Mr. Custer you have cut through the political smokescreen and gotten to the heart of this issue. Brian seems to have been trying to fool the county residents with his "Mr. I'm such a Great Commissioner" vote for me and here is a free luncheon (how much does a vote cost nowadays and Brian does that include drink and dessert and does the mayor get the 20% gratuity?). Tam seems to feel that he should not recuse himself from votes that directly affect him.
Although Tams vote was criticized, it was commissioner Linda Ledbetter that provided the element of surprise. In an earlier work session, Ledbetter voted for Busse's reappointment, and decided to change her official vote at the commission meeting Thursday night. "...Mike may not be the one thats responsible, but after receiving a lot of emails from my constituents, I just voted with common sense. I'm not trying to hurt Mr Busse". A question here , maybe someone should do an open records request on this, is if she voted for Mike Busses re-appointment in the work session and then said she got all these e-mails against his re-appointment... how many e-mails did she get between the work session and the Commissioners Meeting to change her mind. Maybe someone should find out and then we, the voters would know where the truth lies.

Has anyone else noticed the Tam/ Tressler signs out on the City Properties? I really love their big signs out there in front of the City of Cumming Water Tower. Wish I could post a picture of that here after all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

city slicker, appropriate name for someone that moved to Forsyth and then wants to complain about everything.

I would love for you or anyone else to show me how Tam has benefited because he leases a restaurant from the city. I would feel pretty confident that he has a standard lease agreement and pays his rent like anyone else. If you can provide anything that shows he has benefited then I will accept that fact and not support Tam.

Just because you, Busse and David Richard keep saying he should recuse himself does not make fact.

If Busse had any ethics at all he would have stepped down when he decided to run for office. But, of course, you rhetoric mongers would never, ever consider that. Would you?

You are still harboring grudges it seems. At some point and time, Mr. Custer, you should think about letting go of those grudges. Seems like you may be playing the old political payback. Or at least penning this for someone that is.

Tam is no more the citiy's candidate than David Ricahrds would be. Tam voted in favor of all of Forsyth County on two important votes, one of which was the SPLOST allocation. Just because he can get along with the Mayor at times does not make him a bad candidate.

I urge you to look at the issues, what Tam has done for Forsyth County and if you think he has what it takes to continue to serve our citizens as a whole. It is not wise to make decisions based on old grudges, whether tyhey are your or somepone else's.

Jimmy Morris Jun 26, 2008 7:23am [ 2 ] city slicker, appropriate name for someone that moved to Forsyth and then wants to complain about everything.

I would love for you or anyone else to show me how Tam has benefited because he leases a restaurant from the city. I would feel pretty confident that he has a standard lease agreement and pays his rent like anyone else. If you can provide anything that shows he has benefited then I will accept that fact and not support Tam.

Just because you, Busse and David Richard keep saying he should recuse himself does not make fact.

David Milum: OK Jimmy, I think that I can accommodate you on the proof. Give me a few days as I am terribly behind in my corruption fighting chores lately but then again I have Mr. Tam’s file ready to go except for how to handle the handover of the goods.

Jimmy,

Pay attention. Just because Brian tells everyone he voted against the city in the last two votes, doesn't mean he hasn't delivered the bacon on many others over his term.

In a previous post, I highlighted the many votes Brian made that DIDN'T favor the county over the city, to the tune of over $15 million on the ones that passed, and another $33 million on one that didn't get the required super-majority.

I've seen documents that show that Mr. Tam's lease with the city is far more beneficial to Mr. Tam than any other lease that would be available for the size and location of a restaurant similar to his. Perhaps Mr. Milum might have those documents handy.

And please tell us why Mike Busse should have recused himself from his position because of his being a candidate for county commissioner. This logic I'd love to hear.

Mr. Morris:

I can see how you may interpret my comments as ”harboring an old grudge”, but that is nothing of the kind. My comments deal with a pattern of behavior displayed by Mr. Tam and how he places his personal agenda above the interests of Forsyth County voters.

It is very easy for you to question my motives for my comments, but very difficult to defend your candidate.

