City of Neosho Transportation Development District
By: Jeremiah Cook
Updated: November 30, 2012
NEOSHO, MO.--- Judge Kevin Selby ruled in favor of the TDD after questioning attorneys for the City of Neosho, the TDD and the State Highway Transportation Commission. The city claims the district is not a legal entity, and not able to conduct business or enter into agreements. The TDD lawyer says because the TDD had been operating, and complying with court ordered elections, they were capable of continuing in the future.
Both sides say they're looking out for the best interest of the community. Neosho city leaders say they don't believe the TDD is a legitimate entity, and a detriment to the tax payers, while TDD officials say this is about helping the community grow. State transportation experts, who chose to stay neutral on the issue, say they simply wanted to broker an agreement between the two sides.
Both sides say they're looking out for the best interest of the community. Neosho city leaders say they don't believe the TDD is a legitimate entity, and a detriment to the tax payers, while TDD officials say this is about helping the community grow. State transportation experts, who chose to stay neutral on the issue, say they simply wanted to broker an agreement between the two sides.
"We can't let the tax payers of Neosho, who are responsible for paying this $10 million in taxes to be involved in an entity that is illegal," states Steve Hart, Neosho Mayor Pro Tem.
"The existing retailers felt strongly enough about this that they, as property owners, voted in favor of this, and it indicates how much they desire other business to come in," states Ray Stipp, TDD Chairman.
"We've found that when people work together great things happen. we're going to try to continue to work with both parties and make this a positive reality," states Dan Salisbury, MODOT Engineer.
A representative with the State Highway Transportation Commission says the state has already spent or taken on liabilities, like contracts for work, of more than $1.4 million. They asked the judge to require the city to post that amount in bond if they choose to appeal the decision. The judge decided not to take the issue up. He wants to wait until a possible appeal is filed.
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