Phil Castle, The Business Times: Sales tax collections for Mesa County continue to trend downward, declining on a year-over-year basis for three consecutive months. Total collections so far in 2012 continue to outpace 2011, though, and are projected to come close to matching yearly gains posted before the county went through an economic boom and […]
After three years of cuts, the proposed budget for Mesa County for 2013 reflects more stable spending and service levels. “The county’s resources are still tight, but there are bright spots that give us cause for optimism,” said County Administrator Chantal Unfug. “We’re not out of the woods, but we are investing our resources in […]
Businesses that open or expand operations in Mesa County will be eligible for tax rebates under a new policy approved by the county commissioners. “We want to keep doing everything we can to make Mesa County more business friendly,” said County Commissioner Craig Meis. “Businesses that make a significant investment and bring new jobs to […]
A measure of hotel and motel stays in Grand Junction continues to reflect increased business compared to last year. According to the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau report for September, $141,389 in lodging taxes were collected. That’s an 8.4 percent increased over collections reported for the same month last year. For reports for January […]
A Web site that promotes the Grand Valley as a travel destination has been revamped to offer more resources to visitors considering trips to the area. In addition, an electronic book has been published to further promote what’s marketed as the Colorado Wine Country with its wineries and vineyards. The Grand Junction Visitor & Convention […]
Colorado residents paid $27 billion in insurance premiums during 2011, according to the latest findings in an annual report published by the Colorado Division of Insurance. “This report serves as a guide for consumers and insurance industry representatives to review the financial status and market share of companies selling insurance in Colorado,” said Jim Riesberg, […]
Lending activity reached record and near-record levels nationally during the 2012 fiscal year under two programs backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA reported that nearly 54,000 loans worth a total of more than $30.2 billion were approved during FY 2012, which ended Sept. 30. Nearly half the dollar amount was approved under […]
Colorado ranks 18th among the 50 states in the latest results of an annual analysis of how taxes affect business. Colorado slipped two spots in the State Business Climate Index for 2013, but continues to fare comparatively well in terms of lower corporate, income and property taxes. The Tax Foundation — a nonprofit group based […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Investors and business owners still have some options to consider in planning for the prospects of higher tax rates and lower exemption levels next year. But time is running out even as what’s been called a “fiscal cliff” looms and the likelihood Congress will address the issue beforehand diminishes. That […]
There seems to be near universal agreement Mitt Romney handily won the first debate against Barack Obama. Perspectives differ, of course, depending on whether your preferred candidate was the gore-er or gore-ee. But few honest observers can really deny the former Massachusetts governor got the better of the president — and but good. Excuses are […]