Doubling of licensing is untimely action at best | Letters | March 4

(The following was sent to Ellen Schroer, the city’s director of Finance and Administrative Services).

Why, pray tell, did you raise the business license fee 260 percent in the midst of a grand recession? I have held my rates constant for four years, the lowest in my field, because businesses and individuals cannot afford further strain.

Weren’t the sales tax revenues I’ve generated over the past 20 years enough? Did you really have to go and kill the golden goose? Since there has already been business activity this year, I am compelled to pay, but not required to continue.

On Dec. 31 of this year my business doors will close – I refuse to tolerate the idiocy of the City of Bainbridge Island any longer.

I strenuously object to the unconscionable imposition of multiple late fees. Should a hapless business owner be late by so much as one day, you double the license fee, impose a late fee and charge interest. The doubling of the fee is nothing but a super-imposed late fee. Late fees on top of late fees on top of interest.

Instead of this city extending an open hand to its citizens and businesses, you go out of your way to be obstructionist and obnoxious. Why is it that service to the people is an unknown concept in the local halls of governance?

I’ve had enough of COBI’s perfidy. Consider this golden goose gone. By your incredulous behavior, your future revenues will drop even further. But why should I believe you care? Please share this missive with the mayor, council and anyone there who gives a tinker’s damn.

Varon Mullis,

Old Mill MicroComputing

Bainbridge Island

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.