8 Point Plan to Help Small Business

By Al Adam

1. Let fees be paid in installments or back-loaded at the end of projects.

2. Let property owners make improvements in stages rather than all at once.

3. Let the City pay for public improvements related to a small business.

In response to a tough economy, temporarily waive fees for new and expanding businesses that bring job opportunities and sales tax to the City. Permit fees can run into the thousands of dollars.

4. Waive planning division fees related to initial use permits for any business moving to Thousand Oaks or expanding an existing property.

5. Waive plan check and inspection fees that are required after the new or expanding business receives permits.

6. Waive the yearly business tax for small businesses. Set a limit in gross annual receipts and those below the limit would not have to pay the tax. This will provide relief to our small businesses and be partially offset by the elimination of City costs to implement and renew the tax.

7. Move the preference bid limit for local vendors from 5% to 8%. Small businesses will be more competitive by allowing the City to accept offers within 8% of the lowest bid for purchases of products or equipment. The cost to the City will be offset by a multiplier effect of sales tax revenue, job creation and new business recruitment. This is already being done in Los Angeles, Pasadena and San Jose.

8. Coordinate with the new Gold Team California project to market the more business friendly environment of Thousand Oaks.

For More Information, visit my website at: http://www.AlAdamForCouncil.com