Eddy County commissioners debate rescinding business-license ordinance after mixed feedback from fire officials

Eddy County commissioners debated whether to rescind or modify Ordinance 21-108, the county business-license rule enacted in October 2021 that requires individuals conducting business outside municipal limits to obtain a county business license and pay a $25 application fee.

The ordinance drew scrutiny at the commissioners' meeting because some commissioners and business owners say neighboring counties do not require such licenses and that the rule can impose burdens on small businesses. County staff and fire-rescue officials told the board the license was originally adopted to help emergency responders inventory hazardous materials and to document business locations for inspections.

A community-services staff member summarized the ordinance for commissioners: "The application fee is $25." The staff member said the county typically processes a business-license application within about 30…