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KCMO mayor proposes waiving fees for struggling small businesses

Lucas and An Zebley
Posted at 1:18 PM, Nov 25, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-25 14:18:57-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas on Wednesday introduced a new proposal aimed at reducing or eliminating fees for small businesses in the service industry.

At a news conference, Lucas said the idea came from a "positive social media interaction" with a small business owner who suggested the city waive permit fees for struggling businesses.

An Zebley, who owns the bakery YUM at 104 E. 43rd St., said she has had to scale back staffing and resources because of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is in addition to the added costs of safely operating during a pandemic, increased cleaning, PPE and other precautions,” Zebley said in a news release. “Fee waivers for 2021 would remove a small bit of financial pressure from not just my business, but from small businesses across our city."

The mayor’s proposal directs the city manager to review all licensing fees for the service industry and small, locally owned business and to identify fees that could be deferred, reduced or waived if those businesses remain in full compliance with the city’s emergency order. If approved by City Council, the proposed review will occur before the end of the year, Lucas said.

One example of a fee that could be waived is the standard Food Code permit fee, which is determined by the size and type of business.

Zebley, who calls her bakery a "micro-business" and counts herself as the sole employee, said that she will need to renew her permit with the health department at the end of the year and estimates it will cost around $400 — a cost she said equals a utility payment right now.

"It doesn't sound like very much, but it is a lot right now," she said at the news conference with the mayor. "Just the simple fact of being told, 'hey, we want to help you' — that means a lot."

The proposal will be introduced at the City Council meeting next week and will be heard in committee on Thursday, Dec. 10, according to Lucas.

“While we continue to take all the steps necessary to keep our families and neighbors safe, it is vital we remember the tough challenges our small businesses, the foundation of our community, are confronting to stay afloat and to maintain work for the women and men of our city,” Lucas said.

Restaurants and bars in Kansas City have been hit hard by financial challenges during the pandemic. Last week, new restrictions went into effect that limit capacity and hours at these businesses.

The mayor said anyone with ideas on how to help small businesses during the pandemic can contact his office by emailing MayorQ@kcmo.org.

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Whether you're Getting Back to Work after a layoff, need help Making Ends Meet during these trying times or need tips on Managing the Pressure we're all feeling, The Rebound has resources to find help. We'll also make sure local leaders are Doing What's Right to get Kansas City back track after a three-month shutdown.

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