Page Editor: Tom Mayer, 754-0428 LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL & STATE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 3A OFFER: Of compensation made to land owners Continued From Page 1A unanimously approved for the Lowe's parcel. Marlin Feagle, county attorney, said purchase negotiations on the Lowe's parcel were in progress, but moving slowly. Commissioner Ron Williams, board chairman, said he hoped eminent domain would not have to be used to acquire the land. "We're talking," Feagle said. "We just haven't reached an agreement" Public hearings were also held at the meeting before the board unanimously adopted annual rate resolutions for non ad valorem assessment fees on fire protection services, solid waste services and the Rolling Oaks and River Manor municipal service benefit units. None of the proposed rates increased from the previous year, but Ron Williams cautioned against a possible increase in solid waste services rates for the 2011 to 2012 year. The board unanimously voted to deny a request to change its method of assessing fire protection services rates for recreational vehicle park lots. A request for a special workshop to discuss a $60,000 rebate overpayment � revealed by a recent audit � to county industries labeled as economic development projects was also made at the meeting by Jim Poole, Columbia County Industrial Development Authority executive director. Poole publicly took full responsibility for the mistake and requested the meeting between the county commissioners, the IDA, the auditor and special legal counsel to address the issue and prevent it from happening again in the future. "At the end of the day, we want to do what we do right," Poole said. The board unanimously approved the meeting for a date and time to be announced. Employees from PCS Phosphate White Springs presented a check for $147,590.78 to the United Way on Thursday. The company matched $73,795.39 for the grand total, JASON MATTHEW WALKER /Lake Cily Reporter. GOAL: Based on needs of area's nonprofits Continued From Page 1A $685,000 at its kick-off event Thursday. The goal is a little higher than the previous year, said Mike McKee, general campaign chair and United Way board of director's president-elect. The organization wants to be able to meet the request of its agencies. "We need the money," he said. "If we didn't need the money we wouldn't ask for it." United Way serves 23 agencies in Hamilton, Columbia, Suwannee and Lafayette counties. More than 100 people attended the annual, kick-off, McKee said. City of Lake Councilman Eugene1 Jefferson spoke about how his area was affected by the tornado in 2008 and United Way stepped in to help the residents, during the program. "I'm a supporter and strong believer, even more so now, since the tornado in 2008," he said. "I lived in the area of the tornado." United Way helped pick up the lives of the people devastated after the storm and bring stability, Jefferson said. There were 146 households affected by the tornado. "From Day 1 United Way was present there," he said. "It's still present." Jefferson said United Way's response gave him a greater respect for what the organization does. "United Way is impor- tant to our community," he said. "Ifs important to other communities." Other event speakers included Francis Diaz and Octavious Buiey, both students from Columbia High School who talked about how anyone can donate time or money and volunteer. The Challengers' Club set a goal of raising $150,043 for this campaign season, said Ronnie Poole, committee chair. It also wants to recruit 35 new members. The club was formed in 1994/1995 and has since raised more than $2 million for United Way. Also during the meeting, PCS Phosphate presented a check of $47,590.78 to United Way. Piggy Banks decorated by United Way affiliates and a quilt donated by PCS Phosphate will be auctioned off at the campaign report luncheon at noon Dec. 8 at Columbia County Senior Services. Already United Way has raised $187,231 from the kick-off. McKee said he is optimistic that the organization will make its goal. United Way has some big challenges right now, but it will still reach the goal, said Karen Mizer United Way Board of Directors president. � "We're all determined and are going to make it," she said. "The people in Suwannee Valley are very giving.", MURDERS: Took place Aug. 26, 3 bodies found Continued From Page 1A On Thursday, Aug. 26, Suwannee County authorities were called to a McAlpin farm where three adults were found shot to death � execution style in the head, according to SCSO. The victims were iden- tified as Joseph Militello, 53, Nancy Militello, 68, and Angelo Rosales. The Militellos were married and Rosales was their nephew. Authorities believe that the homicides occurred the night before, late in the evening. The bodies were found in the morning by an employee who worked at the farm. Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, officials say they received a call around 7:36 a.m. notifying them about the bodies. Authorities believe robbery was the primary motive behind the deadly shootings. Keith Allen Hughes, 25, no address provided, was arrested last week and charged with conspiracy and robbery in connection with the case. He is being held at the Suwannee County Jail. REBATES: Due county Continued From Page 1A OBITUARIES Norris Fennell Mr. Norris Fennell, age 79, of Ft. White, Fla. died Monday, September 1, 2010 at his residence following a brief illness. He was born in O'Brien, Fla. and had resided in Fort White, Fla. for the past 30 years. He was the son of the late William Henry Fennell and Leona Townsend Fennell of Suwannee County, Fla. He retired after 17 years with the Citizens Bank of Macclenny, Fla. as assistant vice-president of collections. He also retired after 30 years with the Florida National Guard with the rank of Sgt. E-7. He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Fennell of Ft. White, Fla.: Two sons, Joseph Norris Fennell of Tennessee and Gene K. Fennell of Macclenny, Fla.: One step-daughter, Mary Jacklin Henderson of Shingle Springs, Calif.: One step-son, George Michael Darling of Hastings, Fla.: One brother, Carlton W. Fennell of Jasper, Fla.: One sister, Mary Ellen Greene of Gainesville, Fla.: Eleven grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 A.M. Tuesday, September 7, in, the Mikesville Presbyterian Church, Columbia County, Fla. with Rev. Herb Brownlee officiating and assisted by Rev. Rhonda Cum-mings, Pastor of Mikesville Presbyterian Church. Interment UA CINEMA 90 6 752 0704 Highway 90 W 800-FANDANGO 542# Adv. Tlx on Sale RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE GOING THE DISTANCE (R) - ID REO'D (140)430 740 1020 THE AMERICAN (R)-ID REQ'D (130)410 710 1010 TAKERS (PG-13) (120)400 700 940 THE LAST EXORCISM (PG-13) (100)310 520 730 950 NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS IPG) (flOPM) 720 PM LOTTERY TICKET (PG-13) 420PM 1000PM THE EXPENDABLES (R) � ID REQ'D (150)440 7501030 Times For 9/3/10 �2010 www.REGmavles.corn will be in Fort White Cemetery, Fort White, Fla. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 P.M. Monday, September 6, at GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 2659 S.W. Main Blvd., Lake City, Fla. Margaret Susanne Rawlins Margaret Susanne Rawlins, age 36 resident of 981 N.E. Cherry Lane, Lake City, Fl. departed this life Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at Suwannee Valley Care Center (Haven Hospice) Lake City terminating an extended illness. She lived most of her life in Lake City, Fl. where the most important people in her life was her family. She loved her three children and her nephew especially Raymond. She attended the public schools of Columbia County. She was preceded in death by her .grandparents, Leon & Le-lia Robinson and Jasper and Parah L. Rawlins; also (1) aunt, Lavinia R. Dees and a half brother, James Bowen. She leaves to mourn her passing (3) children, Gerome, Tarmesha and Jermeka Robinson; Mother, Betty A. Robinson (Butch); (1) sister, Idell Gray (Bernard); (1) step-sister, Michelle Bowen; step-brothers, Charles A. Bowen and Travis Eichenberg; A host of other uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives and friends also survive. Memorial service for: Margaret Susanne Rawlins, will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 6, 2010 at Lake City Church of God (Family Life Center) Lake City, Fl. Ajrangements entrusted to: COOPER FUNERAL HOME, 251 N.E. Washington Street, Lake City, FJ. Willis O. Cooper, L.F.D. Robert Newell Willis Robert Newell Willis, 81, died on Monday, August 30, 2010 at Lake City Medical Center after an extended illness. He was the son of the late Newell A. and Effie S. Willis. A native of New Jersey, Mr. Robert moved to Lake City 5 years ago, after living in Homestead, Florida for the past 27 years.. