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Now is not the time to impose a BPOL tax

July 1, 2008 12:15 am

Now is not the time to impose a BPOL tax

Right now, businesses across our nation and our commonwealth are facing very challenging times.

Stafford County's businesses are not immune from the uncertainties affecting companies large and small across America. Indeed, the pressures of difficult economic times are keenly felt by every Stafford business.

Despite these circumstances, several members of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors are intent on imposing a new tax on our local businesses.

This new tax is commonly referred to as BPOL, or Business, Professional and Occupational License. Its innocuous-sounding name disguises the reality that BPOL is among the most regressive of taxes.

The tax would be assessed on the gross receipts of a business. So, whether they are profitable or not, businesses will have to pay this tax.

If you think this issue matters only to business, think again. Pressures on residential property-tax bills--which are offset by the substantial taxes already paid by local businesses--could only become greater if Stafford were to become less business-friendly.

The growth in revenues from businesses helps to protect Stafford home- owners from having to bear an even larger financial burden.

Stafford's pro-business policies have greatly benefited our community, creating jobs, improving our quality of life, and providing revenues for our treasury.

In 2002, our businesses produced $38 million in revenues for Stafford. By the end of fiscal 2008, projections show that figure increasing to a very impressive $62 million--a 63 percent increase in just six years.

The current debate over BPOL is more than just a business concern. Its outcome will affect every Stafford resident.

Make sure your voice is heard by attending the public hearing tonight at 7 p.m., immediately prior to a planned vote by the Board of Supervisors on enacting BPOL. Do your part to keep Stafford a great place to do business.

Paul Milde

Stafford

The writer represents the Aquia District on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors.





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