Business license fees are approved in Hermiston
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – The Hermiston City Council has approved the fee structure for business licenses. The council had already approved the concept of having licenses. It then formed the Business License Fee Committee comprised of council members, Chamber of Commerce representatives, and local business owners.
On Monday, the council approved the committee’s recommendations. The committee based its fees to be similar to but lower than those in the city of Pendleton. The state does not require business licenses.
The base fee is $85 for businesses with five or fewer full-time workers, Employers then have to pay an additional $15 dollars for each employee over five. Employees working remotely for a company that does not maintain local operations are exempt. Business owners are classified as full time employees.
There are exemptions to the annual fee. Those include individuals under the age of 18, people holding garage sales under specific conditions, and special events. The business licenses will be required beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and must be renewed annually.
The city expects to gross approximately $100,000 in the first calendar year. The revenue from the fees is intended to support public safety by increasing police staffing.
