Actually it was a post on KnoxViews may have raised some eyebrows;

(link...)

Anyone have a copy of that PILOT agreement? It would be interesting to see what the conditions were. Weren't there employment requirements?

The PILOT agreement was made in 2002 for ten years. The stated purpose of the PILOT was to have the NS construct a newspaper printing and publishing facility in the center city of Knoxville. Listed benefits included job retention / creation and having the NS serve as the anchor of the redevelopment area in Mechanicsvile (Food City, Cherokee Health have since moved there). There was no contractual requirement for any specific job number.

To the city and to the county, given their desire to be a player in the community, let's make sure they are paying up their fair share of the tax bill on their city and county business licenses and the city and county real property taxes.

Shouldn't the above poster's name actually be Ragsdale2010gone!

If the link works, this is the city's tax record for the land. The land is listed as owned by the City IDB, not the KNS. It has been tax exempt since it's beginning. But this year it actually shows a $168,589 due. It is appraised at over $16 million dollars now. If the link doesn't work the property id number is 094JD009, you can do a tax serch on the city's website.

(link...)

I just heard on the Voice 1040am, City Councilman Steve Hall thinks they are in violation of the PILOT. But, he said that the legal opinion is wishy washy as to if they have to uphold the job requirements, etc. Hall didn't mention if he intends to pursue this or not.
If you will remember a few month's ago, Lambert mentioned that he didn't want to make the only paper in town mad.

Well, I say if they owe us, it should not matter to a commissioner or councilman if they make them mad.

Pay up KNS!

I take there will be no talk of the forbidden website that is no more?

Like many I am curious what happened. There is a big difference between 1.5 million and 11 million. How much taxpayer money are we talking about?

A long time ago I read the PILOT agreement. I may still have a copy somewhere. It seemed odd such a large PILOT was given for 375 jobs. The more that comes out the odder the story gets.

Where is this rumored PILOT? Why is it being described as "wishy washy"? Seems an agreement for that large a sum of money should be clearly written.

Brian A.
I'd rather be cycling.

Knox County seems to be on a lawsuit mentality path to the way they govern our county.
Oh the day that we don't have corrupt mayors, commissioners, sheriffs, politicians, community organizers, etc.

I'm afraid I will not live to see that day. Maybe my 4 year old will!