If I have been harboring grudges for political purposes, then why have you not heard any of these supposed grudges over the past 3-1/2 years? Why not constant letters to the editor condemning Mr. Tam’s behavior, especially with all the juicy opportunities to call voter’s attention to his antics?

The grudge I hold is when any person brings about injustice and deception upon those he or she seeks to lead. Mr. Busse’s role in the Tax assessor’s office is both voluntary and appointed, where as Mr. Tam’s office is elected and nicely paid. In my view, the person with a vested interest in an outcome, call it a “conflict of interest”, is the person who should recuse themselves.

While it may be argued Mr. Busse should have resigned from his position, the law did and does not require it of him. In addition, if he had, the appeals process may have slowed down even more than the current amount of time for the process to complete.

Mr. Morris, please tell the good citizens of Forsyth County where Mr. Busse has a vested interest in his votes on the Board of Tax Assessors.

Mr. Tam had the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and being above politics during a political season, and he likely would have gained votes if he had approved Mr. Busse’s reappointment, but he did not. He chose the lower road rather than the higher one.

So, if Mr. Custer holds Mr. Tam accountable for his voting record it’s a grudge but when Bell supporters hold Mr. Richard accountable, it’s a reason not to vote for him. No logic in that, just politics.

If you really want to see who is holding grudges look at whose property all the large Bell signs have been placed. In the south end, developers who did not get the zonings they wanted because Richard stood for the homeowners rights to a good quality of life yet protecting property rights. In the City, of course, the Mayor and City council members who Richard held accountable to the 95% that do not live in the city. In District 4, Forsyth County residents who think they should be treated different because they have lived here the longest but Richard does not use that as a criteria in decsion making. I think it's called equal rights.

You figure it out!!

Dear neighbors, Mr Busse is the Chair of the Board of Tax assessors. The responsibilities of the Board of Tax Assessors is to determine what real and personal property is subject to taxation in Forsyth County, to estimate the fair market value and administer the various types of homestead and property tax exemptions. Based on Mr Busse's website there is nothing to indicate that he has any experience or education that would qualify him for those responsibilities. Perhaps Commissioners Tam and Ledbetter recognized the obvious.

Dear neighbors, There has been a number of comments concerning Tam's Back Stage, many talking of a sweetheart deal. Do any of the people making those comments have any idea what the lease agreement is and have they made any investigation or assessment of what the lease should be. If so they haven't provided any of that info here. My understanding is that there was another food service company before Tam's. They for whatever reason no longer wanted that location and left. Tam's saw a chance for a sandwich shop and talked to the city about that idea. The city didn't want a sandwich shop. They wanted a full service facility for fine dining but had no serious candidates. Both Mr and Mrs Tam had had extensive experience in that kind of business but knew that they would have to invest considerable funds and it would be very risky to start a fine dining restaurant in such a secondary location in a very old building. They would be competing with all the big chains in better locations and in new buildings. They decided to take the risk and in doing so created one of the most enjoyable restaurants in Forsyth County. They created jobs and generate thousands in sales tax revenue. It was a good deal for the city and the county and I hope for Mr and Mrs Tam. Those that try to smear such business creation sound more like Obama/Clinton socialists than Forsyth County capitalists.

Mr. Quinn,

That topic is likely more appropriate for another Letter to the Editor, since it is a different rabbit trail compared to the other, much more damaging aspects of Mr. Tam’s actions as it relates to his votes on county matters.

If you have a comment germane to the topic, please post it. I am interested in your thoughts, if appropriate to the topic---Mr. Tam’s self-serving agenda.

Deja vu is right. Every time I think I am going to read something new on this website, I encounter yet another loser with a grudge.

There are few things sadder than that, and here on cumminghome, we have had Seder, Richard, and now Custer.

That's 3 losers with 3 grudges in the past 3 weeks.

Someone please....stop the madness!!!!

Dear Mr Custer,

I'll try to stay on topic. Can you tell me what qualifications Mr Busse had to support his appointment to the Board of Tax Assessors? His campaign website outlines his background in some detail and shows no experience or education related to the responsibilities. I don't believe it is political or in any way inappropriate to vote no on the appointment of an unqualified candidate.

