopping so much more enjoyable. I'd rather buy quality products at cheaper prices, pay the shipping and handling, and wait a few days for them to arrive than visit many of the stores in Jefferson City. "

boxergal wrote on Jul 19, 2009 12:20 PM:

" While we are on the subject, I have to BEG to get workmen to my home. Does anyone else have this problem? I have the money for a project, am ready to go and no one shows back up after we accept their bid. Oddest thing I have ever seen. We can call someone in Columbia and they will come over from there. We are having the problem with a local company right now. I guess people in JC don't need money or work so bad that they can just never show up for the job. Bad business, bad attitude. "

boxergal wrote on Jul 19, 2009 12:13 PM:

" returning an item. Then there was the time a clerk at a store at the mall more or less accused me of using a stolen credit card. Unreal. I had done business there for years and years also. Didn't let that one get by with it and when I went back a week later, she was gone. I can honestly say we have NEVER encountered anything like that in Columbia. "

boxergal wrote on Jul 19, 2009 12:11 PM:

" You know, I thought it was just me that noticed that. I will NEVER forget, years ago I walked into a store uptown that I did lots of business with. It was extremely early and I managed to walk into a scene that was unforgetable. The owner of the store (male) at the time was chewing on his employees. It was awful and I was embarrassed to have even seen it. We notice a HUGE difference in attitude over in Columbia. A "thank you" would be nice once in a while. I can't tell you how many times we just get a "grunt" from someone. I even had a clerk roll her eyes at me when upon... "

limerick54 wrote on Jul 19, 2009 11:45 AM:

" misshoneybee: My point was that people shop elsewhere because of the pervasive rudeness in the businesses of Jefferson City. This has existed for years and years and needs to change or people will continue to do little shopping in JC. The only two places I have consistently gotten excellent service would be Schnucks and Samuels. "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 18, 2009 8:38 PM:

" When it comes to shopping, I go to several places--Wal-Mart is not a place that I like to go to but I shop in Columbia, Mexico, etc., as well as JC. I try to give my money to small businesses because I like to be supportive. But Columbia does NOT get 90% of my money--to each his/her own. "

Countercouple wrote on Jul 18, 2009 8:02 PM:

" I don't live in Columbia but do 90% of my shopping there. "

misshoneybee wrote on Jul 18, 2009 7:53 PM:

" Columbia may be booming, but at what expense?? Columbia may be experiencing great economic growth but look at the urban sprawl. That's the part that upsets me. Before long, you won't find a tree in Boone County. Oh well, it IS what it IS. However, Columbia can keep on growing and they can keep all their doggone crime too! Home invasions every other day...the list goes on. The powers that be cater to new money, out-of-state students and Mizzou. You really think Macy's is there because the local natives wanted it? Huuummm? I have been to the flagship store in NY and the Columbia store %ucks in comparison. Columbia is gon' be what it's gon' be. "

limerick54 wrote on Jul 18, 2009 6:45 PM:

" Perhaps ALL the stores in JC, chain and homegrown alike, should act like they are glad to see customers. So MANY places in JC behave as if the customer is a pain. This causes many to shop elsewhere such as Columbia, St. Louis and KC and make all their purchases at one time.

Chamber of Commerce: Fix your businesses attitudes!!!! Even the non-members! "

boscoe wrote on Jul 18, 2009 11:22 AM:

" That old Johnson Controls plant sure would make a very nice Sheltered Workshop for the disabled people of the community. There are not very many jobs for the disabled now at the present workshop, and many disabled persons would love to have employment to give their lives more meaning and to help support themselves, rather than be dependent totally on the government.

Has anyone seen the dilapidated old building in the flood plain down at Cole Junction? I cannot believe that the Sheltered Workshop or the rentor Cole County Residential Services thinks that is a good place for disabled people to work.

Too bad we don't have more respect or options for the disabled in our communty. "

mark_von wrote on Jul 18, 2009 10:00 AM:

" Boscoe, dont forget about that casino tax! that will bring in revenue too! "

boxergal wrote on Jul 18, 2009 9:56 AM:

" Have you seen that poor Johnston Controls building just sitting there? What a waste that is. And the ONLY advertising my husband and I ever see are for Miracle Ear and Whaley's. Don't need either one at the moment, thank you. What ever happened to advertising on the good old fashioned shops uptown??? Whomever is doing JC's PR needs to be gotten rid of. Its soooo bad. Shake it up a bit. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 18, 2009 9:53 AM:

" How's that crime rate doing lately?

Jefferson City: "The Drug-Friendly Town"

"Our biggest school: Home School"

We have spec buildings ready to go for the next big MANUFACTURER or WAREHOUSE who wants to locate here! "

boscoe wrote on Jul 18, 2009 9:50 AM:

" Shop local because local merchants KNOW what you want!

(They know what is good for you.)

Move if you don't like it! "

boxergal wrote on Jul 18, 2009 9:45 AM:

" Why doesn't JC have a Chucky Cheese for the kids??? Lots of kids around here. Or Dicks Sporting Goods??? Lots of sports minded people. Or upper end stores?? Macy's?? Its the same old, same old stuff here. Chain restaurants and pay day loans. UGH. "

boxergal wrote on Jul 18, 2009 9:31 AM:

" And please, please get it through your heads that a statue or a prison uptown are NOT going to bring in people to spend. Build it and they will come. Until then folks, count on your taxes to go up and up. "

boxergal wrote on Jul 18, 2009 9:27 AM:

" boomers that have saved all of their lives and are ready to kick back and enjoy those riches. So bring it on JC, tell everyone to move and trust me, they will. "

boxergal wrote on Jul 18, 2009 9:26 AM:

" This city HAS to take on another attitude because the one it has now stinks. It would be sooo smart to not tell people to move and to try to pull in sales revenue from the bedroom communities. Do you think it will EVER get it through its hard head??? We went to Columbia to shop the other day and man is it booming. Don't want to live there but sure will spend there. The day the stinking attitude changes is the day I will shop in JC again. And if you don't think that the retired boomers aren't moving on to greener pastures, you all had better think again. Thats where your money is at, boomers.... "

boscoe wrote on Jul 18, 2009 9:13 AM:

" The City kept its ambulance tax, even though it doesn't operate an ambulance.

Maybe the city can pass a Sheriff's tax, and a County Fair tax? "

Countercouple wrote on Jul 18, 2009 8:47 AM:

" One cannot rebound. From jeff city only leave "

mainermike wrote on Jul 18, 2009 8:38 AM:

" AS I SEE IT, by Mainer Mike Brown. ---

Hopefully, the city can rebound, and find other ways to find financial compensation. "

Countercouple wrote on Jul 18, 2009 8:29 AM:

" ...and so begins the end. What's amazing is how upbeat the report seems to me. What other savings? How much? "


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