Key business leaders in Carson City are not convinced that local shop owners and contractors should be the ones to pick up a $24,000 tab in added fees to pay for city services this year.
The Carson City Board of Supervisors will consider a slight increase in business license fees to generate the extra revenue at its meeting Thursday.
City officials believe the extra funding is needed and could help pay for public safety and other services during a time when revenue is decreasing.
If passed, businesses and independent contractors would pay more to renew their licenses. A general business license would increase from $62.60 to $64.60 per year.
Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Builders Association of Western Nevada oppose the proposal, saying that although the added license fees are minimal, the city has not demonstrated a need for the increase.
"Our question is why do they feel it's necessary at this time to raise fees on businesses again," said Larry Osborne, chamber chief executive officer. "Just because they can, doesn't mean they should."
Osborne will attend the board of supervisors meeting Thursday to publicly speak out against the proposed increase.
The city has the option to raise business fees annually but has not considered it during the past two years. City staff is recommending the 3.2 percent increase as a way to generate funds for vital services such as fire protection, law enforcement and parks maintenance.
With the proposed increase of $24,200, the city expects to collect a total of $780,000 from business fees annually. City Treasurer Al Kramer said the city has a need for the additional money.
"We are going through a budget crunch with Wal-Mart leaving town and our revenue will be lower," Kramer said. "We'll be glad to have it when we go to spend."
The Board of Supervisors will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
IF YOU GO
What: Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting
When: 8:30 a.m. Thursday
Where: Community Center, 851 E. William St.