DDA Addresses Issues Of Licensing, Sales Tax

The Shoppes of Monticello opened Saturday to a warm welcome from the community but now Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board members have issues to settle regarding vendor business licenses and sales tax, according to discussions during Monday’s meeting of the board.

The Shoppes is a diverse collection of booths and kiosks housed in the DDA building located on the Square at 139 West Washington Street.

Vendors sell their wares including antiques, decor, apparel, jewelry, pet items, candles, and even angus beef.

Monticello City Manager Angela Redding was on hand Monday to aid the board members with how to proceed with the business licenses and sales tax issues that have arisen. In the wake of the opening, some vendors who have other business locations in the city were notified that a second business license might be needed to operate their booth or kiosk from the DDA building.

That would be a second business license in addition to the one they currently must have for their original location. The city manager said that business licenses are typically tied to the location of operation.

The other issue was sales tax identification and collection. DDA chairman Wendell Yoder reverberated what the board’s accountant had shared about sales tax which was that the businesses located within the building should use the DDA’s sales tax id in order to avoid double taxation.

The city manager said that she was not familiar with that operating model from her previous experience and would complete some neccessary research within the neighboring communities about business licenses and sales tax models. Meanwhile, DDA board members were directed to seek further information from the board’s accountant.

Depending on the outcome of the research and the board’s decision, board member Towonder Dennis said the DDA’s ordinance may have to be amended.

With the Shoppes of Monticello operational after several weeks of hard work and long hours, chairman and soon-to-be former treasurer noted that completion of the project came under budget due to the abundance of donations and in-kind services afforded the authority.

“I am excited to see people come together for this project,” commented Mr. Yoder. “Thank you all for your hard work.”

Vice chairman Judy Hunsucker gave the chairman a big thank you for his contribution to the project which she was sure included absorbing a great deal of the labor costs over the past few weeks.

With regards to the treasurer position, it was announced that nominations should be presented by the December 14 meeting.

Monday’s meeting was attended by a surprise special guest Brad Williamson, a field representative for the office of Kelly Loeffler. He told authority members that the senator’s office was available to aid with any federal issues whether it be Veterans Affairs or the Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Williamson noted that he had worked with Senator Johnny Isackson for three years before Loeffler was named to the position. He also congratulated the authority on a job done well with renovating the building.

Director Michele Celani provided an update of recent and upcoming events which included the forthcoming ribbon cutting at The Shoppes of Monticello set for today, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. Also Shop Small Saturday is planned for November 28 during which shoppers could use any Shop Small Bucks, received last Saturday, at businesses off the Square and at Venture Court except for The Shoppes of Monticello.

Her update included progress on the youth initiatives and the announcement of several donations toward the mural art project that is funded in totality currently. Those donations include $1,000 from Susan Holmes, $1,000 from Mayor Pro Tem Gail Harrell, $1,000 anonymous donation, and a $1,000 pledge from the Bank of Monticello.

Reports from the Administrative, Design, Promotions, and Economic Vitality committees were given but yielded few details as much of the previous work had ben geared toward preparing for The Shoppes opening. It was noted that work was still in progress on a logo for DDA and that much of the historical documents for the organization were still being sought.

In relation to the approaching holiday season, DDA member Amanda Edge suggested that the authority look into hosting a holiday event on the Square while also establishing extended business hours on certain days for evening shoppers. Authority members put a November 21 deadline in place for planning such an event.