SAFFORD — At its most recent meeting, the Safford City Council took up what appeared to be a simple issue — the first reading of a change in city code requiring a business to show it has all required state licensing and approvals before being issued a Safford business license.
However, the first reading of the ordinance — which requires no action by the City Council — turned into a 15-minute discussion over whether some economic sectors were being unfairly targeted by the city.
“So if somebody wants to do business in Safford, why are requiring them to show proof of all that, when you want to collect $50 from them to conduct business?” said Mayor Jason Kouts. “I don’t get it. To me, it’s almost like you’re picking on certain type of individual that would have to have a license.”
Kouts, who owns a general contracting company, said it appears the change targets contractors.
City Attorney William Sims said the change protects the city, giving the city the opportunity to ensure that businesses are operating properly, and he mentioned “some businesses” in the community that don’t have the appropriate licenses where there has been “potential harm done to children.”
Planning Community Development Director Jamie Embick said there may be criminal charges pending in at least once instance, and declined to discuss the individual instance in a public forum.
City Manager John Cassella explained that not requiring proof of state licensing before a city business license is issued puts the city at odds with state law.
The City Council will be asked to take action during the second reading of the change to city code at a future meeting.
