Increase business licence fee, restaurateur tells council

Dave Pigeau is a busy man.

And the owner of Dave’s Diner, on Trout Lake Road, says it would save him time if the city charged $200 for a business licence that includes the costs of things like fire inspections and liquor licensing.

Pigeau was one of only two people to show up at city hall Tuesday night for public presentations regarding the 2005 North Bay budget.

He told council members he’d be happy paying more at one time for the sake of convenience.

Every time somebody comes down asking for money it’s taking my time, and I don’t have the time when I’m starting up a new business,” Pigeau said.

“When you’re starting up a new business you’re running al over the place and you don’t have time to write cheques for everybody, you’re hunting for your cheque book, you’re hunting for money. One fee for everything works out, because you’re coming down to city hall anyway.”

Coun. Dave Mendicino, relaying something Coun. George Maroosis had told him, said to Pigeau he wished there were “a thousand” more people like him.

Pigeau also suggested the city charge interest to anyone paying their taxes through monthly instalments.

“Everybody else charges interest,” Pigeau said.

David Slattery was the other person to make a presentation.

One of his primary concerns was cost increases associated with the city’s agencies, boards and commissions.

“W e do have a significant problem there and council has about 11 months to sort it out because there may not be any more efficiencies left for the budget chief to find,” Slattery told BayToday.ca following the meeting.

Slattery said he understood that 75 to 90 per cent of ABC funding went towards salaries.

“I understand we’re not getting money back from provinces so Coun. Chirico’s hands are almost getting to the point where they’re tied,” Slattery said,

“And guess what? When you’re hands are tied and there’s no help coming from the province, the only help that’s coming is from my pocketbook.”

Slattery said he was also concerned about the city’s proposed plans to reduce multi-residential tax rates.

As well he suggested the city might save money during winters by asking residents to shovel the sidewalk in front of their homes.