Jackson Free Press

The University Medical Center is a state-of-the-art facility that has undergone more than $335 million in new construction and renovations over the last 10 years. Now the university can throw $200,000 back on the pile.

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton recently refused an annual $200,000 city grant from the University Medical Center. The grant, devised three years ago by former Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., former Fire Chief Raymond McNulty and the university hospital, has resulted in $400,000 for the Jackson Fire Department over the last two years—used to buy fire equipment and supplies.

Melton returned the money this year, however, despite a straining city budget that fell short of revenue expectations, according to Budget Committee Chairman, Ward 5 Councilman Charles Tillman.

City spokeswoman Carolyn Redd did not return calls on the matter Tuesday. Interim Fire Chief Todd Chandler returned calls, but offered no comment.

Dan Jones, vice chancellor for health affairs and chief executive of UMC, said the university orchestrated the grant as a goodwill gift to the city.

"This was a payment that went to fire protection that's been in place for a number of years at a number of universities, and the theory behind it was that because we are a state institution we pay no tax dollars. But our buildings tend to be taller and have more people in them than some other buildings do, so sometimes unusual fire equipment is required to provide appropriate fire protection," Jones said. "Some years ago, there was an agreement between the city and the medical center for some funds to be given to the city that could be used for fire protection."

Jones said UMC welcomes the mayor's decision.

"The fire department has always been here for us, and we've been grateful for that. But then in my meeting with the mayor in the last few months, the mayor suggested we did not need to continue that financial arrangement, and of course that was happy news for me," Jones said.

Council President Marshand Crisler, however, took the news more stiffly.

"I don't have much control over what the mayor does," Crisler said. "If he chooses to give back money, then it's likely that we the council will never even hear about it."

Previous Commentsshow

You know, this doesn't tell anything about Melton's side of the story, what his reasoning might have been. I can't see him giving away $200,000 just because he wants to see the city lose money. But the Melton administration and its erstwhile supporters lose every right to criticize the JFP's coverage with this damning statement: "City spokeswoman Carolyn Redd did not return calls on the matter Tuesday." Bottom line: Melton's PR department is not doing its job. And, from the sounds of things, hasn't been all along--dating all the way back to the campaign. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Dec 8 2005

Who cares about Melton's side of the story?!? The city is ours, the citizens, and he is just irresponsible to give this money back to UMC. He does this in light of the fact that the State took property located downtown (and in Clinton) in the MCI lawsuit, thus losing more property tax for Jackson. (Doubt FEMA pays property tax either). The state currently doesn't provide "fire protection" money to the City; and to turn down the little bit UMC is willing to provide is insane and irresponsible. “I don’t have much control over what the mayor does,” Crisler said. “If he chooses to give back money, then it’s likely that we the council will never even hear about it.” Nor will we! Thanks JFP! And you wonder about all those positions that were cut - from police to receptionists. Then to hire "outside" consultants so they can double dip. If they are so successful, like Frank, then they should waive their salaries and work for the city pro bono. Seems to be what Frank preached at MBN. Seems to me that is the only logical reason for bringing aboard contractual Dept. heads that are old, retired and rich. But, no we are doing this Frank's way and it is us, the "under 45" crowd, that is going to have to pick up the pieces and find new younger talent once Frank is gone and we have a real mayor in office. Sure these hires may do well in the short term; but, they will be gone and we have yet to see if they are grooming any younger folks to step up and lead once they have done their damage. Frank that money is ours and the fire departments - give it to them!

pikersam

Dec 8 2005

We care about Melton's side of the story, but it is his responsibility to give it. He seems to think that a story will not be done if they do not give a statement. Funny assumption for someone who stills considers himself a journalist.

DonnaLadd

Dec 8 2005

True, "we" do care. However, no matter how much TH hopes Melton means well, I find it hard to come up with a plausible reason to turndown "fire protection" money from a State institution - any State institution. My guess is he will try to say it is given to gain favors with the city. You know, like the claims of a slew of cronies that were leeching off the past administration we kept hearing during the election and then shortly thereafter. It looks to me like he is surrounding himself with cronies. I’ve heard that some positions (or at least salaries) in the city were cut to hire bodyguards for the mayor. How many “escorts” or “bodyguards” does he have on the city payroll? How many did Johnson or Ditto have?

pikersam

Dec 8 2005

pikersam writes: Who cares about Melton's side of the story?!? I do, and Adam obviously did too or he wouldn't have tried to reach Melton's office. But if Melton insists on forcing the media to not include his side of the story, there's not a whole lot that can be done about it. Maybe he figures other media will stop covering negative events altogether if they can't get his POV for "balance," but the JFP will not accommodate this strategy, and I doubt WAPT will, either. And there's increasing evidence that even some of the C-L people are catching on. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Dec 8 2005

My point is Melton's reasoning for not accepting the money is moot (maybe just to me - a citizen and home owner in Jackson) in regards to your statement of: "You know, this doesn't tell anything about Melton's side of the story, what his reasoning might have been. I can't see him giving away $200,000 just because he wants to see the city lose money." TH. It is a stupid decision to turn down any money that goes to our first responders. Obviously, I point out that "we" should care in my follow-up post. Donna’s post was agreed and taken as such. It says a whole lot more when the Mayor doesn’t respond then when he does. However, that does not exempt Melton from or allow for a plausible reason as to why he didn't want the money for the fire protection in the first place. What "we" should care about is that our police and fire personnel are getting everything to do their job (like a chief and money) given the current state of the city and the budget. What we should care about is whether Melton is doing what is best for us and the City. What we shouldn't care about is finding "reasons" that Melton has his heart in the right place, and that he will "get it together" as long as he continues to do crap like this. I admire the fact that you seem to hold out hope he will become the worthwhile Mayor you seem to believe he will be; instead of the worthless job he is doing now.

