Homewood council grants two business‑license penalty waivers, denies a third

The Homewood City Council on a special-called meeting in May voted on three business‑license penalty waivers, approving two and denying one after committee reports and roll-call votes.

Councilor Smith reported the finance committee's recommendations for each waiver. "The first was for Blue Hair Bar, and the committee voted 3 to 1 to recommend approving waiving the penalties and the interest," Smith said during the meeting. The council approved that waiver on the floor by an 8–2 vote (resolution 25‑86), with the council requiring that the past-due licenses from 2020 be paid within 30 days.

A second waiver request for Constantine International Food (Najee's Pita Gourmet) was not approved. The finance committee did not recommend the waiver, and the full council voted 0–10 to deny the request.

A third waiver for Nagy’s/Pita Cafe was recommended by committee and approved by the council 9–1 (resolution 25‑87). Council members noted that the business had paid its license fee for 2025 but remained liable for the penalty until the waiver was granted.

Councilors described the committee votes and asked clarifying questions about timing and amounts of late payments. Councilor Smith explained the committee process and moved the committee reports onto the council agenda. The council took separate votes on each waiver rather than bundling them.

The actions produce three separate resolutions and specific conditions (for Blue Hair Bar) requiring settlement within 30 days. No further policy changes to the city’s penalty schedule were discussed at the meeting.

Details on committee votes, council roll-call tallies, and resolution numbers are recorded in the meeting minutes.