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather who enjoyed golf, collecting antique straight razors, and hunting. He was a Past Master of Glassboro Lodge F&AM #85. He regularly attended St. James Epis- copal Church. He is preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Dilks. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Maryanne Willis of Lake City, FL; sons, Robert N. Willis Jr. of Wilmington, DE & Kyle R. Willis of Del Ray Beach, FL; stepsons, Kevin, Daren,& Scott Falcon; daughters, Denise (Bill) Yeo, Sharon (Al) Weatherby and Connie (Fred) Raffa all of New Jersey; step daughter, Sherry Falcon; sister, Ruthie (Fred) London of Woodbury, NJ; grandchildren, Robert, Jillian, Mathew, and Anthony Willis, Jessica, Bill & John Yeo and Justin Raffa ; step grandchildren, Errick, Emilee, Kaylee, Loegan & Serrah Falcon and 6 great grandchildren also survive. Memorial services for Mr. Robert N. Willis will be conducted on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church with Mother Michael Armstrong officiating. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his honor to the St. James E.C.W. 2423 Bas-com-Norris Dr., Lake City, FL 32025. GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOMe 3596 U.S, Hwy 441 S. Lake Obituaries are paid advertisements. For details, call the Lake City Reporter's classified department at 752-1293. a minute .XQfC. W Our customers receive a Complimentary copy of the Lake Cily Reporter when they drop off & pickup their cleaning While Supplies Last N&W Cleaners 3I6W. Duval St. � Lake Cit START YOUR DAY RIGHT WITH COFFEE COMi'ANY the LAKE CITY 1 REPORTER PURCHASE ANY MENU ITEM, & RECEIVE YOUR NEWSPAPER FREE! Available at hwy 90 location: 2915 W U.S HVCY 90, Lake City, Florida "I don't think the county is willing to wait," Williams said. "I think invoices will be created and sent to these companies and we'll see what happens. I think they will pay it" Williams said if the money can be collected, it\ most likely will be placed in unallocated revenue in the general fund. The county commission is planning a workshop with the IDA board in early October to examine the tax abatement and rebate procedures. "There are good ways to put checks and balances in place to make sure a mistake like this doesn't happen again," Poole said. Williams said tighter oversight should have been in place to monitor the tax rebates during the past several years. Since ad valorem property tax revenue is owed to the county and in question, county commissioners have the ultimate responsibility. "In the future, what Jim will want to do is have income and employment verification done by an auditor," Williams said. "'It was an oversight. It was caught in an audit." Williams called for a formal audit of Columbia -County's industrial tax abatement and tax rebate program earlier in the summer and the overpayments were discovered during the audit completed July 29 by accountant Richard Powell. Powell's findings also discovered the $31,000 penalty owed to the county. "I thought it was common sense to call for the audit," Williams said. "The abatement program's 10 years are expiring and it is coming up for renewal on the ballot in November. I wanted to see where we were with it" Voters originally passed a referendum in 1990 then ' approved it again in 2000 to give the county commission the option of a tax abatement and rebate program to boost economic development in the county. The measure must be considered by voters every 10 years and will be on the November ballot, Williams said. Columbia County first used the tax abatement and rebate program in an economic development agreement on Feb. 11, 2004, with Hunter Panels. Similar agreements were signed with New Millennium in 2004; Mayo Fertilizer in 2005; and Target Corporation in 2006. Poole said since tax abatements have been utilized locally, Columbia County has experienced more than $143 million in capital investment and seen 278 jobs created. Tax abatements are offered according to state statutes with the property appraiser deleting the tax liability from the tax bill, involving no rebate. Tax rebates are when total ad valorem tax payments are made to the county, the county holds the funds, then issues a check back to the company for only the portion of ad valorem taxes paid to Columbia County and the IDA Columbia- County received a legal opinion from attorney Gregory Stewart in June that recommended passing individual ordinances o