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Food‑truck ordinance stalls as commission debates annual fee versus per‑visit charge
Summary
Commissioners debated whether to require an annual regulatory/business license for food trucks (proposed figures $100–$350) or keep a per‑visit fee (currently $30). They discussed property‑owner permission letters, public‑health inspections and impacts on brick‑and‑mortar businesses; no final ordinance was adopted.
The Cordele City Commission discussed a proposed food‑truck ordinance on Jan. 20 but took no final vote, leaving unresolved the core question of an annual regulatory fee versus a per‑visit charge.
Commissioners described vendor feedback that an annual business license is preferable for regular local operators, while out‑of‑town vendors might prefer a per‑visit fee. Figures floated during the discussion ranged from a historical flat fee of $100 up to a proposed annual fee of $350; the current per‑visit fee mentioned at the meeting is $30. Commissioners also discussed requiring a written property‑owner permission letter for vendors to set up on private property and the continued requirement that vendors pass health‑department inspections and display certificates while operating.
Speakers raised enforcement concerns from brick‑and‑mortar business owners who complained when a similarly priced vendor operated daily while local storefronts remained open. The commission discussed options already used by other Georgia cities (annual business license plus event fees) but did not adopt final fee levels or ordinance language at this meeting. Staff and commissioners agreed further drafting and a formal motion would be needed for adoption at a future meeting.
