Montgomery extends business-license renewal deadline to Feb. 21; council presses staff to improve notices

The Montgomery City Council on Jan. 28 approved a resolution extending the deadline to renew business licenses, correcting the date to Feb. 21, and directed staff to update public communications after business owners reported confusion and unanswered calls.

Council members and staff said the extension was intended to ease pressure on businesses and on a licensing office that councilors described as short-staffed. City staff said they have authorized overtime and are prioritizing returning calls and updating the website; the council asked the communications office to post a clear public notice stating that the deadline has been extended "without penalty."

Why it matters: the extension affects thousands of businesses that must maintain current licensing to operate within Montgomery. Councilors said many small proprietors called city offices after receiving differing notices about the deadline; some callers reported voicemail messages without returned calls.

What council heard and directed: the clerk announced the amended deadline; several council members asked staff to publish step‑by‑step instructions and to email or otherwise notify affected businesses. City staff said they were down roughly 10 positions in the licensing group, had authorized overtime and were making outbound call campaigns; volunteers and additional staff will help answer calls where possible.

The council adopted the resolution unanimously. Councilors also asked staff to coordinate website updates and to clarify whether in‑person visits would be required for specific cases. No formal change to licensing procedure beyond the deadline correction was adopted at the meeting.