Business license tax

Southern California Rental Housing Association asked the council to vote against the ballot measure, citing the highest rate hitting rental housing and lack of stakeholder engagement.

Landlord and small business owner asked the council to direct staff toward collaborative land-use and revenue strategies instead of the tax.

Said the tax is 'not ready for prime time,' citing lack of transparency and a 30-page ordinance released the night before.

Veterans and seniors advocate said out-of-city veterans couldn't vote on it and blamed overspending; asked the council to cut salaries instead.

Said ethnic chambers, the women's business center, and residents haven't been at the table and urged a no vote until the deficit's causes are clear.

Monsour Nissan representative with 44 years on the Mile asked for a no vote and offered to work on an alternative.

Developer of Market on Eighth said the tax would halt business attraction and burden landlords; asked that the business community be included.

Owner of Valerio's Bake Shop opposed the gross receipts tax but hoped for continued collaboration on a fairer structure.

Mile of Cars president and Ball Automotive VP opposed the tax, criticizing the rushed 53-page ordinance and its impact on dealerships.

Chamber of Commerce representative said fees could rise tenfold and urged opposition to allow the business advisory team to propose alternatives.

San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce rep, speaking for 2,000+ businesses, opposed the measure citing pyramiding, thresholds, and one-day review of ordinance language.

Owner of Cousines Market and Deli worried fee increases would hurt small mom-and-pop shops.

Also USA business development manager urged opposition, saying the tax would hurt jobs and competitiveness.

Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors rep raised concerns about how broker commissions would be apportioned under the tax.

San Diego Cold Storage owner since 1996 said a single tax shouldn't be the primary deficit remedy and asked for more time and collaboration.

Pasha Group rep for the Marine Terminal operator said they haven't read the ordinance and asked to form a business advisory committee.

Small glass business owner described tight margins, insurance and bond costs, and supported collaboration.

Small business owner and resident asked the council to identify the deficit's root causes before raising taxes.

GB Capital Holdings owner said fees would rise tenfold versus a cost-of-living adjustment and urged austerity and a no vote.

Home day care and preschool representative said providers have had no rate increase since 2012 and asked the council to vote no and work with them.

Firefighters' union president SUPPORTED the measure, noting frozen positions and urging the council to let voters decide.

Ship Repair Association president cited sticker shock — a business paying $371 on $1M receipts would pay $1,000 — and asked for a more phased approach.

Compared the ballot exhibits and asked for turnout and passage-threshold information.

Labor union vice president accused the council of gaslighting the community and warned businesses could relocate.

Chamber executive board member said she canvassed 40 businesses in Districts 1 and 3 and none knew of the tax; asked for a roundtable and delay.

23-year business owner SUPPORTED the measure, arguing small businesses would pay modest amounts and voters should decide in November.

Made personal attacks on Mayor Morrison and called the tax a political stunt.

Asked who put the item on the agenda and why now, a week before the mayor's filing decision, urging more time and research.

Zoom commenter attacked the council's financial management and urged cutting council stipends and district funds instead.

ILWU Local 29 president warned the union won't stand by while the tax threatens the port industry its members work in.

Local 29 business agent said over 900 port workers in National City would be affected and criticized the council for seeking union support then taxing the industry.

Mile of Cars Association president argued a gross receipts tax punishes revenue not profit and would push shoppers to Chula Vista; asked for alternatives and a business advisory board.

Downtown ice cream shop owner asked the council to keep talking with businesses before moving forward.

Chamber of Commerce director said small businesses are already in crisis and warned some may leave National City if a balanced solution isn't found.

Longtime local business owner said the tax is one-sided, urged a deep dive into city expenses, and questioned new investment under the tax.

Firefighters union president supported the tax, noting the $16 million structural deficit equals the entire fire department budget.

Monty Severson executive manager said proposed rates would be detrimental and urged a 'no' vote while offering to help find alternatives.

Small business owner said she can't absorb the proposed 10% increase and asked the council to consider small businesses.

Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors rep opposed the tax, citing double taxation of independent-contractor agents and higher rates than neighboring cities.

PASHA representative thanked the council for meetings but warned a 10x gross receipts tax would hurt the terminal's 750+ workers; asked for a business advocacy group and time for the new city manager.

San Diego Working Waterfront president called the tax the worst type for businesses, said it multiplies through the supply chain, and urged letting the new city manager study the budget first.

Small commercial property owner asked the council to collaborate with local business people on the budget solution.

Recounted the city's tax history since 2005 and argued all taxes land on consumers, who are among the county's poorest.

Retired longshoreman said the city can't chase businesses away and questioned where reserves went.

Asked for guardrails or trees back on Paradise Valley Road after a car crashed into a neighbor's fence, and opposed the tax as written, citing per-councilmember spending.

Municipal employees union president welcomed Schulze and thanked interim staff; earlier she spoke in strong support of the business license tax reform.

Chamber board member worried the tax would deter veteran entrepreneurs and asked for transparency and a community budget oversight committee.