Transparency
Concord invested significant time in outreach to our businesses of all sizes, and other business interests, including the Concord Chamber of Commerce, to evaluate the new, simplified business license tax structure and receive feedback.
Feedback from the business community found that improving tax fairness was a top priority. A uniform business license tax structure also allows for streamlined administration of the tax, creating additional city operational efficiencies.
The business license tax applies to home-based and brick-and-mortar businesses of all trades, professions, and occupations. Charitable and non-profit organizations are exempt.
The business license tax structure changes from an outdated tiered gross receipts calculation that unfairly taxes small businesses at a higher tax rate, to a uniform tax of 0.1% of gross receipts.
Accountability
- Mandatory financial audits
- Independent citizen oversight committee
- Yearly report to the community
- All funds spent locally, no money can be taken by the State
Why YES on Measure O
Concord Faces a Structural Budget Deficit and Needs New, Recurring Revenue to Maintain the Services that Benefit All Residents
In the last four years, Concord has reduced staff 19%, reduced expenditures, made operations more efficient, pursued grant funding, and attracted businesses to generate revenue.
Yet, Concord still faces a structural budget deficit and there are growing unfunded infrastructure needs, jeopardizing core city services.
- The updated, uniform business license tax will provide $2.9 million annually to strengthen Concord’s long-term financial stability and support city services such as pothole repair, parks and playgrounds safety and cleanliness, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance.
- Measure O will provide predictability and tax equity to our businesses, keep Concord’s finances secure, and maintain the services we rely on to protect the quality of life Concord residents expect and deserve.
