Business license ordinance on the table

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

— Businesses in Decatur could soon be required to obtain a business license.

The city council, during the July 12 meeting, passed on its first reading an ordinance requiring all businesses to acquire an annual business license.

The licenses will cost $25 per year and a $100 fine will be assessed if a business operates without a license.

If all three readings are passed, the ordinance will take effect in January.

It will include home businesses such as babysitting and online businesses, according to Mayor Bill Montgomery - “any income-producing business,” he said.

Councilwoman Linda Martin said the media hasportrayed business licenses as an additional tax. Most small towns require businesses to be licensed and the proposed fee is veryaffordable, city attorney Tom Smith said.

During May’s city council meeting, city administrative assistant Kim Wilkins reported that several businesses requested licenses.One business needed a license in order to apply for a grant, and another needed a license to have their utilities turned on.

“Things are changing and we’re growing and we need to move forward,” said Mayor Bill Montgomery.

Allowing time for community feedback, a second reading of the ordinance will be held during the August city council meeting and a third could then be held during the September city council meeting.

Community, Pages 2 on 07/21/2010