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Soon we will publish a picture of the dedication plaque in the
current District Courthouse and Jail Annex in downtown Belton. They correctly state that the buildings were erected by the
citizens of Bell County.
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In stark comparison, soon we will publish the dedication plaque
in the new County Courthouse on Loop 121 that was built WITHOUT TAXPAYER APPROVAL - indeed, built after two formal rejections
by Bell County voters. During a recent dog-and-poney show of the new facility, we have seen the new dedication plaue. Quite
properly, it bears only the names of the Bell County Judge and Commissioners since they were the only ones who finally got
to vote on the matter. And, yes, is also references the construction company that Judge Burrows had to recuse himself from
voting .....
- What do you think the new building plaque should have said?? We think it should have said, "Erected
Over the Objection of Bell County Voters."
- This website's vistors are encouraged to visit the new Courthouse (now
called a "Judicial Center") building your increased taxes will pay for. Not surprisingly, some have already opined that it
looks like it was built by or for Enron corporate executives.
After visting the palacial new judicial complex and
on the way back to town, take a moment to check out the Senior Citizen's Center. Compare the two structures and then just
ask yourself this simple question - where are the sense of priorities on the part of our supposed political representatives?
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When the multi-million dollar contract to construct
the judicial palace on Loop 121 was awarded to Skanska USA Building, Inc., the Temple Telegram reported that County Judge
Jon Burrows had abstained from the vote because of "business and personal dealings with Skanska personnel."
A quick
check of the Bell County Commissioner's Court Minute Order #212/04 reveals the following : "The Court discussed the quotes
received for Construction Manager for the District Courts/Annex Project and after due discussion, upon motion of COMMISSIONER
FISHER, seconded by COMMISSIONER CORTESE, the Commissioners unanimously voted to award such contract to Skanska USA of Temple,
the low bidder. JUDGE BURROWS abstained from such voting due to his friendship with the owners of the business."
As
we get ready to see the jail - another multi-million dollar project to be built WITHOUT TAXPAYER APPROVAL - it will be interesting
to see what company gets the contract award. Who do you think will be awarded this this lucrative contract?
Well,
my guess is that it will be . . . . Sure 'Nuff - it was reported on 2 Sept 06 that good ole' SKANKSA got the contract! Is
anybody surprised?
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Did You See The Killeen Daily Herald Poll reported in the 24
May 06 edition? A whalloping ninety-two percent (92%) of those reponding felt that Bell county appriased values are "out
of line." Indeed, they felt that "the local taxing entities are just trying to make extra money through higher appraisals."
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How Has The Tax Appraisal District Responded To This Startling
Poll? SILENCE.
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