| Local agriculture office on chopping block
The Henderson County office of the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency in Athens, remains on a list of those that may be closed. Texas is currently in a two- part streamlining initiative that is paring down the number of agency offices. The Freestone County office in Fairfield was one of 13 closed in late October with customers of that office directed to take their business to Limestone County.FSA Regional Public Affairs Director Brenda Carlson said the fate of the Henderson County office has not been determined, but closure is still a possibility. "When U.S.D.A. Secretary Michael Johanns resigned and acting Secretary Charles Conner was appointed, at that time Henderson County was still being considered. As far as Farm Service Agency is concerned, it is, in fact, still being considered by the office of the secretary," Carlson said.
Statehouse Rally Urges Property Tax Elimination
INDIANAPOLIS -- A coalition of taxpayer organizations rallied at the Statehouse on Thursday to urge support for a constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes in Indiana. "Opinion polls and election polling results both confirm that a clear majority of Hoosiers want to repeal the state's fatally flawed property tax system," said Indianapolis attorney John R. Price, chairman of the new Indiana Property Tax Repeal Alliance. Price said the election last week of Republican challenger Greg Ballard over Democratic incumbent Bart Peterson for mayor of Indianapolis was based on voters' unhappiness with property taxes. .
Montenegro—2007 Article IV Consultation Concluding Statement of the IMF Mission
In its first year of independence, all eyes were on Montenegro. Tourism potential was enormous. Growth surged, driven by massive FDI inflows. In its second year of independence, all eyes are on the government. The boom has brought its own challenges. Fiscal policy is strained by competing demands. The Central Bank lacks the powers it needs to curb surging credit. Initiatives to address energy bottlenecks, the still difficult business climate, and restrictive labor practices, have become more urgent. And the risks have increased. The external environment rocked by recent financial turbulence is less favorable. On the domestic market, ballooning asset prices fueled by rapid credit growth bear the typical signs of overheating. The passage of the constitution and signing of the SAA provide an opportunity: To boost the reform effort, refocus fiscal policy, and strengthen banking supervisory powers.
BofA says it will write down $3 billion in debt
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Bank of America Corp. said Tuesday it will take a $3 billion debt-related writedown in the fourth quarter and warned its losses could grow, adding to fears the nation's housing and mortgage-lending slump might exact a greater toll than in the wretched third quarter -- when industrywide writedowns topped $40 billion. .
|
