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Galesburg Business License Plan Rejected

T.J. Carson
7th Ward Alderman Jeremy Karlin said he was first in favor of the plan when it first came up for a vote at the August 3rd meeting.

A plan to register and license businesses in Galesburg didn't receive support from aldermen. They unanimously voted down a proposal that would have amended the city's municipal code to add a general business license.

The city said its plan would have provided it with a list of businesses that operate in the city. It also would have helped businesses follow regulations, and it would have provided those wishing to start a new business a checklist of rules and regulations to follow.

But Seventh Ward Alderman Jeremy Karlin said the language was not clear as to what specifically defined a business in the city.

“It could be my son having a lemonade stand on the street. As well as it could be any of our spouses, perhaps having a home business, like a Tupperware or Mary Kay or something,” Karlin said.

Karlin added that churches and non-profits in the city could also have been required to register because they take money and provide services. He also raised concerns about background checks involved with obtaining a license.

City Manager Todd Thompson said he wouldn’t bring the business license issue up again.

Fourth Ward Alderman Corine Andersen said during the meeting she would be in favor of it, though she eventually voted against the plan.

“I think there are some benefits to having a business license ordinance, and I think it’s something that maybe we should consider in the future,” Andersen said.

Andersen said any future proposal would have to be better defined.