When I lived in Portland, OR, the local alternative weekly had a feature they called “Rogue of the Week”, in which they chronicled tales of the corrupt, the venal, the greedy, and/or the just plain stupid. It’s too bad I’m not living in Portland anymore, because this story has stupid oozing from every pore.
Our next-door neighbors are being taken to court by the Clear Creek Independent School District Tax Office for delinquent property taxes. I imagine this sort of thing happens with disturbing frequency. People hate paying taxes, right? What makes this story so disturbing is that the power of the law is being brought to bear upon our neighbors for a tax bill of- get this- $0.05. No, that is not a typo. CCISD’s Tax Office, in their infinite (lack of) wisdom has apparently decided that a scofflaw is a scofflaw.
This is some serious DUMB@$$ AWARD-quality stuff. Since I don’t have the name of the person or persons responsible for this travesty, I’ll just have to rail against CCISD’s general incompetence…of which this is merely the latest egregious example.
I wonder if there is room in the pinhead of whatever official made this decision to consider the implications of their action? Clearly, given that said pinhead made the decision to pursue legal action, the answer to that is a resounding “NO”. Those who can, do. Those who cannot go to work for CCISD as an administrator.
Surely, someone involved in this case must have realized that collecting the delinquent $0.05 would be a far more expensive proposition than asking if anyone in the office could spare a nickel? Is it too much to expect a degree of reason and intelligence from those we charge with running our schools? Apparently so.
The esteemed Houston legal firm of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, & Sampson, LLP (a subsidiary of Dewey, Cheatham, & Howe, LLP) spent $0.60 simply mailing legal notification to our neighbors. When you factor in staff time and the firm’s Christmas party fund, collecting CCISD’s $0.05 will end up costing many times that. Is it just me, or is someone in serious need of re-discovering their grip on reality?
There are times when I begin to believe that I may have plumbed the depths of human stupidity and finally reached rock bottom. Then I run across something like this, and I am once again in awe of the seemingly unfathomable depth and breadth of human ignorance.
I think I’ll tape a nickel to my neighbor’s front door in a show of solidarity. Perhaps I can convince someone- Bob Dylan, perhaps?- to write a protest song on their behalf. Hey, if he can pen a song for Hurricane Carter to protest the abuses of our legal system, why not a quick ditty for our neighbors? I’ll even make it easy…how about something to the tune of the theme from “Beverly Hillbillies”? In the case of CCISD, that would be appropriate.
You've gotta be kidding.
Oh, wait ...
This is a school district we're talking about, and they want that nickel.
They'd've saved money having the janitors sweep the cafeteria and pick up the change ... maybe made a profit ... but that would be logical.
Logic and school administrators never mix.
Don't worry -- in addition to the judgement for $0.05, your friend will be required to pay penalties and "reasonable attorney's fees" to cover the cost to the district.
In other words, they weill be writng a check for a couple hundred bucks to cover that nickel they withheld from the district.
Withheld?? Surely, you can't be serious, Greg? If these shoes were on your feet, I would suspect you'd be hoping for some compassion and understanding...how about a degree of proportion and reason?
It has come to my understanding that you (Greg)feel I owe this,, Think again,, CCISD finally decided after our complaining and treats that they would drop the matter,, so big of them since we never owed in the first place. Rather then admit they were wrong, they say we will make it go away and send letters to the appropriate persons, like our morgage company. So our problem as become a bigger problem, like the 2 offices (lawyers) claiming we owe,,we owe and owe some more.. The lack of Brains used in this unjust, Comical event,, Will probably bite me in the ass in about 7 to 10 years,, When they (Clowns) come to foreclose on my house.. I purchased in '88 and still want to keep!! Thank You
I once spent an hour in the controller's explaining why I had paid sales tax [$.06] for a quart of oil to put in an unmarked patrol vehicle that was being used in a stake out.
It didn't occur to the clerk that the anonymity of the operation was unlikely to be preserved if you start claiming a sales tax exemption.
I got a reprimand for throwing a dime on the clerk's desk after explaining I was paid $14/hour to protect and serve not listen to idiots.
$0.05?!
You know, in Canada, if you owe less than $3 in income taxes, the government waives it.
Should be a simple measure to make...
Way to go Bryan!
Keep in mind, the education "experts" at CCISD think it's acceptable for teenagers to arrive at school at 07:20, and not have an opportunity for lunch until nearly 1PM.
Their abusive and wasteful behavior in regard to The Neighboor's taxes, and the outright arrogance they exhibited in its resolution are the status quo.
I know several really dedicated teachers and staff in the district, but the administration at CCISD could be a poster child for promoting vouchers.
My understanding was that you owed it -- i assumed it was a legitimte balance due (Jack didn't indicate othrwise).
I simply pointed out the usual MO of such taxing entities -- once they add on interest, penalties, and fees, that nickel could have easily become $250.00 or more.
What I never said was that I agreed with the idiots who were pursuing it.
Maybe I should have added a sarcasm tag.
In response to the assumption that astronomical legal fees , and court cost would be added to the amount due on the delinquent taxes, The current tax laws state that the maximum they can charge is 20% of the delinquent tax amount. (see this web site) http:/www.windo.state.tx.us/taxinfo/property/handbook/ch4.html However, this claim was over 2002 taxes, and the maximum at that time was 15%. Court cost, and legal fees would have totaled 3/4 of one penney.
I researched this prior to contacting the Law Office. That portion of the story is even more hillarious. When I mentioned that we were dealing with 0.05 cents, the tone of their voice was as if it were no different than 20,000 dollars("yes, 0.05 cents"). They actualy were willing to argue over this nickel. I also spent 2 hours bouncing from Law Office to Law Office. The best part though, was that they could not tell me exactly WHO wanted my nickel. It was only after I mentioned that, one way or another, I would find out, and that maybe the media could help me find out.
I wish I had never called them. They waived the nickel, and the case is now closed. Still want to call Wayne at 13abc,, Jimmy Kimmel,, David Letterman,, Conan O'Brian, I believe These gentlmen would have a field day with this little comical action.
Now they have to pay postage of 60 cents again, sending us a copy of the waiver.
Nah -- you need to get Marvin Zindler on the case!