"Give us a break" don't break our backs with higher fees.
April 13, 2009
Eric L. Olson
Executive Director
Board for Contractors
9960 Mayland Drive
Richmond, VA 23233
Dear Mr. Olson:
As a member of the Roanoke Regional Homebuilders Assioation I appreciate the opportunity to address the proposed fee increases for contractor license renewal contained at 118VAC50-22 et al. As contractor in the Roanoke area everyday I speak with other contractors and hear the struggles and difficulties, as we trudge through wave after wave of this economic crisis. As you know everyone has been affected by the shortfalls of revenue from all government agencies and departments from Schools to Rest stops and fire and police departments everyone. The increase fees on contractors truly can sink some, and limit others that need every penny to stay afloat in these times.
It is necessary for everyone to take responsible steps of cutting there budgets and finding areas to make adjustments (i.e.: Schools Police Fire VDOT). In our industry we have had to do so and to place this extra burden on the working contractors who are already fighting to keep in business through lay offs and budget cuts is unfair and actually not necessary. The agency that regulates our industry should also make the tough steps to adjust there budget in accordance with the downturn in the market.
On Regulatory Statement of an Assessment on Licensure Renewal for the Transaction Recovery Fund by Regulation at 18VAC50-22-140 and 18VAC50-22-170 I would agree that these are unnecessary and may violate statute placing the requirement for a $50 assessment in the regulation are both unnecessary and violates section 54.1-1119 by making a special assessment a permanent regular assessment. I respectfully ask the Board to delete any reference to an assessment for the Transaction Recovery Fund from the license renewal sections.
Mr. Olson I would encourage you and the Board for Contractors to show some mercy and not raise fees on already struggling contractors and bring some relief to an industry who has been in the grip of this economy crisis for some time and will be for some time to come. We don’t need the added expense to our business I echo HBAV and ask that you abandon this regulatory action.
