Business licenses may not be on the table for consideration at the moment, but they will be discussed by Business Advisory Committee members in the future.

At a July 18 BAC meeting, committee member and City Councilman John Kirwan said through the process of considering potential regulations for mobile vendors, the possibility of implementing business licenses resurfaced as another potential issue.

Its one those things, you have to start the conversation, Kirwan said Friday.

No action has been taken yet on the topic, but committee members were instructed to gather feedback on the preliminary idea.

Kirwan has said a potential business license could prevent future zoning problems and help inventory how many businesses there are in Hermiston.

The idea for a business license stemmed from work Kirwan has done as a member of the mobile vendor committee to formulate a draft ordinance to regulate mobile food vendors in the city.

Kirwan said he has talked with business owners who support and oppose the idea of a business license and sees potential in gathering feedback from more business owners.

I think we tried that 10 years ago, Kirwan said. A lot of things change in 10 years.

Business Advisory Committee member and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Pedro has heard the topic discussed many times before.

Over the years I know its been discussed, Pedro said. I think that there are some plusses and there are some minuses. On the plus side … you know whos doing what in town.

She said developers have often asked her about the number of businesses situated in the largest city in eastern Oregon, a question she cant definitively answer.

People ask me all the time, How many businesses are there in Hermiston? Pedro said. Id love to say we have 1,000 businesses in Hermiston.

Pedro also said, as a former business owner, she knows costs can add up, even the cost of a business license.

I suppose each city has to determine why they would impose a business license, she said. Is it to regulate business better or is it to provide a list?

Assistant to the City Manager Mark Morgan emphasized Thursday the idea is still in preliminary stages.

Its not even on the councils radar at this point, Morgan said.

At the July Business Advisory Committee meeting, Morgan told committee members administrative costs for processing business licenses should also be given consideration. He also emphasized the committee needed to identify a purpose for having such a license.

Business owner Dennis Barnett, of Barnett and Moro, agrees.

I dont ever think regulation is good for the sake of regulation,?Barnett said Friday. The big benefit is probably information it allows (the city) to gather information (about businesses).

He said he supports a potential business license if it would be fairly simple and not burdensome to businesses or the city.

I think as a city, we need that information,?Barnett said, adding, at the same time, a business license needs to be effective.

Kirwan said the Business Advisory Committee may discuss the possibility further at its Sept. 19 meeting at City Hall.