City of Grover Beach Economic Stimulus Program

Posted by Richard L. Roberts 
 

     Sandy Nichols introduced Bob Perrault: a horseman, a cowboy poet, a runner, a Club Member and City Manager of the City of Grover Beach.

     Bob says he looks at most issues and problems, or at least 95% of them, as opportunities. The other 5% of issues are truly problems. Economic development has been declared by the City Council as the number two priority and the city is developing programs that will support city businesses. The city of Grover Beach, although twice the size in population of Pismo Beach, has a budget that is about half as much. The following concepts have been presented to the City Council for consideration to improve the economic climate in the City:

 
  • Local Business Preference for City Purchases- Give preference to local contractors, businesses, consultants, etc., for city contracts. Give local businesses a 5% preference for purchases made by the City.
  • Shop Grover Beach- A program of incentives to encourage local residents to patronize local businesses. Maybe partner with the GB Chamber of Commerce.
  • Business Retention Loan Program- Offer short-term financial assistance to local businesses.
  • Building Permit Fee Reduction- To stimulate local building trades, reduce permit fees by 20% for one month only.
  • Business Tax Certificate Amnesty Program- Businesses in arrears would not have to pay late penalties if they paid within a stated period. There are 55 such businesses delinquent.
  • Home Repair Program- Loans for home repair.
  • Water Conservation- Encourage home owners to use local landscapers and materials to convert grass areas to drought resistant landscaping.

Bob continued with a description of the costs of city government and revenue generated. It will be more difficult as State Government has reduced City property tax and redevelopment revenue by over a half million dollars. This will hurt the completion of  some City programs and reduce City services. Bob invited folks to contact him with questions about City government and services. 473-4567.