Mr. Quinn,

The qualifications for being on the Board of Tax Assessors are simple. You have to be a resident of this county. One further qualification I use is that you have to know the difference between right and wrong in order for you to get a vote from me. That is why I supported Mike Busse's nomination AND renomination. And why I support him for county commissioner as well.

You might also be interested to know, Mr. Quinn, that in order for you to actually have a vote on the Board of Tax Assessors, you have to go to state certified training, which Mike Busse has not only attended, but passed. So, Mr. Quinn, Mike Busse has ALL the qualifications to serve on the Board of Tax Assessors except for one - a majority vote of the Board of Commissioners.

But since we are talking qualifications, can you tell us how many classes Brian Tam has completed through certified Association of County Commissioners of Georgia training in order to be qualified to be a county commissioner? Since he hasn't attended a single annual meeting of that group in 4 years where that training is provided, that answer would likely be - none.

Now, is there anything else you don't know about this issue?

Dear neighbors,

The responsibilities of the Board of Tax Assessors include "estimating market value". That includes estimating the market value of your home for property tax purposes. Your property taxes are based on that estimate. Beyond your home, the evaluation of properties such as the Walmarts, the hotels, the hospital, office buildings, strip shopping centers, golf courses and many other complex appraisal problems are the responsibility of the Board of Tax Assessors. It takes years of study and experience to reasonably estimate the market value of those types of property. A few hours in state certified training in no ways makes you qualified to estimate the value of a simple home or even ask an intelligent question regarding market value of more complex properties. As to the qualification for commissioner, the voters of Forsyth County make that determination. They do not have such a say in the appointments to the Board of Tax Assessors. That is the responsibility of the BOC.

Mr Quinn, Mr Busse had to attend class before he could vote on issues. Just as Mr Tam and all of the Commissioners do. He also has to maintain a certain amount of continuing education in order to stay compliant and be able to vote. As for him being unqualified that is just not so. Also if Mr Tam felt Mr Busse was unqualified then why did he second the motion for Mr Busses appointment originally 2 years ago? So, maybe you better stick to the facts! Like what the inside of the jail looks like and how lucky the citizens of the county were to have a great sheriffs office get your drunk a$$ off the road before someone was injured or killed.

Mr Quinn, Maybe you better find out the difference between a tax assessor and an appraiser.

Or maybe you should just get off this particular bandwagon and admit to everyone that the ONLY reason you are trying to knock Mike Busse down is because Brian Tam as promised you that he will move the county to buy your golf course view.

Dear SouthsideVoter: Gee Golly, I did not know I had a grudge, along with Mr. Seder and Mr. Richard too. I thought I had made my point on that topic, in an earlier response. My experience with Mr. Seder and Mr. Richard also demonstrated they had the factual basis for their positions. I did not realize that numbers were wrong when compared. i.e. 5% being greater than 95%. I thought we had the right to disagree and debate issues.

Wow, SouthsideVoter, you are so right! We just need to rollover and be taken advantage of by those in power without questioning them. We need to say, even though I can handle this position of responsibility, and even if the powers in control have a conflict of interest, they must be right, and I along with others must be wrong. This can’t be wrong, since my favorite BOC member supported it. He/She must be right.

When someone else has been wronged by my guy/girl, and they are called out on it, it must be something with them, my guy is never wrong. He’s ALWAYS right and does the right thing too! (think ill-informed and gullible here readers)

Thank you Southside Voter for your wonderful insights and inspiring writing. You are too good to be in hiding, you should come out and run for County Commissioner, or be appointed to a board with all your hidden wisdom. If I knew who you were, we could talk and make this all right for your sensitive sensibilities.

Please, please come out of the shadows and play with the big people.

‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’.

Men and women of good intentions may disagree, but wrongs must be called out, or the evil of wrongs will increase.

I am not declaring any one evil, but rather calling out behaviors which lead in the wrong direction, with negative consequences for all of society, unless corrected.

