Letters to the editor for the week of June 19

Supervisor: Op-ed missed mark
David Kerr’s editorial last week, “The BPOL debate continues,” failed to stick to the facts concerning this important issue for Stafford’s future. Contrary to Mr. Kerr’s assertion, the state does not allow counties to charge both the BPOL tax and the merchant’s capital tax. So, when (or, depending on the outcome of this year’s elections, if) BPOL begins in Stafford County on January 1, 2010, county government will forfeit nearly $1 million in annual revenues now collected through the merchant’s capital tax.

These are not the only shortfalls associated with the implementation of BPOL. The new tax has start-up and collection expenses associated with its implementation that further whittles away at the net proceeds claimed by its advocates. Stafford’s Commissioner of the Revenue estimates that in its first year, BPOL will net the County less than $2.5 million, not the $4 million claimed. Putting that amount in the context of an annual County budget that totals just under $240 million for Fiscal Year 2010, and you would be right to question whether raising taxes on business in Stafford three times in one year is such a good move.

How have businesses seen their tax obligations raised three times in one year? With the new real estate assessments and subsequent tax increase from 70 to 84 cents, commercial properties on average endured a whopping 58 percent tax increase. Adding insult to injury, the board majority — over the loud and strenuous objections of myself and the other Republican supervisors — approved BPOL just a few months later. And just last month, everyone in Stafford, businesses included, saw their personal property tax obligations rise by an average of 19 percent. For some especially unfortunate businesses with commercial properties located along routes 610 and 17, a fourth increase in the form of 6 to 8 cents per hundred of assessed value was imposed.

Before all of these new taxes, Stafford’s enviable position in Virginia as a leader in job growth, wage growth, and new business growth culminated into a revenue windfall for the county, providing fully 30 percent of all locally generated revenue from businesses — a figure that was growing by over $6 million per year. In Fiscal Year 2009, that amounted to over $60 million in annual revenues, not to mention lots of new local high paying jobs.

Ask yourself what message the county is sending to those doing business or considering doing business in Stafford. Those advocating for higher taxes invariably use the same argument: “We really need the money.” But, their desire for quick cash is both short-sighted and illusory. They fail to recognize that there is a point at which punitive taxation creates a situation where revenue growth from businesses slows or, in some cases, declines as a result. Absent a change in the anti-business policies embraced by the current board majority, Stafford will be to that point in short order.

Paul Milde, R-Aquia
Stafford County Board of Supervisors

Reader grateful for lightning safety tips
Thunder and lightning are very mysterious and unexplainable, so just knowing what can be done to prevent injuries from weather phenomenon problems is a big help. After reading the tips that are mentioned on page 2 [in last week’s Stafford County Sun newspaper] the information stated shows several good preventative steps to take.

The nine tips that are mentioned seem to be very helpful and answer a lot of “what do I do” questions. I always thought that using a telephone and anything electrical was dangerous during an electrical storm. I still avoid talking on a cell phone when storms are happening.

I would like to say thank you for mentioning the safety and preventative tips when taking action. It is best to be prepared “just in case.”

Anna Victoria Reich
Stafford