City Council Grants Business Licenses

The tough economy may be loosening its grip on Watkinsville if the number of approved new business licenses is any indication.

At the meeting Wednesday night, the council approved five new business licenses that could infuse extra cash into the local economy.

“Hopefully this is a sign of things to come,” Mayor Joe Walter said.

The approved licenses are for Ramos Maintenance & Landscaping, a storage facility for large items such as boats and vehicles called Oconee Ventures, Oconee Accounting & Tax Services, Rizo's Hair Studio and Eastville Car Museum.

Also discussed at the council meeting was Georgia's HB 385 – a measure that recommends the insurance premium tax be reduced, resulting in decreased revenues for cities, according to the Georgia Municipal Association. 

In a March 4 e-mail sent to Walter, the GMA stated, “local governments would see a 65 percent reduction in revenues collected from health and property policies.” 

The passing of this tax reform legislation, according to Walter, “would cut us off at the knees financially.”

The mayor urged those in attendance to contact their state representatives regarding the issue.

“Thus far, it's just been proposed, but it's the scariest one that's come down the pike this year,” he said.