Council scales back proposed body‑art fee hike after small‑business concerns

The Lowell City Council discussed and adjusted a proposal to raise the annual fee for body‑art establishments during its Feb. 18 meeting, approving a phased increase after councilors raised concerns about financial impacts on local small businesses.

Councilor Robinson asked how many businesses the increase would affect; the health department reported six current operations in Lowell: three tattoo shops, one piercing shop and two microblading businesses. The ordinance proposed to amend the municipal fee schedule, increasing the annual establishment fee from $2.50 to $500 — a change councilors said would impose a substantial burden on small operators.

Councilor Dakota moved to phase the increase, raising the fee to $3.75 in the near term and to $5.00 the following year for smaller operators, explaining the intent to soften the immediate financial impact while moving toward the fee levels seen in other municipalities. Councilor Getcha (second) supported returning the measure to the manager for adjustment to the proposed schedule; the motion to adopt the phased increase passed on a council vote.

The health department explained the proposed fee reflected additional inspection work: inspectors must be certified to perform monthly inspections, and staff certification and training now require substantial time and cost. The department said certification courses are costly and inspections may require a two‑day process for staff recertification.

Councilors said they wanted to balance fiscal fairness for inspectional services with economic development aims to support small business. The council’s adopted amendment lowers the immediate increase and sets a schedule to move toward a higher fee.