• The Proposal

• The Language

• The Budget and

• The Source of Funding.

 I read about CIO putting together an agenda for our next governor.  I have an issue I’d like to mention.

We are a small plumbing company with 65 employees.  We are in a very good position because we do no new construction.  We are a service and repair company.  We make our living fixing things in the residential market.

Many of the repairs and replacements of water heaters, broken sewers, furnaces, air conditioners and other items require “permits.”  So, to obtain a permit, we have to fill out the city forms and get a license in that city.  In some cities, we have 4 or 5 licenses.  A contractor’s license, plumbing license, HVAC license, refrigeration license, electrical license, etc.  plus our state plumbing contractor license and state electrical contractor license.

Times this by the 26 plus municipalities we work in, leads to many licenses.  Then we have to obtain a permit to replace a water heater.  In many municipalities, we mail the paperwork with a check.  Many require us to show up in person to pay $50 for the privilege of installing a water heater.  The city of Aurora is the only one with this process online.

 In 2009, we spent $64,500 on various municipal licenses and permit fees.  Plus we have a clerk who works about 20 hours weekly to keep up with the paperwork.

 I understand that municipalities want to insure that projects are completed correctly and operate safely.  They also want to collect “use tax”

 There has to be a better way.

Michael Enright

AAA Service Plumbing, Heating & Electric Inc.