Opinion: South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce: Vote NO on Measure B

The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce opposes the increase in taxes for business owners.
Measure B proposes assessing greater fees based on the number of employees and gross receipts without the perspective of costs. To tax on gross without allowances for costs is not a “fair tax.”
It removes the cap on business license fees. Business owners already pay: a business license fee, a county DBA fee, home occupation fee in some cases, fees to the county or Nevada. They may have to file environmental reports, obtain a resale license, and buy liability insurance. If they hold events to promote their business, they may need to pay for a permit. Some carry D & O insurance and pay additional taxes if they own the business building. They may pay renewable licensing or credential fees.

Larger businesses pay benefit costs, state and federal taxes, and many are facing costly, increased mandates by state and federal governments.
Businesses in the City were recently affected by the stated intent to enforce the Sign Ordinance and the new Snow Removal Ordinance.
Measure B would mean increased costs in a down economy. That may equal utility rate hikes or increase the cost of goods and services for consumers, and greater unemployment or hours cut as these businesses downsize. For smaller business, that means less people who can afford their goods or services.
It is also our concern that this does not create an attractive environment for large business to come to, or stay in South Lake Tahoe.
It is not the right time to increase the cost of doing business in South Lake Tahoe.

Please vote NO on Measure B.

Board of Directors
South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce