September 4, 2007

Find Out Which City Council Members Are Really Business Friendly
 

Last week the Fresno City Council voted on whether or not to repeal the Fresno Municipal Code Section 5-302b, which states that the retail and wholesale license fees shall escalate automatically, without further action by the Council. The increase shall be based on the Consumer Price Index.

The motion failed 5-2.

City Council’s position: If the City would like to raise the business license fees in the future, it would be too difficult given the regulations if this ordinance were to be repealed.

The Chamber’s position: Raising any fees on a specific sector in the community should not have the ability to escalate automatically. All fees should be publicly discussed.

See how the Voted:

Councilmembers who voted YES to repeal the automatic business tax.

Jerry Duncan

Henry Perea

Blong Xiong	Cynthia Sterling	Mike Dages
Larry Westerlund	Brian Calhoun

August 24, 2007

Stop Automatic Increases in City Business Taxes

Did you know the City of Fresno is currently allowed to raise the business tax automatically, without further action or oversight by the Council?

In 1990 the City Council passed a resolution that states that the retail and wholesale license fees shall escalate on November 1, 1990 and shall escalate annually on July 1 of each year thereafter automatically, without further action or oversight by the Council. Although the City has never acted on this resolution, it is still on their books, and the City still has the overriding authority to use this policy.

On August 28th the City Council will vote whether or not this resolution should be appealed. In an effort to get this resolution appealed, the Fresno Chamber urges you to send a letter to your City Council members.

The following letter was sent to the Fresno City Council

September 4, 2007

Fresno City Hall
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721

Currently, Fresno Municipal Code Section 5-302b states that the retail and wholesale license fees shall escalate on November 1, 1990 and shall escalate annually on July 1 of each year thereafter automatically, without further action or oversight by the Council.

As you know, on July 31, 2007 an ordinance was brought before the Council to repeal Fresno Municipal Code Section 5-302b. At the time the Council voted 4-3 to have staff come back with a recommendation. The staff recommendation was to not repeal the fee increases.

The Chamber disagrees with the staff recommendation. The fee increases place Fresno businesses at a competitive disadvantage and diminishes our ability to attract high-paying jobs to our city. We need to send a message that Fresno is the premier place for businesses to thrive and create jobs. Fee increases on our businesses send the wrong message.

When this ordinance comes before you for a final vote on August 28th, the Fresno Chamber urges you to vote in favor of repealing Fresno Municipal Code Section 5-302b.

Sincerely

AL SMITH

President and CEO

Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce