Landlord brought this up on another thread, but i thought it deserved its own. Landlord wrote; "the Business Privilege Tax that is taxed on GROSS INCOME. One interesting fact on this tax is that it is now illegal. This tax was deemed illegal in 1988 by the Superior Court. All municipalities that enacted this tax before 1988 are grandfathered to enforce this tax." The buzz around Bradford on this "Privilege Tax" is that many large corporations, doctors, and even attorneys DO NOT EVEN PAY THIS TAX! even worse, the city does not go after them! I have heard it said that this has been going on for years. If this is true, then the honest small business persons who pay this tax are carrying these well to do scofflaws on their backs! No wonder its illegal. Either apply it evenly or abolish it! Why would the city allow this if its financially distressed? By reimbursing the city, could these scofflaws lower our sky high tax rate? Can this be investigated? Are these records certified or available to the public? Another incentive to live and work outside the city.

This is one of many reasons "The City Of Bradford" is withering on the vine. I filed a right to know with the city to see who does pay this communist tax. The city's reply was - they don't have to give this information out. I will probably appeal their decision.

The Mayor Tom Riel would not allow this to go on, he probably doesn't know this is happening. He is a honest straight shooting guy who would apply policy equally to all. I am sure any business he or his family is associated with pays this Gross Privilege Tax.

what name is the mayors business registered under? i cant find it in the book? i may need some window work before winter.

Landlord wrote; "The city's reply was - they don't have to give this information out. I will probably appeal their decision."This would indicate that there is something the city wants to hide. Please appeal this Landlord, and shine some light on this "pickpocket" tax... (Resident, i think its McKean window)

thanks he does do good work. and his crew is doing a great job on the old archers building.

Mr Riel "rode the wave" and has installed many windows around the valley for his supporters and their friends..

I would check in the yellow pages under buy here pay here!

This post may be coincidental, but, I also filed a right to know with the City of Bradford to see if anyone has applied for a building permit for renovations to the former Archers Store on Main Street. I was told that nobody has.

Most of us have to pay the Business Privilege Tax on gross income and apply for building permits when needed.

Landlord wrote; "I also filed a right to know with the City of Bradford to see if anyone has applied for a building permit for renovations to the former Archers Store on Main Street. I was told that nobody has."I think you could also ask Mark Grassi or Mike Cleveland in CE. (Watch out for those back dated, retro active permits. )

Many years ago when I first came to Bradford, I was told by the Code Enforcement officer back then that a building permit MUST be displayed in the front of the house or building that is being worked on, and visible from the street.

Did that requirement ever change? If so, when and by whom?

That seems like a very sensible law, this way CE or anybody for that matter just has to drive by to see if they do in fact have a building permit in any work site in question.

Perhaps somebody from Code Enforcement can clear this up.

wasnt there controversy between mg and gc when they were both inspectors and nobody wanted to inspect commercial buildings? do i remember that right? maybe mg just dont want to work. archers was completely gutted and rebuilt certainly the city codes must require a building permit to completely rebuild a building. and who paid the parking fee for that big dumpster being there on the street for most of the summer and spring? how many parking spots did it take up? id hate to see that bill 3 times 25 cents times 24/7. what the city lost out on for a building permit it probably made back easily on the parking money.