As the result of action taken by the Upland City Council on August 3 22, the city’s voters will be called upon to vote on the approval of what the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters’ Office has designated Measure M.
Measure M will revamp the city’s business licensing schedules to change the cost of obtaining a business operation permit in the City of Gracious Living.
Measure M will intensify the burden that the city’s most successful businesses bear for doing businesses in the city. Indeed, those businesses cataloged as the highest grossing in the city would see the cost of their city business licenses jump by a whopping 3,240 percent, from the current $864 to $28,000, if a majority of the city’s voters support Measure M, which has been placed on the upcoming November ballot.
All five of the council’s members – Mayor Bill Velto, First District Councilwoman Shannon Maust, Second District Councilman James Breitling, Third District Councilman Carlos Garcia and Fourth District Councilman Rudy Zuniga – are in favor of Measure M.
The argument they make in their pitch for the city’s voters to support of it is “Out business license structure is 31 years old. Yes on M simply reforms this structure to match the mix of business in our city today. Measure M applies only to businesses. Yes on M will not increase taxes for residents or homeowners. Currently, our local small businesses pay significantly higher rates than the largest businesses – in some cases, more than 100 times as much. That’s simply unfair.”
The argument in favor of M further staters that the measure “ensures the largest businesses step up and pay their fair share for the essential city services residents and small businesses already pay for. Yes on M reduces taxes for a majority of small, mom and pop businesses, so they can afford to stay in our community during these challenging times. Yes on M is a win-win for our community: millions more to address our local needs, without asking residents to pay more. Yes on M fixes streets and potholes. Yes on M keeps our parks, streets and public areas safe and clean. Yes on M maintains fast 911 emergency response times.”
The argument against Measure M states, “Upland businesses and taxpayers did not cause the city’s budget problems. Current and past city council members’ financial mismanagement caused any budget shortfalls. This city council gave its members generous pay raises, Unbelievably, they hired a third city manager. We now pay for a city manager and two assistant city mangers to run the city. Outrageously boated government bureaucracy doesn’t justify tripling the business tax to $3.3 million annually. Upland residents soundly rejected city council proposals to increase sales taxes in 2022 and 2024,”
The argument against Measure M continues, “Don’t be fooled by untrustworthy politicians. The proposed $3.3 million tax increase on businesses’ gross sales receipts will be passed onto we consumers. Businesses and residents have just been hit hard by increased city water, and sewer and Burrtec trash rates. With record high food, energy, gasoline prices and insurance costs, hard-working families and seniors cannot afford additional city-imposed taxes. The mayor recently admitted sales tax revenues have declined. That is because residents have cut back on spending due to the higher cost of living. This has negatively impacted Upland businesses large and small. Many businesses are in survival mode. Just like businesses and residents, the city must operate within its budget and transform the way it functions. Over the last 25 years, the city has been through various budget shortfalls, yet always finds a way to increase employee salaries and benefits. During this time, resident-driven financial workout plans and task force recommendations forced city councils to improve efficiency and reduce costs. More can be done.”
The argument against Measure M concludes, “Many businesses large or small and residents are financially struggling. As members of the Upland Residents for Good Government, we urge residents to vote no on M.