Library/City Hold Harmless Agreement.

The Carthage Library Board will meet this evening to discuss a revision of the "hold harmless" agreement between the City and the Board. The agreement was formed when the voters repealed the City personal property tax and replaced it with a transportation sales tax.

One of the provisions of the creation of the transportation sales tax was that the City would "hold the library harmless from loss of revenue caused by the cessation of taxing personal property within the City." The Library has its own tax levy and the City offered the hold harmless agreement to gain the Library Board's support for eliminating the personal property tax.

For the last two years, the Library Board has insisted on calculating the dollar amount on what it would have received if the personal property levy was still in place.

The City has proposed using the transportation tax as the index for any future increases. This change is being assessed by the Library Board. An ordinance reflecting the City's proposal is scheduled for first reading at tomorrow's Council meeting in City Hall at 7:30 p.m..

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

I haven't crunched all the numbers, but here is a look at the "hold harmless" issue.

Part of the discussion centers around the definition of "hold harmless." The Library's general position is that it should be gettin' the same amount as it would have if the personal property tax was still in place. Some lookin' at the City's point of view have made the argument that just payin' the $12,000 or so the Library was gettin' when the tax was repealed would satisfy the agreement. Last year the City paid well over $40,000 (after a little proddin' by the Library Board).

The City looks ta wanna be fair, but says the transportation tax replaced the personal property tax and should therefore be used as an indicator. The percentage increase (or decrease) each year would be easier to calculate and be more equitable for the City.

Whatever the Library decides will no doubt be expressed at the Council meetin'.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin'.

by

Carthage Farm & Home Supply, Inc.

The Super Handyman.

Dear Al: I'm not much of a repairman but I'll try to fix it if it's broke. I attempted to tackle the washing machine, and the manual said to remove the agitator. The plastic cap that held the agitator in place wouldn't budge. I wrapped a towel around it and went after it with the oil-filter wrench from my truck. Sure enough, it came loose. I used the wrench to tighten the cap back down too, but not as tight as it was before. By the way, I did get the washing machine running again, and it didn't cost me that much moola to do it. Also I learned a few skills for my next home repair.

Wooden steps can double as storage spaces in some cases. By prying up a step and adding hinges to the back of it, you can create some really handy storage for garden hoses, work boots, tools and lots of other things. It's a great idea for the stairs on the deck or patio, or in the basement. In enclosed areas, It works best on the bottom step, so you don't have to worry about your stuff sliding out of reach.

If you're careful, the hinges will hardly be noticeable. No one need know that you've got things stored beneath your stairs.

A SUPER HINT- When you have to remove old wallpaper, try using hot water to soften the old paste. A little liquid dishwashing soap added to the water will help make it "stick" to the wallpaper better. Use a paint roller, sponge, or mop to apply the water.

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