County Council committee moves stimulus plan forward
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, September 30, 2008
An economic stimulus report may soon become the blueprint for creating more jobs and economic stability in Pierce County.
The councils Rules Committee yesterday approved a resolution directing the county to implement the recommendations outlined in the Pierce County Economic Stimulus Report, produced by the county’s Economic Development Division.
The resulting report includes the following recommendations:
— increase the amount of time a plat can be extended from one year to three years; temporarily stopping plats from expiring could assist companies to preserve the value of their assets and jump-start a recovery when the market turns;
— terming-out system development charges so that companies could pay over time — instead of paying an overwhelming fee up front — which can often discourage new businesses from coming to Pierce County;
— improve the timing of impact-fee payments so businesses can afford them and the county can better maximize use of the funds;
— consolidate redundant codes, which also encourages business growth without jeopardizing the publics interest.
The full council is set to consider the resolution on Oct. 7.
