Summerland’s 2018 business licenses came due at the end of January, but six months later, some business licenses still have not been paid.
Nicole Cressman, manager of legislative services for the municipality, said the value of unpaid licenses comes to a total of $11,213.25.
She added that business license holders were notified in writing on three separate occasions and were also phoned intermittently.
Notices and invoices for the licenses were sent out in early December, with a due date of Jan. 31.
In April, those who had not paid were sent notices and invoices again, advising that the licenses were due and that a 20 per cent penalty had been added.
In late June, business license cancellation notices were sent out, advising the businesses that their licenses were past due and failure to pay in full would mean the licenses could be cancelled.
“We have spent considerable staff time and resources on this,” Cressman said.
A suggested resolution called for the unpaid licenses to be cancelled immediately, but Coun. Doug Holmes asked that the businesses be given a little more time.
He said it is possible that there could be a legitimate reason a business owner has not paid the license.
“We don’t want to put someone out of business just because they had a brain cramp,” he said.
However, Coun. Erin Trainer, who runs a small business, said three notices from the municipality is fair and no additional extension or grace period is needed.
A motion to revoke the unpaid business licenses effective July 27 was passed, with Trainer and Coun. Janet Peake opposed. Coun. Richard Barkwill was not present at the council meeting.
