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In an effort to make it easier to do business locally, Mesa County is implementing new initiatives to encourage local development and business growth.
“In this economy, we feel your pain,” said County Commissioner Craig Meis. “We're sharpening our pencils to find ways to help by cutting county taxes and fees.” As a business owner himself, Meis has spearheaded this effort called “Open for Business,” identifying key areas where business expansion could be encouraged, and obstacles to growth eliminated.
• Lowering taxes and fee — County officials are finding ways to reduce costs for business and development. In 2010, Mesa County will eliminate all planning review fees for developers. The county will also cut the Business Personal Property Tax by $500,000. This is a tax on equipment, machinery, furnishings and other items used by businesses and other organizations. Residents who normally pay this tax will see a decrease on their 2010 tax bill. Mesa County's share of property tax will actually decrease slightly in 2010 due to TABOR (the “Taxpayers Bill of Rights”). Although the assessed value of many local properties rose in 2009, Mesa County will reduce its mill levy — the rate that helps determine taxes owed. The county is also refunding more than $2.1 million to property taxpayers, also due to TABOR. The result is an overall decrease in the amount of property tax collected by Mesa County for next year.
• Streamlining the development process — Officials hope this will make building and developing an easier, faster and more attractive option in Mesa County. The county has been working with a committee of stakeholders (including citizens and developers) to revise the Land Development Code. One of the forthcoming changes will allow some developments to go through an “administrative review” — a process that will reduce the time required for approval by two to three months. For developers, this change will reduce upfront expenses, and provide more long-term predictability for their business ventures. This revision will go to the Board of County Commissioners for approval Dec. 14.
• Expediting capital projects — Through a lease-purchase arrangement, Mesa County will accelerate construction of several capital projects in 2010. During an economic downturn, many local governments cut capital spending, which allows infrastructure to deteriorate and hurts the community's current and future prospects for growth. By moving forward with these projects next year, they will cost less to build, saving county taxpayers money in the long term.
• Adopting a “Developers Bill of Rights” — Officials plan to reaffirm the county's commitment to providing land developers and business people with excellent customer service. The “bill” provides time lines for prompt responses. It outlines expectations for efficient, effective service, as well as what developers should expect when working with county staff.
• Supporting existing businesses — Mesa County will continue to work with the Business Incubator Center to bolster its efforts helping local people start new businesses, and helping existing businesses expand. The county will also continue its support of the Mesa County Workforce Center.
“We need to move forward with this now to help local businesses stay afloat in a tough economy,” according to County Commissioner Janet Rowland. “We also want to spur new development and encourage businesses to grow.”
“In this economy, we feel your pain,” said County Commissioner Craig Meis. “We're sharpening our pencils to find ways to help by cutting county taxes and fees.” As a business owner himself, Meis has spearheaded this effort called “Open for Business,” identifying key areas where business expansion could be encouraged, and obstacles to growth eliminated.
• Lowering taxes and fee — County officials are finding ways to reduce costs for business and development. In 2010, Mesa County will eliminate all planning review fees for developers. The county will also cut the Business Personal Property Tax by $500,000. This is a tax on equipment, machinery, furnishings and other items used by businesses and other organizations. Residents who normally pay this tax will see a decrease on their 2010 tax bill. Mesa County's share of property tax will actually decrease slightly in 2010 due to TABOR (the “Taxpayers Bill of Rights”). Although the assessed value of many local properties rose in 2009, Mesa County will reduce its mill levy — the rate that helps determine taxes owed. The county is also refunding more than $2.1 million to property taxpayers, also due to TABOR. The result is an overall decrease in the amount of property tax collected by Mesa County for next year.
• Streamlining the development process — Officials hope this will make building and developing an easier, faster and more attractive option in Mesa County. The county has been working with a committee of stakeholders (including citizens and developers) to revise the Land Development Code. One of the forthcoming changes will allow some developments to go through an “administrative review” — a process that will reduce the time required for approval by two to three months. For developers, this change will reduce upfront expenses, and provide more long-term predictability for their business ventures. This revision will go to the Board of County Commissioners for approval Dec. 14.
• Expediting capital projects — Through a lease-purchase arrangement, Mesa County will accelerate construction of several capital projects in 2010. During an economic downturn, many local governments cut capital spending, which allows infrastructure to deteriorate and hurts the community's current and future prospects for growth. By moving forward with these projects next year, they will cost less to build, saving county taxpayers money in the long term.
• Adopting a “Developers Bill of Rights” — Officials plan to reaffirm the county's commitment to providing land developers and business people with excellent customer service. The “bill” provides time lines for prompt responses. It outlines expectations for efficient, effective service, as well as what developers should expect when working with county staff.
• Supporting existing businesses — Mesa County will continue to work with the Business Incubator Center to bolster its efforts helping local people start new businesses, and helping existing businesses expand. The county will also continue its support of the Mesa County Workforce Center.
“We need to move forward with this now to help local businesses stay afloat in a tough economy,” according to County Commissioner Janet Rowland. “We also want to spur new development and encourage businesses to grow.”
