Finance committee backs ordinance to allow non‑issuance of some permits when local taxes are owed

The Green Bay Finance Committee on Dec. 9 approved draft language creating a mechanism to withhold issuance of certain city licenses or permits when an applicant or the property owner owes local taxes or assessments.

Committee discussion clarified that the proposed ordinance would not prevent an applicant from applying for a license or being considered for approval; it would permit the city to withhold final issuance until outstanding local obligations are resolved. Staff explained the ordinance is limited to local tax liabilities and noted statutory exemptions, including dog licenses, fishing licenses and marriage licenses, which state law protects from being withheld for unpaid property taxes.

Members debated whether the restriction should attach to the person or to the property. Staff said the ordinance language can be tailored: if the license is property‑based the city’s action is limited to that property; if it is a person‑based license (for example certain occupational permits), unpaid obligations tied to that person could be considered across properties. Several members said the measure is intended as an additional tool for the city to recover locally owed amounts from applicants who otherwise seek new permits while remaining delinquent on other accounts.

The committee approved the draft and moved it forward; members asked staff to ensure the final ordinance language is consistent with state statute and to provide examples of use cases prior to final council action.