Want Business in Town?
December 2, 2003
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
At a recent Board of Selectmen Meeting, the vote was 4-1 to not allow local business DP Dough from extending his hours for counter service from 2am to 3am. The business had previously been given the ok for deliveries to be made until 3am, but with the inside closed at 2am. While some credence should be given to the Police Chief's concerns, they were only concerns. What harm would have come to the town if the business was given a trial period to try out extended hours, as proposed by Selectmen Dennis Gallagher? Instead, an opportuity for a business is shot down by our Selectmen. And we wonder why we business tax base is 8% when our neighboring towns approach a 30% business tax base. Does our Board of Selectmen sound business-friendly to you? Keep in mind that about half our town's budget is for schools, and a business pays property taxes just like individuals. However, unlike a household that will send children to schools, a business pays it taxes without adding children to the school system. So, that is extra 'free' money. And that is why Stoughton is working so hard to lure Ikea Furniture to a location in town - to bring tax revenues and jobs to the town's budget.
