Higher business license fees eyed

The cost to operate a business in Carson City may soon be slightly higher if supervisors approve a 2 percent raise in business license fees Thursday.

Considering other recent impacts to businesses resulting from the state Legislature, the cost-of-increase raise is minimal, said Carson Area Chamber of Commerce executive officer Larry Osborne.

"We do understand the city has shown that they have a need for additional revenues," Osborne said. "In the scheme of things, this is a very small increase. We're much more concerned with storm drainage fees and those issues."

Osborne said he plans to attend Thursday's meeting as a representative of businesses, but the increase is not generating much concern.

City supervisors considered a 3.2 percent fee hike in October 2002, but rejected the plan after receiving negative feedback from businesses.

The proposal to raise the fee 2 percent this year would generate an estimated $16,000 in revenue. The total annual amount of business license revenue collected would be $796,000.

The Consumer Price Index inflationary increase is not expected to place an undue burden on businesses, according to a business impact statements issued by city staff.