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Crowd turns out in Stafford to speak out about proposed business tax UPDATE: Stafford approves business tax (3:06 a.m.) - Stafford County officials have approved a controversial businesses tax that could generate revenue for the cash-strapped jurisdiction. The Board of Supervisors voted 4-3 early this morning to implement the Business, Professional, and Occupational License Tax. BPOL is a tax on businesses' gross receipts. The county will charge half the maximum rate allowed by state law. Gross receipts up to $200,000 will be exempt from the tax. Supervisors also capped the maximum amount of BPOL tax collected from a business at $150,000 per year. BPOL would replace the Merchants Capital Tax, which brought in about $800,000 in 2006. State law prohibits localities from charging both taxes. But the business levy will not be collected immediately. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010. --Kafia Hosh
Several dozen business owners urged Stafford County officials to reject a business tax last night that they said would drive up their costs and could even force some to close their doors.
The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on the Business, Professional and Occupational License Tax. BPOL is a tax on businesses' gross receipts. Supervisors considered charging half the maximum rate allowed by state law at a $100,000 threshold. Supervisors had not voted on the tax at press time. Critics of the levy argued it's unfair because gross receipts don't factor in expenses. And during an economic slump, many local businesses said an additional tax could force them to raise their prices, downsize their staffs and negatively impact the services they provide. BPOL will wipe out many of us who are holding on during desperate times, said attorney Holly Hazard. Stafford business owners already are facing higher tax bills because of a 28 percent increase in commercial property values during a recent reassessment. If enacted, the tax could generate about $2.6 million each year in revenue. BPOL would replace the Merchants Capital Tax, which brought in about $800,000 in 2006. State law prohibits localities from charging both taxes. BPOL supporters argued it will provide needed revenue. The county has cut its spending because of declining sales and real estate tax revenue. They said that revenue generated from the tax could fund county services such as the schools system, public safety and roads. "There is a limit to how much we can do to accommodate for the shrinking county budget," said one BPOL advocate. "Revenue in general is a problem that Stafford County has to address. Our kids are worth it." Stafford is one of the only area localities that does not charge BPOL. The counties of Spotsylvania, Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun and the city of Fredericksburg charge the tax. State law exempts some businesses, including insurance companies, banks and media organizations. It would not affect major Stafford employers such as GEICO, said Garrisonville Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer. "The largest non-governmental employer in Stafford isn't going to pay," he said. Other supervisors were concerned the tax could deter the business growth Stafford has enjoyed over the years. Kafia Hosh: 540/735-1977
Date published: 7/2/2008
my lil operation to the burg and outa stafford
Kindergartners?
Although these sentiments were made clear in 1994, to this day, little or nothing has actually been done to control development. The BOS does seem to have its own agenda. Dean Fetterolf already sent this info in an earlier post as a link:
http://www.generativecodes.com/stafford/2020.htm
75% said that they wanted to keep new development focused on and nearby to existing communities, and that landowners should not be free to build whatever and wherever they like.
95% said that what they want to preserve about Stafford county is its natural beauty, rural character, quiet, and peacefulness.
70% said that preserving the environment is one of their most important issues.
But have not been heard. In 1994 the largest survey ever was made in Stafford. Among the more important findings were:
89% said that they wanted to control development.(the context made it clear that they wished to reduce it, control it, and prevent it from damaging the beauty of the county.
75% said that they believe Stafford is growing too fast now.
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