Weekly Campaign Message

City Council Approves Policy Change in Capacity Fee Payments

One of the issues that has been an obstacle for businesses coming to Salisbury is the issue of capacity fees. Specifically the fact that businesses were required to pay in full and up front. It appears this issue has been resolved with the option of a payment plan.

Public Works Director Theresa Gardner recently proposed this change after listening to the business community and particularly one business owner who is bringing a brewery to Salisbury. I applaud Director Gardner, Mayor Jim Ireton and the City Council for making the change in policy that will most certainly help with economic development in Salisbury.

Mayor Ireton and City Administrator John Pick also commented on the issue of updating our municipal code. Mayor Ireton requested all department heads look at the code that pertained to their department and see where we could make improvements. The comment was made that the department heads did such a thorough job that it may take some time to put everything together “in bite size chunks” as Mr. Pick put it.

It will be interesting to see what ideas and suggestions have come up in this process. It is most likely that the new City Council will address most of these over the next couple of years. I hope to be a part of that discussion.

For now, this is a good change in policy based on common sense and the willingness of City officials to listen to the business community and make a change. This is a good thing.

Muir Boda
Candidate for Salisbury City Council
http://www.boda4salisbury.com/