We need to become a city known for its desire to work with new businesses. Business taxes pay for the citys' needs, not big housing developments.
Ask any city manager what taxes pay for the needs of a city. The answer is: business taxes. Sure, developers fees are enticing...who wouldn't want a couple million dollars for their city? Cities are often lured by the immediate large cash amounts that come from developments. But what does that quick infusion of money really do? Basically it covers the services, like police and fire, for THOSE newcomers for a couple of years at the most. Then what? Personal property taxes DO NOT pay for these services by themselves. Business taxes are the tax base of a city. The more business, the more taxes, the better off a city is financially. We are an arterial route between LA and the River. Many people stop off here for a meal and gas. Our main business area has two freeway exits. Quick off and ons. We could be a good shopping place for neighboring communities. This is what we need to pour our energies into creating, not more housing tracts. What is more important? More people living here drawing from our reserves, or more businesses adding to our coffers? I believe we can add more businesses and retain our way of life at the same time!
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