CARSTAIRS - Town council has decided to waive business fees in town in 2021 in support of the business community hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move came by way of motion at the Jan. 11 regularly scheduled council meeting.
Carl McDonnell, the town's chief administrative officer, says the fees typically bring in between $20,000 to $25,000 a year.
“For the past 15 years the money generated from business licences have been given to the (Carstairs & Community) Chamber of Commerce for projects and operational expenses,” said McDonnell.
In 2021 the funds were dedicated to business district improvements including additional flower baskets, new banners, and the replacement of garbage and recycling containers.
“We will postpone the container replacement plan and continue with the flowers and banners with monies coming from reserves,” he said.