12/16/1996 - Business Licenses-MinutesTO: Ad Hoc Committee on Business Licenses
FROM: Warren Van Zee, Chairperson
RE: Council Members' meeting with the Mayor (12/16/96 4:00pm)
The next meeting is scheduled for December 26, 1996, 7:00pm, at the
Port Orchard Fire Station.
The Mayor was cognizant of a degree of opposition to the proposed
business license ordinance.
It was agreed that some forms of license/registration is necessary
for the City of Port Orchard. The rationale includes a need to
know what businesses are in operation in the City. Also a need to
know who is responsible for a business at a given location.
It was agreed that the City would consider forgoing a business
license and fee. Instead it would require a business registration
with a financial penalty for businesses not registering.
In order for the City to operate more efficiently and to assure all
who benefit from city services pay a fair share, the City deems the
registration a valid requirement.
Registration assures that all businesses are accountable. The Fire
Department does not have the staff to monitor all businesses.
Registration would permit the Treasurer's office to match state
sales taxes to assure Port Orchard gets its fair share.
Registration will promote information transfer between departments
with the City. Registration will also provide a data base for
sharing information.
Finally and perhaps foremost will be the ability of our Fire and
Police Departments to have an up to date listing of the who and
what of every business to assure their safety.
We trust you will join with us to forge a registration ordinance
that will achieve our goals.