SUNDRE — In a display of solidarity with local businesses that were forced to close their doors as a result of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, the municipality has decided to offer a bit of a break.
Prior to the discussion before the decision was made during the regular Feb. 22 meeting held by teleconference, Coun. Rob Wolfe declared a pecuniary interest and withdrew from the conversation.
“My wife has a business that is affected by this motion, and there could be a perception of bias,” said Wolfe.
So, as per the Municipal Government Act, the councillor said he must abstain from discussing and voting on the issue.
Providing background on the recommended motion, Linda Nelson, chief administrative officer, reminded council about the provincial government’s decision last December to place restrictions on businesses in a number of industries including restaurants, pubs, bars and personal services such as hair salons, nail salons, and fitness studios.
“Administration is proposing that we waive business licence fees for those in-town and home-based businesses in those industries that were affected by the December 2020 provincial restrictions,” said Nelson.
Based on an examination of previous years, she said there are about 30 businesses in town that would benefit from the waiver.
“The loss of revenue from the business licence fee waivers is minor. It will total approximately $3,000,” she said.
“And the loss of this revenue would be compensated for by efficiencies within the economic development departmental budget.”
Coun. Charlene Preston moved the recommended motion to approve the waiver of 2021 business licence fees in the amount of $3,000 for businesses affected by the Dec. 20 COVID-19 related restrictions.
Seeking clarification, Coun. Cheri Funke asked whether business owners who had already paid their fees would receive a refund.
“Yes, that is correct,” replied Nelson.
Coun. Richard Warnock wondered how it would be decided if a business was affected, and whether the waivers would be considered through an application process, or if administration would address the matter.
“We will just look at those businesses,” said Nelson.
“It’ll be fairly easy for us to determine whether the type of industry was affected by the restrictions. The economic development department already has a list of those businesses.”
Coun. Todd Dalke said he was not speaking against the motion, but pointed out that every business has unpredictably been impacted by COVID-19, and that not only those that were ordered to close their doors lost revenue as a result of pandemic protocols.
“Limiting it to only those that fall under the guidelines of those that were shut down is not a standard indication for loss of revenue or affect on a business," said Dalke.
Calling to a point of order, Mayor Terry Leslie said the motion on the table pertained specifically to businesses that were ordered to close down.
“If any council member would like to bring forward in consultation with administration, if we would like to bring forward something else for council to consider that might assist other businesses, then certainly I think we’re free to do that. But at this time, this is specific to restaurants, pubs, bars, personal services, hair salons, nail salons and fitness studios,” said Leslie.
Speaking in favour of the motion, the mayor proceeded to call a vote, which carried unanimously.
“If there is a further wish to assist other businesses, that’s something that could be considered by council at a future date, if that information can be brought forward through to council in a manner that this one has," he said.
Mountain View County recently offered a grant program to support businesses and community organizations that were impacted by the pandemic through an application process that had a deadline set for Feb. 19.
