HI council approves 2nd reading of bill on business licenses

A structure establishing a license requirement along with fees and penalties is one vote away from being a reality for businesses in Holiday Island.

At its regular monthly meeting held Tuesday, Jan. 23, the city council unanimously approved the second reading, by title only, of Ordinance No. 2023-020, which establishes business license fees.

According to the rules and regulations for businesses attached to the ordinance, “A business license shall be required for any person, firm, individual or corporation that engages in, carries on or follows any trade, business, vocation, or calling in the City of Holiday Island, including any business, occupation, institution, corporation, entity, sole proprietorship, or other non-governmental entity which operates within the Holiday Island city limits unless exempt by state law.”

Religious entities and non-profits are exempt from the license requirements, the ordinance reads.

Other highlights of the ordinance include that anyone who rents out one or more “long-term dwelling” units must obtain a business license while anyone who operates a short-term rental must obtain a business license “after receiving a Conditional Use Permit issued by the City of Holiday Island.”

Business licenses must be applied for, with annual fees between $25 and $150 depending on the type of business.

VACANT SEAT FILLED

The council is complete again after Sharon Lawlor was voted in to replace Jerry Pittman, who Mayor Dan Kees announced in December was stepping down because of health reasons.

At the Jan. 23 meeting, the council went into executive session to discuss two potential candidates for the seat that had been held by Pittman. When returning from the executive session, a motion was made to nominate Lawlor for the seat and passed 3-0 with two members abstaining.