Business license tax

Called the business license tax modernization a significant tax increase passed to consumers, and urged Mayor Salinas to delay or ban the appliance gas ban at a November 4 meeting.

Speaking for the Hayward Chamber of Commerce, she asked the council to phase in the proposed business license tax increase rather than more than tripling it at once, warning it could drive employers away.

Speaking for SEIU 1021 city workers, he congratulated the council on revenue modernization and urged going further — saying a 'match your neighbor' model could bring in an additional $7 million.

SEIU 1021 union rep supporting the business license tax modernization and urging a model that fosters economic activity and funds city services.

AFSCME 1021 rep says the city's tax model leaves a possible $7 million gap uncollected and urges capturing more revenue before the November ballot.

SEIU rep alarmed by the 15% vacancy rate, gutted library services, and rescinded 3% COLA; strongly backs the tax modernization but urges a $50M+ bracket to capture $7 million more.

With Hayward Concerned Citizens, criticized the polling methodology and the word 'modernization,' saying the survey questions make the tax look better than it is.

CEO of East Bay Rental Housing Association, supported modernization but opposed the flat $3 per $1,000 rate on all residential rentals — a roughly ten-fold increase for small landlords — and asked for a graduated rate or reduced rate below $250,000 in gross receipts.

Speaking for labor, argued the 'match neighbors' model falls short because comparison cities have outdated taxes; urged higher rates on professional services, commercial rentals, and landlords, and said the city shouldn't be scared into inaction by businesses.

Asked whether the tax revenue could be used for homelessness services and county housing matches, saying businesses can't thrive without addressing homelessness.

Asked how much the business license tax analysis and ballot measure would cost taxpayers; staff estimated about $100,000 for consulting and polling plus election costs.

Also with Hayward Concerned Citizens, she insisted street vendors be included in any business tax and urged the public — especially business owners — to speak up about the proposal.

With Hayward Concerned Citizens, he questioned the cost and transparency of the business license tax ballot effort, why consultants are needed, why street vendors can't be taxed, and whether the tax would deter new downtown businesses.