County Council committee moves stimulus plan forward

An economic stimulus report may soon become the blueprint for creating more jobs and economic stability in Pierce County.

The council’s Rules Committee yesterday approved a resolution directing the county to implement the recommendations outlined in the Pierce County Economic Stimulus Report, produced by the county’s Economic Development Division.

The resulting report includes the following recommendations:

— increase the amount of time a plat can be extended from one year to three years; temporarily stopping plats from expiring could assist companies to preserve the value of their assets and jump-start a recovery when the market turns;

— terming-out system development charges so that companies could pay over time — instead of paying an overwhelming fee up front — which can often discourage new businesses from coming to Pierce County;

— improve the timing of impact-fee payments so businesses can afford them and the county can better maximize use of the funds;

— consolidate redundant codes, which also encourages business growth without jeopardizing the public’s interest.

The full council is set to consider the resolution on Oct. 7.