Dear neighbors,

I do support Commissioner Tam and am supporting Commissioner Richard. I believe that both understand that the golf course issue is much larger than my backyard view. I think they both know that the Wellstone proposal was totally inapprpriate and would have meant the destruction of our entire community. They both voted to deny that zoning. They both voted to deny the castleberry zoning. They both voted against the Walmart proposal. They both were for the splost split, 4.29% for the city. I believe they both have great voting records on zoning and other major issues. It seems that their major difference revolves around the county's relationship with the city. I disagree with a number of the city's positions but the simple fact is that the city is a political body representing its residents. It is there now and it will be there for a long time. They should be dealt with the respect that they deserve.

Mr. Custer, I her you loud and clear. I believe everyone understands what you are saying and why you are saying it. It's a lot easier to sit on the sidelines and throw stones than to get in the game and maybe make a few mistakes but over all have a positive impact on the society we live in. I believe this to be the differance bettween with you and Mr. Tam.

I don't believe you have the cobination of insight, intestinal fortitude, or leadership abilities to handle Mr. Tams job so sit down, shut up and serve

Mr Custer,

Your last post spoke words of wisdom. The problem we all face is that we can't know all about all subjects. We have to trust the words of others and sometimes we hear untruth. If we really try to understand an issue and try to find the facts and view those facts differently then honorable people can reasonably disagree but when there are so many half truths or outright distortions and personal attacks then there is no honor.

In answer to: jim quinn Jun 26, 2008 1:53pm [ 8 ] “Dear neighbors, There has been a number of comments concerning Tam's Back Stage, many talking of a sweetheart deal. Do any of the people making those comments have any idea what the lease agreement is and have they made any investigation or assessment of what the lease should be. If so they haven't provided any of that info here.

It was a good deal for the city and the county and I hope for Mr and Mrs Tam. Those that try to smear such business creation sound more like Obama/Clinton socialists than Forsyth County capitalists.”

David Milum: I don’t think that anyone is trying to smear anyone especially Mr. Tam’s business. The discussion is whether or not Brian Tam got a sweetheart deal. Yes he did. City records conclusively prove that his City paid perks are more that he pays for his lease.

Yes, the records are ready to be delivered on that. Exactly when that will be I don’t know but I do know that it will be soon. I plainly told Mr. Tam last year that if he decided to run again that I would be forced to reveal his recorded information because I feel all Forsyth County Taxpayers have the need to know.

Mr. Tam entered this race knowing full well that his information would come forth. This was his decision entirely to accept this as part of the election process. Voters are perfectly able to determine for themselves if this information is important to them or not.

Dear neighbors,

There is still nothing but smearing, completely unfounded and unsupported statements about the Tam family business. The city would have had to pay a chain to go into that old building in that secondary location. The Tams had a vision, put their money up and created one of the most enjoyable dining experiences in Forsyth County. I wish them nothing but continued success.

Dear Moving Forward.

I suspect you have not been in the county all that long or you would know I have been in the trenches and gotten dirty. Your comments are rather comical, since I am not the one hiding behind an anonymous moniker.

You say it is easier to throw stones and sit on the side lines, so please enlighten the readers what have you done that is so noteworthy that you remain in the shadows fearful of revealing your identity?

Have you waited until 3 in the morning at a BOC meeting to make public comments, when your commissioner worked to silence yours and other comments like the previous commissioner in District 4 did? Have you worked with your neighbors and community to stop an injustice to the community, when the community called for help?

If so, please enlighten us to your public service, so we may applaud your efforts, but in the mean time you can sit down in the shadows and throw those weak pebbles of yours. It appears my comments accurately portray the political antics of Mr. Tam, whether you like them or not.

As for my comments, please share with us why I am disclosing my thoughts and opinions about Mr. Tam at this time and not at other, perhaps even more opportune times in the past. Might it be that Mr. Tam’s antics just crossed over the edge to Republican Principles with regards to Mr. Busse? I am certain others may appreciate your insights.

You may also want to try using your spell check prior to you next posting.

Mr. Quinn,

Thank you for your comments and discourse on this topic. You are respected for your involvement and commitment.

Same goes for Mr. Morris.

