Minutes 1995 1016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - October 16, 1995 Page - 9 - PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Ray Luciano, 1330 Daily Drive, said he is a retired barber who only works part time. He said his fee would go from $50 to $200. Mr. Jermanis explained that Mr. Luciano's fee would only increase to $100 and said the issue of non-full -time business would be addressed. John Chovanes, 2086 Hillside Drive, said Mr. Jermanis is forthright and makes the proposal palatable. He said he opposes the increase as a matter of principle. He said he is willing and able to pay his fair share but feels $400,000 should be found from the current $40 million budget. Ellen Geis, 834 Cary Drive, said Wes McClure and Jack Maltester were always available to talk and were happy to say they had the lowest taxes. She said everything is increasing, and this is hurting the homeowner. She said small business has decreased, as has manufacturing. She said these funds can be found elsewhere. Harold Kitzmann, said the revised proposal is much better, but improvements can still be made. He said Ms. McCue is doing a good job attracting businesses. Jim Begier referred to his letter and the petition signed by auto dealers. He said Mr. Jermanis talked to only two or three car dealers, not the majority. He said they propose a plan that would double their fees, not make them eight or twelve times what they currently pay. He said they don't mind paying their fair share. He said police officers are needed, but they were hired before funds were secured. Lou Filipovich, 15376 Laverne Drive, said he is not opposed to the increase. He said businesses can pass the costs down. He said business people can talk to the City if they have a hardship and can get relief. Jack Goodrich, President of the Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber opposes the increase because the City should not ask business to make up the City's shortfall . He said many businesses are closing down because they are constantly faced with higher taxes, such as utility taxes, DFSI, transfer, unemployment insurance, etc. He said the fact that the Business License Tax is not based on gross receipts is a competitive advantage that makes San Leandro unique. He said DFSI fees must be reduced because they are a deterrent to new or expanding business. He said the City and the Chamber have had a tremendous working relationship for the last two to three years, and the economic development efforts are appreciated. He requested that the City Council reject the business license proposal for the sake of the vitality of the business community. He said the funds should be found within the existing budget. He said the Council should postpone action until it can come to an agreement that is fair and equitable.