Business Community

Four years of inflation threatens the survival of many Virginia Beach businesses. 

Businesses, like residents, are experiencing cash flow stress amplified by the cost of local government in the form of taxes and fees. Taxes and fees are outstripping the pricing power of small businesses' products and services.

Increased taxes and fees on residents reduce their income to spend at local small businesses, not counting the competition of online retailers. The latter is a double whammy in suppressing economic growth and the survival of small businesses.

It is time to lean out the cost of city government and return a portion of city revenue growth to businesses by phasing out the $4.00 per hundred personal and business property tax.

It is time to start an annual reduction in the personal property tax rate on cars and business property (for example, chairs, tables, computers, lamps, etc.). Taxes on wealth suppress economic growth.

A 40-cent reduction, or a 10 percent rate reduction, in next year’s budget is where we should start. My target is to end my term as Mayor by lowering this tax to as close to $2.00 as possible.

Let's grow business revenues and increase the income retained by households, not sustain unnecessary city tax rates and spending, by phasing out this wealth tax.

Invest your vote in John Moss for Mayor and grow your margins by lowering the cost growth of city local government tax.

I am the only council member in the history of Virginia Beach that has built not just one but multiple budgets that held the real estate tax rate at the revenue-neutral rate. While those budgets did not pass due to the influence of monied special interests dependent on the city's increased spending and borrowing, my efforts demonstrate that I possess the knowledge of the city’s budget and financial competencies to deliver executable solutions.

This initiative is doable. Where there is the will, there is a way. I have the will, the commitment, the courage, and the competence to make it happen. 

Voting John Moss for Mayor is the smart investment.