Political Buzz - Bunney proposes Pierce County economic stimulus plan

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Friday, May 2nd, 2008

Bunney proposes Pierce County economic stimulus plan

Posted by David Wickert @ 04:01:36 pm

County Councilman and executive candidate Shawn Bunney will ask Pierce County to develop an “economic stimulus package” to boost the local economy.

In an announcement released this afternoon, Bunney said he will ask the county Office of Economic Development to study whether unspecified “front-loaded fees and charges” can be collected later or be amortized over time.

Bunney billed the proposal as a way to counter the real estate slump that has led to the county’s multi-million dollar budget shortfall.

“Bringing new jobs to Pierce County and making it easier for companies to do business are two keys to reversing that trend,” Bunney said.

Read the full announcement below.

Pierce County Councilmember Shawn Bunney will submit a resolution next week targeted at stimulating economic growth in the local economy.

“My resolution focuses on keeping Pierce County families working,”
Bunney (District 1) said.

[More:]

Quality of life for most families, Bunney said, starts with a good
paying job near home. Industrial, commercial and residential investments spur both short- and long-term economic prosperity. The county needs creative solutions to spur investment and keep Pierce County families working, he said.

Front-loaded fees and charges are often a disincentive for new
businesses wishing to locate in Pierce County as well as for existing businesses wishing to expand. Bunney’s proposal asks the county’s Office of Economic Development to examine whether front-loaded fees and charges could be collected later in the process or be amortized over time. It also asks the department to research tax incentives Pierce County can offer to stimulate greater local investment and job creation.

Pierce County's budget has a multimillion-dollar revenue shortfall
resulting mainly from the real estate slump.

“Bringing new jobs to Pierce County and making it easier for
companies to do business are two keys to reversing that trend," Bunney said.
CONTACT: Councilmember Shawn Bunney, 253-798-3635

Categories: Pierce County

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