Mr. Quinn,

I guess you missed the first three years of Mr. Tam's voting record on re-zonings (you know, when he wasn't running for re-election). To compare his record of gross violations of the Future Land Use Map while voting with Jack Conway to mine of consistent votes to oppose higher densities than were called for is dishonest at best.

And to vote for the 4.29% and then vote for the settlement shows just how much Mr. Tam is willing to pander to both sides of an issue. The city is suposed to get the respect it deserves, as well as ONLY the amount of money it deserves. The $15 million in extra giveaways to the city over Mr. Tam's term, with another $33 million that might have happened if he had received one more vote on the water contract extension, is not the way you represent the citizen's of Forsyth County.

Nor does one year of favorable votes that can be counted on less than one hand be construed as a great voting record on re-zoning.

Wow, this makes for interesting theater. Admittedly, I am relatively new to this Forsyth political theater (8 years). I am entering the arena now, with my only bias towards competent leadership and transparency. I don't have a dog in this hunt, as I don't know any of the candidates, and I am in a different district altogether than Mr. Busse and Commissioner Tam. I got into this mess purely by asking a few initial questions about my own property assessment and receiving some disturbing answers. So I will stick to that issue relative to leadership in this County.

I have spent hours - countless hours - researching this issue. From my own observations (and from dialoguing with Ms. Kirkpatrick, Chief Tax Assessor), both Ms. Kirkpatrick and Mr. Busse are in over their heads. The County's growth demands a higher level of expertise. The management approach that served us for many years must graduate to a higher level of performance and transparency. That is not a reflection of them personally, as I am grateful for their service, but an observation about performance.

Here are a few specific points/observations about the assessment mess:

*Thousands of property records had to be manually entered because the old system crashed - it died!

*Based on some sampling, many errors were made, potentially thousands of errors, in making the manual data entries into the new system. You should check your assessment records if you are reading this.

*No adjustments were made for the upward increases of 2-3% that were purely arbitrary in the new system's algorithm. Market value increased, purely on the basis of the new software, having nothing to do with real market value. If you had a home valued at $400,000.00, potentially your increase could have been an additional $8K to $12K due to the new algorithm alone.

*No adjustments were made to appropriately weigh the real estate reality in the 3rd and 4th quarter versus the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2007, when there were a substantially higher ratio of sales.

*The County tax assessors office and Tax Board had the authority to make uniform economic adjustments for the above - they chose not to, instead opting for a massive tax increase through increased assessments ranging from 2% to 160% on the backs of 43,000 homeowners. I have heard many of their stories. The stories of our retirees who are trying to make ends meet are most moving and compelling.

*Assessments from home to home in the same neighborhoods are often erratic in their timing and assessed value.

*It has been reported to me that some large landowners, who have hired professional help, may have gotten decreases as much as 20%, though I have not verified this.

*Very few market comps of individual homes were actually taken even though the vast majority of assessment notices state that changes in market value of the specific property were the reason (potentially, an integrity issue here). Oh yes, it's true! That is because the assessment office was scrambling to enter in thousands of manual entries because the old system was dying right in front of them.

*Overrides were in place for many homes in 2007, because the County knew there were major problems, and held back flipping the switch on the new software until 2008.

*The County knew that a backlash was possible...in an email the week the assessments went out, Ms. Kirkpatrick asked the Commissioners to forward all complaints to her.

*The initial response from Mr. Busse and Ms. Kirkpatrick was that the County sustained real estate value throughout 2007 (which still does not justify an increase). They were less than forthright about the system and software issues initially. I actually found that out from an insider who begged me to do something.

Unfortunately, the list goes on and on. That is why I think some changes in personnel are appropriate and a responsibility of the Board, and it seems logical that the Chairman of the Tax Board should be first, as Ms. Kirkpatrick reports to him. Mr. Busse may be a wonderful guy, but this a mess - and he is the leader.

Of course, Ms. Ledbetter voted differently than two years ago. She had new information from me and I am sure others that compelled her to change her vote.

