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Organizer urges temporary vendor permits to boost Hiram events; council defers ordinance change
Summary
An event organizer asked Hiram council to allow temporary vendor permits (proposed $25–$50) instead of requiring a full local occupation tax certificate for material vendors; staff and the city attorney said changing the requirement would require an ordinance amendment and recommended more review and discussion at the next work session.
Mariana Escamillo asked the City of Hiram to change its special events ordinance so material vendors can use a short-term temporary permit (she suggested $25–$50) rather than being required to provide a full local occupation tax certificate and business license.
Escamillo told the council that the current business-license requirement discourages vendors from participating and that a temporary permit would increase turnout at community events, generate modest revenue for event support and encourage local participation. She said food vendors should continue to meet health-code requirements, and recommended the temporary permit be valid only for the date of the event.
City Clerk Melissa Choleswood said the council packet included Escamillo’s presentation and her written feedback. Choleswood explained the city currently honors an occupation tax certificate issued by another Georgia jurisdiction for vendors temporarily selling in Hiram, and that Hiram’s minimum occupation-tax certificate cost is $125 for a calendar year. She also noted previous special-event processes centralized multiple individual permits to streamline paperwork for producers.
The city attorney advised that modifying vendor requirements would require an amendment to the city ordinance, and that the legal implications — including any exposure from temporarily waiving business-license documentation — need careful review before implementation. The attorney recommended detailed legal analysis and cautioned against rushing a change to meet an imminent event deadline.
Council members asked whether a trial or pilot could be done and sought more detail on fee structure, permitting logistics and liability; no formal vote or ordinance change occurred. The council agreed to revisit the item at the next work session so staff can provide recommended ordinance language, fee options and any necessary legal findings.
The discussion was recorded as a work-session item and will return to a future agenda for possible ordinance amendment and a formal vote.
