The Stafford City Council meeting on September 17, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding local business challenges, particularly focusing on occupancy permits and fire safety regulations.

A representative from a former local business, Sunbelt Machine Works, addressed the council, sharing the company's history and its impact on the Stafford community since 1981. The speaker noted that the business had grown to 160 employees before its closure two years ago due to manufacturing shifts overseas. Despite the closure, the company has been actively renting out its older buildings to small businesses, but has encountered difficulties in obtaining necessary occupancy permits.

The representative expressed frustration over the lengthy approval process, which has led to potential tenants withdrawing their interest, resulting in lost rental income. He emphasized the company's commitment to public safety, detailing the significant investments made—approximately $420,000 over two years—to upgrade the buildings to meet safety codes.

A key point of contention arose regarding the fire marshal's requirements for occupancy permits. The speaker indicated that tenants were being told they could not occupy the buildings until full fire alarm systems were installed, despite previous assurances from a former fire marshal that such installations were not necessary. The representative acknowledged the fire marshal's respectful approach but highlighted the urgency of resolving these issues to support local businesses.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local enterprises in navigating regulatory requirements while striving to contribute positively to the Stafford community. The council's response to these concerns and any potential actions to streamline the permitting process were not detailed in the transcript, leaving the outcome of this discussion open for future developments.