pikersam

Dec 8 2005

pikersam, Melton's reasoning is crucial to this question. Obviously he felt that it was worthwhile to refuse the money; it would be nice to know why. And that, here again, is why the JFP tried to contact him on this. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Dec 8 2005

His reasoning may be crucial (to some) and I am glad the JFP asked for his response. His non-response and Crisler's response tells a lot about this story. There.Is.Not.A.Reasonable.Excuse.He.Can.Give. (outside of known corruption from this "gift") for not taking the money. That is my end point on this. I admire the fact that some of y'all out there give him the benefit of the doubt on many of his miscues and statements. More power to your forgiveness; but, I've had it up to my neck with his lack of leadership skills and his maverick style that is going to further embarrass the city while putting us at a bigger disadvantage to the progressive cities around us. We have to conside that "fire and safety" protection compensation is a big issue between States and their Capital cities or cities with large public institutions/universities; and, that very few States actually compensate as a private property owner would to the tax base for these services (fire, police, water, sewer). It is not in Melton's or the City's best interest to turn down "bonus" money that goes directly to front line city services. So, since Melton cannot respond, maybe someone out here can give a good reason why we should not take the money. Someone besides the Controller at UMC ;-)

pikersam

Dec 8 2005

One strategy for a public official to use to try to control what is said about them (or to cover up problems) is to refuse comment on a story and hope that the media outlet will not run it without their side. Of course, if it's a story of interest to the public, it is irresponsible to withhold it because the public official wants you to. We've seen a shocking amount of that in Jackson of late. Good media outlets do the reporting regardless and then let them respond later in response to public outcry.

DonnaLadd

Dec 8 2005

I heard about the money on a commercial for NewsChannel 12 (Why do I keep watching them?), but I don't remember hearing them talk about it. I think I stepped away from the TV or something - or at least I hope so. I also checked the Web site, and the topic is listed, but I couldn't find an article. Did a Yahoo search, and guess who was in the top 10 - the JFP! Thanks! Well, I read Adam's article, and I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I JUST READ. Then again, maybe I can. Like I always say, sigh...

LatashaWillis

Dec 9 2005

I had high hopes for this city when Melton was elected as our mayor. I have not given up hope but if it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck.....then it's probably a duck. Or in this case a turkey. I have never seen one man turn a city into a shameful, disgraceful ball of confusion as fast as this mayor has done. The police are unhappy because he will not let them do their job, the fireman are not happy because he is trying to force a fire chief down their throats that they do not want, other city employees are losing their jobs faster than hurricane Katrina destroyed the coast, and now he GIVES BACK MONEY!!! Is it just me or did not this mayor say that the city was nearly broke when he took office? I believe in giving anyone a chance, but how much more can we afford? I know, mayby he gave the money back because we need LESS protection because we are losing so many businesses that we don't need as much fire protection as we used to! The fire department can probably even cut back to half paid and half volunteer. It is really hard listening to his speeches about how he is trying to make things right. Mayby a good start would be to resign and take all of his friends with him. Hey, it may not be the answer but it's a start.

lance

Dec 9 2005

The bigger issue here as I mentioned earlier is that very few States give to the cities money for "city services" or "safety protection." We as business or home owners give money to these departments through our property taxes which these State institutions do not have to pay. So, some cities have worked out legislation and agreements between them and their State to compensate monetarily to those services in lieu of property taxes. Unfortunately, MS is one of the States that gives NOTHING to the city; and the past administration(s) have tried to get our legislators to do the right thing for Jackson. (that will be the day) In UMC's case it appears they had a meeting in the past and agreed that they could grant our Fire Dept. $200,000 to offset some of the added expenses for servicing the hospital. As the guy in the article says, it is not a normal routine call when you come to the hospital. You will need extra men, the larger ladder trucks, and special gear to ensure the safety of the patients first and foremost. Even if it is just a false alarm or a small fire in a dumpster behind the building! So, I applaud whoever worked this deal in the first place and I applaud UMC for stepping to the plate and donating this money. It is a shame it will now go to naught! I wonder if the other hospitals do the same or are they subject to property taxes even though they may be run as a non-profit. (i.e. St. D’s and Baptist)

pikersam

Dec 9 2005

I agree with Lance 100%. I too was so happy when Melton was elected. Now I look back with fondness on the relative stable Johnson period. It just appears that this new mayor just wants to have the last word. He eliminates entire departments whose collected salaries are far less than the big ticket consultants he brings on board. He has compassion for Robert Williams but doesn't a hoot about the families of the working class families of the people he is firing in other department (without going through the proper evaluation required by Civil Service). This just doesn't add up. Unfortunately, even if we survive the next three and 1/2 years there does not seem to be anyone with a sense of propriety and common sense on the horizon. It is very disappointing.

realtime

Dec 31 2005