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Stafford to hold hearing on BPOL repeal Date published: 1/13/2010
BY JONAS BEALS
The Stafford Board of Supervisors last night approved a public hearing to consider abolishing the Business, Professional and Occupational License tax. They also directed county staff to immediately cease all actions regarding the collection of the BPOL tax, which took effect Jan. 1.
The resolution passed 5-2, with supervisors Bob Woodson and Harry Crisp voting against. The public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2.
After hearing from a number of local economic experts during last night's special meeting, the Board resolved to redouble its efforts when it comes to attracting and retaining businesses. Part of that effort could now include removing the BPOL fee.
"Not having the BPOL tax is the single reason we lead the state in most major economic indicators," Supervisor Paul Milde said.
The presentations made to the board painted a fairly rosy picture for Stafford's future, considering the deep recession that has affected the national economy. Most speakers, including Chris Chmura of Chmura Economics and Analytics and William Beale of Union Bankshares Corp., pointed to lower average wages and a well-educated work force as positive characteristics that make Stafford attractive to businesses.
Economic Development Authority Chairman Don Newlin mentioned Northrop Grumman, a company that recently announced it will move its headquarters from California to the Washington, D.C., area. Newlin said Northrop Grumman is looking at Stafford, thanks to investments made in the past.
"They wouldn't be looking here if we didn't have the hospital and the airport," he said. Newlin and Beale encouraged Stafford to create a business-friendly climate for new and existing businesses by reducing taxes and streamlining permitting processes--something that many of the recently elected members of the board promised to do during their campaigns.
The key to bringing those jobs into the county, Chmura said, is "being a county where growth is important."
Supervisor Cord Sterling said that eliminating the BPOL tax will allow Stafford to send that message, while generating local jobs that could end long commutes for many residents.
If BPOL is repealed, the county will again collect a merchants' capital tax.
The Stafford republicans are moving the County backwards. It is one thing to eliminate the tax portion of the businesses license, but to do away with the requirement that Businesses be licensed in Stafford County is outrageous. Special interest groups should not be running the County.
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