I had requested the information be sent in Excel Format, by email. Thought that would be easier and cheaper. Unfortunately, the 15 page document came by old fashion snail mail. The names of the payers in no particular order and some information in the document was obstructed and it took 43 days to put it together. Never fear though, for those of us that have moved into the modern era, there are ways to correct those things. See list below.

As I scan through the list and see what Lenoir City, elected officials have done to the 472 businesses, churches, schools and nonprofits of the city, not to mention the thousands of residents, it's hard not to see the parallels from the old days when the mob would extort people out of their money and call it a protection fee.

Included in the legal extortion list are 25 churches who are collectively paying over to the city nearly two thousand dollars per month. Even the federal and state governments recognize the importance of no taxation on Houses Of Worship, but not Lenoir City officials, no sir, the churches must pay regardless of their community contributions. The Boy's and Girl's Club, The Good Samaritan, Habitat For Humanity, KARM, Goodwill, organizations solely devoted to helping the needy must pay also. Then of course there are the thousands of residents who get the three dollar tax on their utility bill every month. Then there's the Lenoir City school system that's so strapped for cash and safety of the children is so at risk. They have to fork over $1,200.00 per month. Think they could use that $14,400 per year for child safety?

It might even be a little different if the city was actually using this half million dollars per year to actually improve anything but it's all going to pay salaries of of the same employees that were there before the tax pas passed.

By the way, I notice the hospital isn't on the list, not sure why that is but I'll check on that and ADESA Auto Auction is still the big winner paying $2,000.00 per month and not a drop of rain water leaves their property. It's all contained in their on retention ponds.

The list below represents 472 businesses, churches, schools and nonprofits for a total monthly income to the city of $33,575.00 per month or $402,900.00 per year. This does not include the residential.

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