Property owners must pay for business licenses in Umatilla, and some are not happy about it.
Umatilla City Manager Bob Ward said the city recently expanded its business license requirements to cover all businesses and individuals conducting business within the city. Ward said the city has received “some” complaints about the changes – primarily from property owners.
One property owner, Jack McWhinnie, approached the Umatilla City Council on Tuesday to complain about a letter he received asking him to pay $30 for a business license because he owns rental properties.
“The city is not business friendly,” McWhinnie said. “Now you’re going after rentals. It’s sad. It’s not the $30 – it’s the principle of the thing.”
Ward said the city’s codes do not distinguish between types of businesses and the licenses are primarily to keep a record of people doing business within the city. In the case of rentals, having a business license allows the city to call a landowner when a tenant is out of compliance.
“Our definition of a business is pretty inclusive, and I see the licensing requirements being mostly a tracking mechanism, not a funding mechanism,” Ward said.
Another resident called for an “attitude adjustment” from the city and a third questioned whether business owners would have to undergo background checks.
“I want to thank people for being candid and open in comments,” Dave Trott said. “Sometimes I think dialogue – and sometimes disagreement – is healthy, and I appreciate people being willing to get up to the podium and say their piece.”
The council also modified the new Tree Board to allow for a non-resident business owner member. The move allows business owners – even if they do not live within the city – to serve on almost all city committees. Ward said the only exception is the Umatilla City Council, where all members must live within city limits.
“I’m very happy to see the business owners getting involved in the city,” Councilor Sharon Farnsworth said. “It’s an untapped resource, and I think it will be beneficial.”
In other business:
• Multiple residents approached the council about a congestion problem on Yakima Street.
• The council unanimously adopted the new employee handbook.
• Larry Nelson was appointed to the Tree Board, and Janet Parke was appointed to the Library Board.
• The council unanimously approved a resolution for a Tri-Party agreement to extend roads to land slated for industrial development by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
• A special city council meeting will take place 7 p.m. Monday at Umatilla City Hall. The council will continue discussions on the planning commission recommendation on zoning changes.