Accountibility is often not a pleasant thing, but that is leadership. To whom much is given, much is required. It is amazing to me to hear so many people who claim to be fiscal conservatives with virtually no empathy for 43,000 homeowners whose assessments were increased. In a cavalier way, they say that if people are not happy, they can appeal. But, they know that most people won't, many because they do not understand the complexities of the process. This is particualry true of our treasured senior citizens. They argue about a restaurant lease when literally thousands of people - our neighbors - who are trying to make ends meet from month to month and keep their homes - will be presented with higher property taxes. They seem to be perfectly okay with one of the largest tax increases in Forsyth history during an economic downturn - through the backdoor of increased assessments. You can chalk it up as political or not, but the tax increases en masse and the processes used to accomplish them are simply wrong, and those who are leading the process should be accountable.

Yours for a better Forsyth,

Gerry Purcell 404-783-2020

Dear neighbors,

Mr Purcell has done his homework and paints a clear picture of the problems within the Board of Tax Assessors.

Gerry- In the Forsyth County News, the school board has announced a millage rate increase by 1 point to overcome their projected shortfall of 9 million + dollars. does this mean it will be a double or triple whammy for the Forsyth County Citizens? Before budget approval is 'official' on the school side, there will be public hearings held. According to the FCN the hearings are scheduled July 9th at 8:00 am and then at 6:00 pm . There is another hearing scheduled July 17 before the regular school board meeting... The school board is at 1120 dahlonega hwy, cumming, ga 30040.

Hopefully Steve Carter will have more information he can post on his website regarding these upcoming hearings.

Terry B 404 966 8986

Terry, unfortunately, I think you are right. We may be in for a trifecta of higher taxes from our "fiscally conservative" leaders.

Boycott Boff Boycott meaning...To act together in abstaining from using, buying or dealing with as an expression of protest or disfavor or as a means of coercion.

Stop the city picked Destructive Duo of Tam and Tressler. No more city commissioners in the county commission. Vote for Charlie Smith or Mike Busse, and Jim Boff - Best One For Forsyth. Keep the citizens voice where it should be - with the people, not special interest groups.

Mr Purcell,

I am one of the S. Forsyth homeowners hit with a 10% tax increase this year. As you mentioned, the official explanations and criteria for reassessments are hard to believe, as my house has been reassessed pretty much every year (last year I got a 5% increase), which I hear is quite unusual. According to some real estate numbers I found in one of the local neswpapers, the true value adjustment in real estate has been a little less than 1% for 2007. I am planning to appeal, but as you pointed out, this is really difficult for people like me, with a full time job with no connection to the real estate industry. Is there any public website that posts what the numbers are?

I believe Mr Busse and whoever else supports this increase should provide honest answers to the county citizens on this matter.

Mr Purcell,

I am one of the S. Forsyth homeowners hit with a 10% tax increase this year. As you mentioned, the official explanations and criteria for reassessments are hard to believe, as my house has been reassessed pretty much every year (last year I got a 5% increase), which I hear is quite unusual. According to some real estate numbers I found in one of the local neswpapers, the true value adjustment in real estate has been a little less than 1% for 2007. I am planning to appeal, but as you pointed out, this is really difficult for people like me, with a full time job with no connection to the real estate industry. Is there any public website that posts what the numbers are?

I believe Mr Busse and whoever else supports this increase should provide honest answers to the county citizens on this matter.

Lee -

Jerry is a neighbor and we've been exchanging information over the last few weeks. Since he travels sometimes he may not be able to answer you right away but I'm sure he'll respond as soon as he's able.

I will also be happy to share with you what I've learned in the last few weeks by poking around on the internet and doing spreadsheet analysis. Between the Jerry, myself and any other poster who has spent time on this, hopefully you'll get what you need to do some quick analysis and move in the right direction if you need to appeal. It's getting a bit late tonight for me to write a clear version of what I found out but I will come back into the forum with info tomorrow - most likely later in the day. I will also be happy to email you a copy of my spreadsheet so you see what kind of analysis I've done and helpful internet links. Please know what I will be sharing is not based on claims of being an expert. I'm just a homeowner who has spent some long hours over the last 4 weeks trying to put my arms around this through internet research and analysis.

