Business Licenses and Permits

Businesses in Trenton, New Jersey are protesting the recent license fee hike.

NJ.com reported that licensing costs within the city have doubled to $600, after the council passed an ordinance in November amending fees for the first time in three decades.

Since the revision, many businesses have come out in protest of the raise, which has targeted smaller companies within the area.

Local shoe repair man Bob Giaquinto told the newsportal: “I can see them having an increase — the city’s hurting for revenue — but, man, you can’t strap that on our backs.”

City clerk Leona Baylor has admitted to being the one responsible for drafting the new ordinance, which imposes a flat fee business license, in accordance with Trenton Downtown Association (TDA) and the Mercer Regional Chamber.

The changes are designed to streamline the process and stop businesses from physically having to come down to register their license.

However, TDA officials have claimed that they never saw a final draft of the ordinance before it was introduced.

“The fees have been increased too much,” TDA board chairman John Clarke told NJ.com.

It is hoped that the license increase will not damage the small business economy within the city and deter growth.

Tags: business license, business licenses, fees, New Jersey