Many thanks to David Cay Johnston for pointing me to Guidestar.org which is central repository of information for designated non-profit organizations. The site provides financial information including IRS Form 990 “Return of Organization Exempt from Taxes” filings. By law, SCDC is required to provide this information upon request but as anyone following this blog knows, they have been stubbornly mum on the subject.
Guidestar does require registration and some reports require a paid subscription but I have included the returns for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 to spare you the bother of signing up. In summary, SCDC has brought in more than a $1 million dollars in “gifts, grants, contributions and membership fees” since 2005. Also, Sandy Messerle’s salary and payroll contributions total almost $66,000 annually compared to the late Ron Optiz who pulled down more than $80,000. Public relations and travel account for more than 50% of the non payroll expenses in 2010. Finally, SCDC cumulative income has more than doubled in the last three years.
Between the husband and wife team of Fred and Sandra Messerle, Coos County is coughing up somewhere in the neighborhood of $150,000 per year to keep the family going.
UPDATE
It would be worth looking at the most recent 990 available, year 2009, for the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce as well
This song was just sent to me and adds a nice ambiance to the post above.[audio:http://mgx.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Ole-Rat-Hole.mp3|titles=Ole Rat Hole]
Complaints are to be filed with god… Although, if you feel they are in violation of 501-C rules & regs, IRS.GOV may be a good start with your complaint. I seem to recall reading something last month regarding non-profit status after getting the run around while trying to use guide star. I went to the IRS site & read through the whole section on non profits, I think your complaint will be more than effective.
SCDC is supposed to release its donor list, etc… Messerle’s refusal to answer requests for financial information is a violation of the terms of their 501C3 status I believe. Does anyone know whom we can file a complaint with?
Great Song! Unfortunately the same ole story not just from the Port but the Board of Commissioners. How much money will it take to make Mr. Messerle qualified to be a Commissioner. Is there enough in the world. I believe he and Curry County Rhodes are cut from the same cloth of greed and avarice. So far he has had authoried $125,000 to have someone teach him and Cam how to be Commissioners. Now his office “isn’t good enough” for Mr. Messerle. the people will have to redo the Owen building so he is “comfortable” working. What’s this about.? He’s supposed to be a farmer, aren’t they used to difficult working conditions?
the messerles bring new meaning to the term welfare queens
You forgot brother Ken, also on the public teat for some thousands a year and employed by the county, the Port, and I do believe SCDC, as well as local cities. Probably doubling the family earnings from the public dollar.
Thanks. I recall different numbers on the forms 990 that Mr. Opitz provided to Mr. Bice and to me. I do know that city councilor Larry Garboden of North Bend had a set of early year 990’s. But, that was several years ago and long ago destroyed. The numbers only add to the questions. I thought that Opitz was $80K plus perks that included some health plan. Messerle was at $50K two years ago but according to SCDC members she has received sizeable raises (not as sizeable as your other pal Port Bishop). Remember there is another paid SCDC employee drawing about $45K in salary and benefits annually. Two salaries (66 + 45), plus identified expenses, don’t seem to compute. Are they losing money? What are citizens getting for their money? Why such sizeable net assets at years end? Why isn’t money being spent for the purpose intended – JOBS. Appears that SCDC people are sitting and waiting for the phone to ring – not out finding prospective business. Could be that Ms. Messerle has never done that. Interesting also that the board members and officers listed appear to be carefully selected as those who would give the right answer in an audit.
I don’t believe Jon is paid and a good thing too
Ron was pulling down 80k, Sandy only gets 66k, then Jon must have got a raise somewhere in there. 14k difference, if i were sandy I’d investigate what Jon is doing with that money, she’s being cheated.
I am with themguys, where is the pied piper when you need him?
So some of us who actually CHOSE to invest here now know WHY this county, not as we expected, goes nowhere. Hundreds of millions of dollars just since I got here for pipelines which blew out the creeks, and hardly anyone uses, even to take sewer and water to the north spit for that explosion of development, all at our cost. Then the rusting, uneeded, underserviced second terminal, now the rusted railroad to nowhere. Don’t even mention Braddocks’ Blunder.
I think they’ve had their way with us for far too long. I don’t know about you guys, but I didn’t enjoy it at all !!. Besides, I’m getting old, and grabbing my ankles is getting more and more difficult. I say let’s run the rats right off the pier.