Beth Tipton

Lee -

Geez - I just saw the portion of my post to you where I typed ...'Between the Jerry, myself, and...' . I don't want to leave anyone wondering if I was trying to be rude in my reference to Jerry. It was simply bad proof reading - sorry. reading. What I meant to say was ...'Between Jerry, myself, and ...."

Beth

SPLOST 6

Jim Boff... DIDN'T EVEN SERVE HIS OWN DISTRICT!!!

Serving on the committee are Jim Boff (District 1 representative); Charles I. Smith (District 2 representative); Bob Charles (District 3 representative); Charles Cantrell (District 4 representative); Ernest Turner (District 5 representative); Tracy Moon (Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce representative); and John Manton (senior community representative).

My comments... I did not mean to sling any mud earlier. I never meant to offend anyone or hurt anyones feelings. I saw that information on a web page and would of liked to know how to serve on a committee and it not be in the district you live in. Which were answered by Boff and Smith. Some of the other comments got spun way out of control and some were not signing their name and I said somethings I am embarressed about... I want to apoligize to you Jim Boff for those comments - I AM SORRY!!!

Brian Tam Using County Employees On His Private Property

1. Brian Tam lives in the Aberdeen/Three Chimneys Subdivision.

2. Tam’s next door neighbor is Ms. Jennifer Green, they both live on Dorset Lane

3. Brian Tam has in his backyard a drainage pipe to facilitate rainwater draining off his property into a drainage ditch along his property line. Neither Tam’s backyard drainage pipe nor the ditch located between he and his other next door neighbor has anything to do with the Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department.

4. Ms. Jennifer Green called the Water & Sewer Dept. to complain about water standing and draining into her front yard.

5. Water & Sewer Dept. employees discovered that an area in Ms. Green’s front yard was staying wet all the time. They dug along the sidewalk area to see what the problem was.

6. Employees discovered that a cutoff valve had busted and was draining a lot of water into Ms. Green’s yard. The culprit was an illegal tap-on in Ms. Green’s front yard under the sidewalk. Absolutely no fault or responsibility of Ms. Green. The illegal line had been there for years servicing the irrigation equipment for the Aberdeen HOA.

7. F.C. Water & Sewer called in the irrigation company who was now in charge of the illegal line that served their irrigation equipment. It was never determined who actually did the original illegal tap-on.

8. It was determined that the Aberdeen Subdivision HOA was responsible for the illegal line as they were responsible for the irrigation equipment served by the line.

9. The tap-on was removed and plugged. The ditch was left open for an extended amount of time while the Aberdeen HOA decided to purchase a water meter to replace the illegal tap-on. They finally did purchase the meter.

10. After the removal of the illegal tap-on an email dated 8.1.06 from Water & Sewer Barry Lucas said; “I do not believe that there is any further action required from our department”

11. Brian Tam complained that his drainage pipe was stopped up in his backyard. He demanded that Water & Sewer inspect his private pipe. He blamed the busted water pipe in front of Ms. Green’s house for his pipe problems far away from the repaired area. Ms. Green had complained about water standing in her yard long before the illegal tap-on was discovered. In other words; long before any digging or land disturbance was ever done.

12. Tam demanded that Water & Sewer fix his problems as well even though the county was not responsible for the illegal line that busted which may or may not have caused any damage to Tam’s drainage pie.

13. County employees were dispatched to look at Tam’s personal backyard drainage pipe. Water & Sewer brought in their camera inspection equipment and ran it down Tam’s private drainage pipe. It was discovered that several large rocks were partially obstructing Tam’s pipe. Also discovered at the exit portion of the pie was that the pipe was half filled with dirt that kept the pipe from properly draining.

14. (3) County employees spent 22 ½ hours cleaning and inspecting Tam’s personal pipe. A generator was used for 6 ½ hours, a jetting machine was used for 7 ½ hours, a camera was used for 7 ½ hours.

I found this by a very simple records request and have not delved any further into this matter. This work by county employees demanded by Commissioner Tam is an unethical use of county employees and equipment and an Ethics Complaint needs to filed against Commissioner Tam.

David Milum