The city of Rincon is giving businesses a break — but not a long one — to get their licenses renewed.

Ordinarily, licenses have to be renewed at the beginning of the year. But businesses are being given to March 31 to get their licenses for 2009.
“This past year, we did not send out notices,” said city planner LaMeisha Hunter.

Typically, businesses are assessed fines and penalties if they don’t re-up by Jan. 31. But a change in personnel in city hall meant the responsibility for sending out the renewal notices fell through the cracks, Hunter said.

“I think all of us have received our fair share of phone calls on this matter,” said Council member Ken Baxley.

City representatives have sent letters and made visits to businesses that have not renewed. Hunter estimates about 90 establishments that had business licenses a year ago have not renewed for 2009 and believes a lot of them are home-owned businesses.

Council members have waived the fees and penalties for businesses until March 31 and agreed to refund $666.45 in fees and penalties already paid in occupational taxes.

Council members also approved the purchase of $10,695.28 in supplies from Lowe’s for repairs to the roof at the police department and to the fire department’s roof. They also OK’d the purchase of two police cars at $20,700 each from Brent Walker Ford in Glennville.

The police department held off buying a new patrol car last year. One of the new patrol cars also will give Chief Mike Bohannon a marked unit to drive.