HUMBOLDT — The Humboldt Chamber of Commerce’s executive director, Brent Fitzpatrick, said he’s glad the city is looking into changing the business license fees that were instated two years ago.
Multiple home based businesses in the area, such as janitorial services, chiropractors and hairstylists, are charged a $375 business license. This is a drastic change from other cities, where a license for a similar business can be as low as $25.
Storefront and unclassified businesses are both charged $100.
Fitzpatrick said the city looking into changing the fee structure is the best thing that can be asked for.
“I understand and appreciate why there’s a fee for businesses that operate from their home. Businesses downtown, on the street front, they have to pay taxes for business, they have to pay the licensing fee,” Fitzpatrick said.
“From those at home, there has to be an investment into the community, so I appreciate the city’s stance. At the same time, I don’t want these fees to be onerous to small businesses. ”
Two years ago, when the city first implemented the license fees to store fronts, Fitzpatrick said the Chamber advocated for a gradual markup over a two year spread. The city chose instead to place a fixed fee.
The fee came with the addition of the business to the city’s official business directory on their website.
Fitzpatrick said that some businesses and fields feel the addition didn’t benefit them in any way.
“I don’t think if you’re looking for tires, you’re going to the City of Humboldt website, he said.
“It’s still very contentious with business people in the community. They still don’t feel that this benefited them at all. I appreciate that as well, but $100 isn’t a lot of money if you’re operating a business.”
