why would JJ Kelly get a new school?

**R13** · February 22nd, 2011, 09:45 PM

But it's not like these schools were designed to last any longer than they have now, when presenting the new schools they stated they were designed to last 50-70 years.

**burton2019** · February 22nd, 2011, 09:47 PM

My god that county is a **** mess.

**NotSoSilentBob** · February 22nd, 2011, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by 1inStripes

I took classes in a 50 year old building that had HVAC, and properly working equipment. For that I am thankful. Its sad that one county can take care of older building and keep them up to date, while another lets them regress to the point of it being cheaper to build half as many new as it is to fix them all. Much less when 3 schools is plenty for the county.

Scott County has done an excellent job of keeping GCHS, RCHS and TSHS in pretty good shape.

Reading the article in the Coalfield, I'm amazed at the bravado that Rivers, Luntsford and Cantrell have. If they're so concerned about school board matters, why don't they run for school board? Their 'conditions' as laid out in the article are ridiculous.

Pure logic dictates that the county can no longer continue to maintain six high schools with a declining population and declining tax base. The most logical solution would be to build three new schools in the three largest towns. Since we all know that won't fly (since the BoS is so scared of raising what is the lowest tax rate in the area), renovating the three largest schools and closing the three smallest schools would be the next best thing.

While Wise Co. certainly has the infrastructure in place to make two high schools a reasonable solution, three schools would probably be best.

I've given up hope of anything positive happening. The stupidity has worn me down. Just keep 'em all open.

**Biggin** · February 22nd, 2011, 10:14 PM

Ive screamed about logic for two years now but its painfully obvious the WCSB and BOS have absolutley no intention of using any sort of logic.

**pvfan** · February 22nd, 2011, 10:29 PM

I have no problem with raising my property taxes if the kids get new schools. Now, if they raise taxes to keep the kids in these old decrepit things that is a horse of a different color.

**NotSoSilentBob** · February 22nd, 2011, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by pvfan

I have no problem with raising my property taxes if the kids get new schools. Now, if they raise taxes to keep the kids in these old decrepit things that is a horse of a different color.

This county could absorb a 25% increase in real estate taxes with no problem IMO. Sure there would be a lot of crying. 57 cents just isn't that high. Take a look at the surrounding tax rates.

Scott Co. assesses at 69 cents for real estate, Lee Co. at 75 cents, Russell Co. 61 cents, ****enson Co. 60 cents, Buchannan Co. 43 cents (probably not right, only number I could find via Google), Washington Co. 58 cents.

A 25% increase for Wise Co. would result in a rate of 72 cents per $1000. That should more than pay for three new high schools.

**pvfan** · February 23rd, 2011, 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by NotSoSilentBob

This county could absorb a 25% increase in real estate taxes with no problem IMO. Sure there would be a lot of crying. 57 cents just isn't that high. Take a look at the surrounding tax rates.

Scott Co. assesses at 69 cents for real estate, Lee Co. at 75 cents, Russell Co. 61 cents, ****enson Co. 60 cents, Buchannan Co. 43 cents (probably not right, only number I could find via Google), Washington Co. 58 cents.

A 25% increase for Wise Co. would result in a rate of 72 cents per $1000. That should more than pay for three new high schools.

And that boys and girls, I would support. I have to believe most would support that as well.

**simple man** · February 23rd, 2011, 12:48 AM

Originally Posted by pvfan

I have no problem with raising my property taxes if the kids get new schools. Now, if they raise taxes to keep the kids in these old decrepit things that is a horse of a different color.

Would you like a joker in the deck ?

A story in Sat Kpt Times says there a case in court that could cost Wise millions. And we all know how much extra money is floating around.:laffingassoff:

**pvfan** · February 23rd, 2011, 01:26 AM

Originally Posted by simple man

Would you like a joker in the deck ?

A story in Sat Kpt Times says there a case in court that could cost Wise millions. And we all know how much extra money is floating around.:laffingassoff:

Do you have a link to the article?

**UTVols2** · February 23rd, 2011, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by NotSoSilentBob

This county could absorb a 25% increase in real estate taxes with no problem IMO. Sure there would be a lot of crying. 57 cents just isn't that high. Take a look at the surrounding tax rates.

Scott Co. assesses at 69 cents for real estate, Lee Co. at 75 cents, Russell Co. 61 cents, ****enson Co. 60 cents, Buchannan Co. 43 cents (probably not right, only number I could find via Google), Washington Co. 58 cents.

A 25% increase for Wise Co. would result in a rate of 72 cents per $1000. That should more than pay for three new high schools.

Norton is $.80 per $100, which was increased from $0.70 the first 12 years or so I have owned real estate.

The $0.72 you suggest is more than feasible, that would still be one of the lowest across the Commonwealth.