The Hammond City Board of Public Works and Safety on June 12 waived late fees for a late business license hearing and for a series of late rental registrations.

Enrique Quiroga, owner of Midwest Tree Works, told the board he had operated since 2021 without realizing a business license was required. "I didn't know I needed a business license," Quiroga said. The board moved to waive late fees and the motion passed by voice vote; staff told Quiroga his application was submitted and he could pay the fees that day or within the standard period.

The board also considered multiple rental registration late‑fee appeals from property owners at addresses including 6540 Grand Avenue, 6931 White Oak Avenue and others. Staff confirmed owners had acquired properties recently or submitted proof of timely registration in some cases. Motions to waive late fees in those rental registration cases passed by voice vote; owners were told they have 30 days to pay required registration fees.

Board members noted the city is working to notify home‑business operators about licensing requirements and that repeated late garage‑sale requests may be limited in future approvals.