The Chamber opposes the imposition of an impact fee for business expansions.
The Chamber supports the development of thoughtful alternatives regarding new fees, taxes, and grants to meet the need.The Chamber supports a valley-wide solution to addressing the area’s drainage problems, which of necessity involves governmental entities in addition to the Grand Valley Drainage District.The Chamber’s position on the matter has been clearly articulated to all concerned and remains the same. Ultimately, it is the hope of the Grand Junction Chamber and Mesa County that we can quickly get back to focusing on this valley wide drainage problem and devising a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressing the needs to manage storm water in Mesa County without harming our members and the business community at large. This review and final determination is still warranted and necessary to provide clarity to affected residents and businesses. The lawsuit is still proceeding and the Chamber is committed to moving forward and getting a final ruling about whether the fee is an impermissible tax. “The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is disappointed that it was unable to obtain a preliminary injunction that would have immediately halted collection of the Grand Valley Drainage District’s “fees” Such an injunction would have likely allowed businesses and individuals that have not paid their invoices to keep those dollars circulating in our local economy while the matter is further reviewed and a determination is made on the merits of the case. Shown below is our official statement on that action: On July 19th Judge Bottger denied the request for an injunction. The basis for the suit is to get clarity as to whether this is a fee or a tax subject to voter approval under TABOR.
#GRAND VALLEY DRAINAGE DIATRICT GJ SENTINEL FULL VERSION#
The growth of businesses improves the economy, increases job opportunities and adds to the tax base. Shown below are the principals that have always guided us on this matter: Last year the Chamber voted to take the unusual action of suing Grand Valley Drainage District along with Mesa County only after eight months of fruitless negotiations to find common ground and a solution that would not unduly harm businesses and our economy. The case is currently calendared for four days. Beginning at 11:00 AM on June 5th both sides will argue in court as to whether this is a fee as the District contends or actually an unauthorized tax as the Chamber and Mesa County argue. Judge Timbreza on May 17th, executed a court order denying the GVDD request and the Chamber/Mesa County response and request for summary judgement. As this newsletter is being printed, parties on both sides of the dispute regarding the Grand Valley Drainage District levying of a fee on all residents and businesses within its boundaries are preparing for trial.
0 kommentar(er)
