Friends,
Saturday, in between, visits, I was noticing the lawns while driving. There were some very beautiful lawns, some very nice lawns, and some that need a little work. One house was especially noticeable. It was not the lawn that caught my eye but rather a young man and his mom working in the yard.
She was sweeping and he was trimming the grass along the driveway with a shovel. Both were working very hard in the noon-day heat. Driving by the house, the thought occurred to turn around and stop at the house.
I made a legal turn, returned to the house, and parked. Not knowing how either would react to a stranger stopping, I quickly got out of the car and introduced myself as the Mayor. "I just want to say thank you for making your yard so neat and attractive."
"I especially want to say thank you for helping your mother and working so diligently in the yard."
"Thank you, Sir," the young man said.
"How old are you?
" I am 14, Sir."
What grade are you in?
" I am going into the 9th grade, Sir."
"That is great. You, your work ethics, and your attitude are examples of a quality young man. It is an honor to meet you.
This is Salado with young people who are at the top. It is indicative of our parents, our teachers, and our institutions of learning.
As we examine the issues that are before our village, I respectfully request that we remember our decisions are not only about our health and welfare but for their future.
Most respectfully, Skip Blancett
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
What is new
Friends,
You are an amazing bunch -- creative, diligent, smart, and fun. Here are some things you did this week:
1. Keep Salado Beautiful presented their first Garden of the Month sign to Banes House. Congratulations Sheryl and Rod. Your garden and yard are well done.
Who is next?
2. The questions at the Community Information Briefing by TxDoT were thought-provoking. Thank you for taking an active interest in the discussion. If you would like to see the mural that will be on the East and West side walls, drop by the City Hall. Margaret will show and explain it to you.
3. The Vision Committee discussion was lively. These members are "plowing some difficult ground" with boldness, confidence, and seriousness. Their direction is progressive and balanced. Please try to make one of their meetings.
4. The monthly Bell County Council on Government Thursday brought together Mayors and community leaders from across Bell County to discuss programs. The Leon River Watershed briefing was informative especially the discussion on how it affects water quality in Lake Belton and other streams. The importance of Salado Creek comes to mind when listening to what makes a river polluted. We must be careful with the creek or suffer the consequences.
5. While COG was meeting, an important meeting was being conducted in the Salado Municipal Building on Salado Creek and the Salamander. The attendees received encouraging and informative information from Texas environment leaders. Salado Creek is doing well.
6. Monday, our City Manager will receive the formal report from the Engineers on the Water Treatment Plant. In the 12 July, the Aldermen will hear the report during the 6 hour session. A town hall will be held by the end of July so all the community will know the information and begin making a decision.
7. We desperately need grant writers. There is money on the table and Salado has a chance to receive some of it, however, if we do not apply; we will not receive it. It would be nice if the city had the money to hire someone who was trained in grant writing and did nothing but write grants. It would pay for that person's salary. Maybe some day. Right now, we need someone who will volunteer their time. If you are willing, please call Margaret, 947-5060.
8. The Cowboy Church in Salado is a most friendly church. People greet you at the door like you are their best friend. Coffee and doughnuts await in case you slept late and did not have time for breakfast. About two minutes after sitting down, your foot starts keeping beat to the music. The sermon is filled with "cowboy philosophy" and "down-home common sense." On Monday, the pastor calls and says "thank you for coming." Make no mistake, this is cowboy country -- jeans, boots, belt buckles, and hats.
As Mayor, I visit a different church every Sunday. I have found that Salado has fine places to worship -- all with a different flavor, a different approach, and meaningful messages. Like the businesses I try to visit regularly, they all have something to offer.
Thank you for a very productive week.
Very respectfully,
Skip
You are an amazing bunch -- creative, diligent, smart, and fun. Here are some things you did this week:
1. Keep Salado Beautiful presented their first Garden of the Month sign to Banes House. Congratulations Sheryl and Rod. Your garden and yard are well done.
Who is next?
2. The questions at the Community Information Briefing by TxDoT were thought-provoking. Thank you for taking an active interest in the discussion. If you would like to see the mural that will be on the East and West side walls, drop by the City Hall. Margaret will show and explain it to you.
3. The Vision Committee discussion was lively. These members are "plowing some difficult ground" with boldness, confidence, and seriousness. Their direction is progressive and balanced. Please try to make one of their meetings.
4. The monthly Bell County Council on Government Thursday brought together Mayors and community leaders from across Bell County to discuss programs. The Leon River Watershed briefing was informative especially the discussion on how it affects water quality in Lake Belton and other streams. The importance of Salado Creek comes to mind when listening to what makes a river polluted. We must be careful with the creek or suffer the consequences.
5. While COG was meeting, an important meeting was being conducted in the Salado Municipal Building on Salado Creek and the Salamander. The attendees received encouraging and informative information from Texas environment leaders. Salado Creek is doing well.
6. Monday, our City Manager will receive the formal report from the Engineers on the Water Treatment Plant. In the 12 July, the Aldermen will hear the report during the 6 hour session. A town hall will be held by the end of July so all the community will know the information and begin making a decision.
7. We desperately need grant writers. There is money on the table and Salado has a chance to receive some of it, however, if we do not apply; we will not receive it. It would be nice if the city had the money to hire someone who was trained in grant writing and did nothing but write grants. It would pay for that person's salary. Maybe some day. Right now, we need someone who will volunteer their time. If you are willing, please call Margaret, 947-5060.
