Green Bay's New Rule: Pay Up or Lose Your Business License

Current Situation

• Green Bay is considering a new rule to stop issuing business licenses and permits to individuals who owe property taxes.
• This is not a new concept; other Wisconsin cities already have similar rules.
• Currently, Green Bay allows individuals to obtain licenses even if they owe years of taxes.

Key Points of the New Rule

• Exceptions:
• If you rent a place for your business and the landlord owes taxes, you can still get a license.
• Catch: You cannot be related to the landlord or have any financial dealings with them.
• If you own the property and the business, you are out of luck.

City Officials' Questions and Answers

• Question: Will this rule stop someone from getting a license for a new building?
• Answer: Yes, but only if the license is for that person. If it's for the building, they can get it.
• Question: What about dog licenses, fishing licenses, and marriage licenses?
• Answer: These are exempt. The rule is about getting the city's money, not about stopping people from getting married or owning a dog.

Potential Issues and Goals

• The rule is not perfect and has loopholes.
• The city hopes this will encourage people to pay their taxes.
• It's a way to get money without the county's help.
• The Finance Committee liked the idea and sent it to the City Council for a vote.

Underlying Principles

• Responsibility: If you owe money, you should pay it. If you don't, you can't run a business.
• Fairness: People who pay their taxes shouldn't have to compete with those who don't.