Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, August 06, 2024
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL TO INITIATE A HOME BUSINESS AMNESTY POLICY/PROGRAM (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
At the request of Councilman Cedric L. Hicks, Sr., this item is being presented to provide direction once a recommended policy is provided to the City Council for implementation.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
AUTHORIZE the Mayor and City Council to give staff direction to look further into the opportunity to provide a Home Business Amnesty Program to those affected financially due to the Covid-19 virus.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
On March 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and initiated its first of several stay-at-home orders. During the pandemic, several schools and businesses were closed creating a unprecedented financial hardship for all. Several businesses in the City of Carson were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and did not have sufficient funds to keep their business licenses current.
The City Attorney’s Office (Aleshire & Wynder) are currently looking into the legality of forgiving businesses who are past due with their business licenses fees, if they meet the financial qualifications to determine a financial hardship. The anticipated timeline would coincide with the March 4, 2020 state of California emergency declaration through February 28, 2023 when the state of emergency declaration was lifted. Staff will bring back a policy or program for the Mayor and City Council to consider if the legal aspects of forgiving required businesses licenses are viable for license fee waivers.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact as the purpose of this item is to introduce the concept.
VI. EXHIBITS
N/A
Prepared by: David C. Roberts, Jr., City Manager