It can be said that to prosper in this volatile world, one must be willing to change and adapt. While the concept of change invokes excitement and support, the reality of actually changing causes fear and uncertainty. Even Willcox has not figured out a way to resist change and maintain the idyllic small town lifestyle we all long for. As the world environment changes, so too will our community. Change is inevitable. Our community must recognize that change is necessary if we are to prosper.
One change being proposed is a business license. A business license is considered smart business for a community of any size. It puts into place a record of value that our community considers important if a business is going to operate and be successful. Ensuring that product safety has been met, building codes adhered too, and that zoning restrictions have been enforced are components of a well-thought out business license. The size of the community has absolutely nothing to do with the implementation of a well-structured business license. Communities larger and smaller than Willcox have business licenses.

Communities without a business license are merely observers in the economic development process. We need to be the drivers' of economic development ensuring that our community growth is healthy and positive. A business license serves as a resource and it can be implemented and administered in a number of ways.

What are the Benefits and Costs to our Community?
Benefit- It clearly defines our communities' expectation on the steps a business owner must take to open a business within our city. This helps a business owner better understand how to begin a business operation.
Cost: It will require businesses to pay a nominal fee to support the operation of the program. This fee does not generate money for the general fund and is not a tax. The money generated will pay for the operating costs of the ordinance and promote economic development

Benefit: It provides business owners with a checklist of items to either complete or review before opening for operation. This facilitates a more efficient process to start a business.
Cost: It will require business owners to follow a business-startup plan and provide evidence that they have addressed the components listed in the business license.

Benefit: It enables economic planners to accurately track existing businesses within the community. This assists when applying for grants and other funds and provides a record of all the businesses operating within the City.
Cost: It will require a form to be completed annually that will take approximately 15 minutes for existing businesses. New businesses will require more time to complete before the license is issued.

Benefit: It promotes accountability by making sure that all applicable city, county, and state sales taxes are collected and remitted to the state. This helps everyone within our community by ensuring that all vital community programs and services are funded by the taxes collected
Cost: It will require business owners to take responsibility to ensure that all taxes collected are accounted for and properly remitted to the state. This is a federal and state requirement to properly account for all monies collected for tax purposes.

Benefit- It provides the City with a mechanism to discourage businesses that do not contribute to the community's quality of life values, however it does not restrict their ability to operate within the City. This places a heavier burden upon businesses that may negatively impact individuals, families, or community groups. Cost. It will require additional work for the City to complete background checks for businesses that meet this qualification as defined in the business license section.

Benefit- It codifies the ordinance within the Municipal Code Book, so that, any individual may refer to the Municipal Code Book for clarification pertaining to business licenses This promotes government accountability.
Cost: It will require the City to complete a formal process of adopting the ordinance and adding it to the existing Municipal Code Book.

Recently, a new business license draft proposal was introduced within our community. The purpose behind a draft proposal is to solicit public comment to ensure that it reflects our values, concerns, and vision before it is actually presented for consideration and or adoption by the City Council. The vocal minority controls too often Willcox's growth and development. Countless opportunities have been lost to Willcox because the negative and scared voices of a few reflect on the dreams and vision of the many. If we do not change the way we do business in Willcox, we all lose. We do not want to be a community of missed opportunities.

The introduction of a business license is a proactive measure to protect businesses now and in the future. It is an economic development tool that every community should have in place as they prepare for future growth. Let us for once be a community that seizes the moment and supports an initiative to do what is right. If we want a successful business license model, we need creative ideas and workable solutions. If we pander to lies and fear, then community success and economic growth shall surely fail. If you want to learn more about the proposal and help develop a model business license, please attend the next Work Session on November 7, 2002 at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers.

Gilbert Davidson City Manager

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