The city of Independence has initiated changes to its fee and application structure for door-to-door sales businesses. This decision comes after discussions in November led by City Administrator Chris Moriconi and City Clerk Gina Rawe. They highlighted that the existing system was both time-consuming and costly for the city.
During a recent council meeting, Mayor Chris Reinserman emphasized the need for reform. “We were spending a lot of time on these solicitors’ licenses,” he stated. He noted that the current fees did not adequately cover the administrative time required. While processing paperwork for individual operators is manageable, companies that deploy multiple salespeople create a more complex licensing situation.
Under the current structure, the city charges a fee of $50 for the initial application of a company, along with an additional $25 for each individual license for the company’s agents. The proposed changes aim to simplify this by instituting a flat fee of $75 per applicant across the board. It is important to note that political and religious canvassers will be exempt from these fees.
The City Council conducted a first reading of the proposed ordinance during the meeting on Monday. A final vote on this ordinance is expected next month, which will determine the implementation of the new fee structure.
Residents and businesses can review the proposed ordinance online, where the changes are highlighted for clarity. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to streamline city processes and ensure that the licensing system is both efficient and equitable for all parties involved.
