Mat-Su Assembly to consider dropping a code that requires borough business licenses [Video]

PALMER, Alaska (KTUU) – The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly is considering a move that would repeal a nearly three-decades-old requirement for business owners to purchase, obtain, and display a borough-issued business license.

The ordinance, OR 24-038, is sponsored by Mayor Edna DeVries as well as assembly members Rob Yundt and Dee McKee.

The measure seeks to eliminate a governmental layer of small business ownership in the valley by repealing a borough code on general business license requirements. As it stands, if a small business wants to operate within the city limits of Palmer, Wasilla, or Houston, they’re required to obtain — and pay fees for — business licenses from the State of Alaska, the city, as well as the borough.

DeVries said part of the reasoning behind the ordinance is to address complaints she’s received from business owners interested in attending vendor-based events, such as small craft shows and the Alaska State Fair.

“Little home businesses saying, you know, ‘By …