8A0B146C27037C0E872582D6006FF732 Hearing Summary

The chair called the task force back to order.  A panel of construction industry experts introduced themselves and shared their experience with use tax.  The panelists included Ms. Christine Heath, Regional Controller, Adolfson & Peterson Construction; Ms. Vickie Hurst, Director, Us Indirect Tax, LafargeHolcim; Ms. Stephanie Ziegler, Assistant Controller, Brannan Sand and Gravel Company, and; Mr. Scott Van Deren, Business Development, Drake-Williams Steel.

The panelists responded to task force questions.  Ms. Heath discussed changes that would simplifiy use tax collections.  The discussion continued about the challenges of working across municipalities.

The discussion continued regarding software purchased to comply with use tax regulations across municipalities and the state.

The discussion of software continued regarding whether business users are willing to pay for a reliable, state-run address system. The panelists representing larger versus smaller businesses gave their opinions.  Decisions regarding implementing expensive software systems were discussed, as well as the pros and cons of different software programs.  Some panelists discussed the trial and error process of figuring out how to best comply with different municipalities.

Ms. Hurst responded to a question about which state has the best example of a well-functioning sales and use tax system.  The panelists agreed that creating standard rules is the most important change desired.

The discussion continued between the panel and task force regarding simplifying rules across municipalities.

The task force continued with a discussion about standardization between municipalities and state. Mr Nelson asked if the task force can agree on four points of standardization and clarification.