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City, Community & Business Leaders Speak at Revenue & Taxation H
For the past several months, the City of Oroville has been working closely with Senator Sam Aanestad and his Chief of Staff to create legislation that would benefit businesses that are located in the Oroville Enterprise Zone. On February 3, 2010, Senator Aanestad introduced SB 939, legislation that is designed to create new jobs and new business opportunities in Oroville.
On May 12, 2010, City representatives including Vice Mayor Jamie Johansson, Councilman and RDA Chairperson, David Pittman, City Administrator, Sharon Atteberry, and RDA Coordinator, Tom Fitzpatrick traveled to Sacramento along with local business and community leaders to testify in favor of this important legislation.
Ken Harlan, owner of Roberts Drug Store and Olive Pharmacy, presented compelling reasons to the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee encouraging them to rule favorably on the proposed legislation. Mr. Harlan said the ultimate approval of SB 939 would allow him to continue to expand his local businesses as the legislation would provide him the ability to sell unused tax credits to other businesses in the State of California.
Dan Sroufe, Vice President of Operations and Mark Walhman, Chief Financial Officer of Pacific Coast Producers, Vicky Hightower, Chief Financial Officer of Sierra Pacific Packaging, and Claudia Knaus, President and CEO of the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce also asked the Committee to support the legislation.
Senator Aanestad addressed the committee stating The credits offered by the current Enterprise Zone only work if the business in question generates enough of a profit to have a state income tax liability and many do not. Unfortunately after listening to the positive testimony, the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee placed the issue in the Suspense File which doesnt approve or deny the request, but places it in a legislative limbo.
Orovilles Vice Mayor, Jamie Johansson said, This has been an exciting time for City Government to address the dire economic concerns faced by many local businesses, and that Oroville has attracted attention in Sacramento as a City that is trying to work within the system by coming forward with an idea that perhaps was ahead of its time. City Councilman, David Pittman also said, The City of Oroville staff took an idea, worked with Senator Aanestad, and had the opportunity to take it all the way to the top -- the State Legislature.
Claudia Knaus, President and CEO of the Oroville Area Chamber Commerce said on behalf of the business community, Seeing the Committee in action was enlightening, although we are disappointed that the initiative was placed in suspension we hold out hope that it will be taken to the Assembly for a vote as it would ultimately be a benefit to many Oroville businesses.
The City intends to continue to participate in the legislative process and will seek assistance from Assemblyman Dan Logue. Questions about the bill may be directed to Tom Fitzpatrick, RDA Coordinator at (530) 538-2405 or email to: www.infocityoforoville.org .
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