Serine
The Festus City Council has introduced a new enforcement mechanism aimed at improving compliance with local business licensing laws. During a unanimous 7-0 vote on May 27, council members approved an ordinance amendment authorizing water shutoffs for businesses operating without a valid license. The change empowers the city to halt water service to any location conducting unlicensed business operations.
Advance Notice and Reconnection Process
According to city staff, unlicensed businesses will receive at least 10 days’ notice prior to disconnection. Once the issue is resolved, businesses must follow the standard reconnection process, including a $25 fee, to restore water service.
Longstanding Licensing Challenges
City Administrator Greg Camp, who has served Festus since 2017, noted that the city faces persistent issues with non-compliance. “Annually, we’ll have between 20 and 30 businesses that don’t renew. Another similar number never get a license in the first place,” Camp said.
While the existing ordinance already allows for court fines up to $500 per day, Camp emphasized that the water shutoff option provides a stronger enforcement tool to help the City Clerk’s Office ensure adherence to licensing requirements.
Improved Online License Renewals
City Clerk Leah Smith reported a positive response to the new online renewal system implemented this year. “I’ve already processed 125 licenses, and businesses are happy with the easier process,” she said. Smith typically issues around 400 licenses annually, and early applications indicate increased compliance.
Flexible Fee Schedule
Festus maintains a tiered license fee structure ranging from $25 to $200, depending on business type. The full schedule is accessible on the city’s official website, festusmo.gov.
The amended business license ordinance in Festus introduces a water shutoff penalty to ensure higher compliance among local businesses.
With improved online systems and stricter enforcement tools, city officials hope to reduce the number of unlicensed operations and streamline administrative processes moving forward.