8. The Cowboy Church in Salado is a most friendly church. People greet you at the door like you are their best friend. Coffee and doughnuts await in case you slept late and did not have time for breakfast. About two minutes after sitting down, your foot starts keeping beat to the music. The sermon is filled with "cowboy philosophy" and "down-home common sense." On Monday, the pastor calls and says "thank you for coming." Make no mistake, this is cowboy country -- jeans, boots, belt buckles, and hats.
As Mayor, I visit a different church every Sunday. I have found that Salado has fine places to worship -- all with a different flavor, a different approach, and meaningful messages. Like the businesses I try to visit regularly, they all have something to offer.
Thank you for a very productive week.
Very respectfully,
Skip
Monday, June 23, 2014
Comparison of Tax Rates from CAD
Friends,
A property tax, millage tax is an ad valorem tax that an owner of real estate or other property pays on the value of the property being taxed. There are three species or types of property: Land, Improvements to Land (immovable man made things), and Personal (movable man made things). Real estate, real property or realty are all terms for the combination of land and improvements. The taxing authority requires and/or performs an appraisal of the monetary value of the property, and tax is assessed in proportion to that value. Forms of property tax used vary between countries and jurisdictions.
Let's compare our ad valorem tax with other villages, towns, and cities around us:
Bartlet: .58 cents
Holland: .62 cents
Nolanville: .51 cents
Belton: .64 cents
Temple: .56 cents
Killeen: .73 cents
Rogers: .82 cents
Troy: .41 cents
Morgan's Point: .63 cents
SALADO: .12 cents
If you had a choice between .12 cents (Salado) and .56 cents (Temple) or .64 cents (Belton) or .73 cents (Killeen); which community would you choose if you lived outside the city limits and had to make a choice?
Salado's .12cents is a great deal. Why not ask to become a part of our village? We would love to have you. If interested, please call the Village Municipal Building, 947-5060, and speak to Margaret. She will give you all the information needed.
Very Respectfully,
Skip
A property tax, millage tax is an ad valorem tax that an owner of real estate or other property pays on the value of the property being taxed. There are three species or types of property: Land, Improvements to Land (immovable man made things), and Personal (movable man made things). Real estate, real property or realty are all terms for the combination of land and improvements. The taxing authority requires and/or performs an appraisal of the monetary value of the property, and tax is assessed in proportion to that value. Forms of property tax used vary between countries and jurisdictions.
Let's compare our ad valorem tax with other villages, towns, and cities around us:
Bartlet: .58 cents
Holland: .62 cents
Nolanville: .51 cents
Belton: .64 cents
Temple: .56 cents
Killeen: .73 cents
Rogers: .82 cents
Troy: .41 cents
Morgan's Point: .63 cents
SALADO: .12 cents
If you had a choice between .12 cents (Salado) and .56 cents (Temple) or .64 cents (Belton) or .73 cents (Killeen); which community would you choose if you lived outside the city limits and had to make a choice?
Salado's .12cents is a great deal. Why not ask to become a part of our village? We would love to have you. If interested, please call the Village Municipal Building, 947-5060, and speak to Margaret. She will give you all the information needed.
Very Respectfully,
Skip
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Another believer
Friends,
Do you recognize the building below?
Currently, this is the plan for a new shop that has opened
in Salado called WATERMILL MARKETPLACE, located at the end corner of 602 Old
Town Road, Suites 2 and 3, facing Stage Coach/I-35. The shop is owned and operated by Ron and Melinda Smith.
Larry Mitcham, Ph.D, owns the property that houses the
Watermill Marketplace and is making plans for the addition to the present
structure. According to Dr.
Mitcham, he will soon come to the Village Office and acquire a Permit to begin
working on the project.
Our town artist, Mr. Herd, drew the sketch below.
The Mitchams and the Smiths are two more owners who believe
in the economic growth of Salado.
Very
Respectfully,
Skip Blancett
Thursday, June 19, 2014
One person -- one story -- many friends
Friends,
The power of “Word of Mouth” was witnessed Monday with this exchange of comments.
Shopper: I was in Salado Saturday.
Skip: You were? Did you like it?
Shopper: Yes. I never heard of this little town. I love it. The little shops are very nice, and it is so quaint and pretty.
Skip: I am glad you discovered us. Did you go to the Park and see the dogs and ducks?
Shopper: No, but my husband and I did some serious damage shopping. There was one new shop that just opened – I just loved it. The owner was so friendly and helpful. It was really a unique place. They had beautiful household décor.
Skip: I am glad your shopping experience was pleasant. How were the other shops you visited?
Shopper: Very nice. I cannot believe that we never heard of Salado. Is it always like this?
Skip: Always. Did you get a chance to drive around and see the neighborhoods, the golf course, the schools, churches, historical buildings, and other places of interest.
Shopper: We have not lived in Texas long. We will come back to Salado.
Skip: I hope you do. In fact, sale your home and move here. The people are great, the schools are the best in Texas, and your husband can play golf every day. Salado is one of the best villages in Texas according to surveys and feature stories.
Shopper: My husband is going to think I am crazy, but that might be a possibility. If not, I am going to tell my neighbors, friends, and relatives about Salado. We have lived many places, but nothing like that town. It was one of the most pleasant places we have ever experienced.
THIS IS A TRUE EXCHANGE OF CONVERSATION. The lesson is simple. The testimony of this shopper will be spread to many others.
In a recent survey done after a College Fair, Fort Hood, the question was asked, "How did you learn about the college Fair?" Over 75% said, “I learned about the College Fair from a friend and came.”
"Word of Mouth" is powerful. It tells the world of a small village that is filled with good people and great hospitality.
Very respectfully,
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
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