A key discussion at the Hammond Board of Works Meeting on October 3, 2025, revolved around the enforcement of business license fees for a local oral surgeon. The board addressed the situation of a practitioner who had been providing services in Hammond, particularly in an underserved area, but had not paid the business license fee for 2019.

During the meeting, it was confirmed that the surgeon had been advertising his services as early as February 2019, despite questions about whether he was actively seeing patients at that time. The board expressed understanding of the surgeon's contributions to the community, noting the importance of his work in oral surgery.

A motion was made to enforce the payment of the business license fee while waiving any late fees. The fee was confirmed to be $105 per year. The board encouraged the surgeon to settle the fee by the end of the meeting or within 30 days if necessary. The motion received unanimous support from the board members, highlighting a collaborative approach to balancing regulatory compliance with community health needs.

This decision underscores the board's commitment to ensuring local businesses operate within the law while recognizing their vital role in serving the community. The surgeon expressed gratitude for the board's understanding and indicated he would comply with the payment requirements.