Port Orchard council asks staff for data before changing cabaret license fee

Port Orchard councilmembers on Tuesday discussed whether to retain the city's cabaret license and whether to reduce or eliminate the $100 annual fee that some business owners and members of the public say is costly and outmoded.

One council member proposed keeping the license but dropping the fee, saying the city should not "put a price on public safety." City staff replied they would compile time-and-cost data before any change: "we tend to shy away from 0 cost regulations," a staff member told council, arguing the city should attempt to recover administrative costs so it does not subsidize a regulatory function.

The council did not adopt a change. Instead, members directed staff, with input from the city attorney, to measure staff hours and compile a fee analysis that will show the minimum charge needed to recover administrative costs. Councilmembers discussed technical options, including differentiating between initial applications (which may require more staff time) and simple renewals. Staff also noted the permit system charges a $10 technology fee on permits processed through the online system and that the cabaret endorsement typically covered a small number of businesses (staff cited peak counts around eight to 12 businesses in a year).

Council members emphasized balancing support for small businesses with the city's responsibility to preserve a safety oversight mechanism that authorizes inspections and interventions when needed. The item will return to the council for decision after staff reports back.