Utility tax anti-business

Our local economy is under threat again, this time from a new county tax of up to 6 percent on utility bills – water, gas, power, garbage and phone. House Bill 3179, now awaiting the governor’s signature, would let county governments levy the new utility taxes on every business and resident in unincorporated areas.

HB 3179 must be stopped. It’s bad policy, especially now when small businesses and consumers are struggling to recover from the recession.

I’m privileged to lead a company that’s been here for 108 years, providing good jobs and paying our fair share of taxes. Our competitors outside Washington don’t have to pay this utility tax.

Companies across our state cannot simply say “Dear valued customer, you must pay more now, because the county raised our taxes – again.” Customers will go to an out-of-state competitor.

If HB 3179 is not stopped, many Washington families and businesses will be disadvantaged. Businesses will have to cut costs by curtailing jobs, cutting investments, or making fewer local purchases from other local businesses.

Mike Gilmartin

Spokane