Independence has initiated changes to its fee and application structure for door-to-door businesses operating within the city. The City Council began reviewing these adjustments following discussions led by City Administrator Chris Moriconi and City Clerk Gina Rawe in November 2023. They highlighted the inefficiencies of the existing system, describing it as both time-consuming and costly for the city.
During a council meeting on Monday, November 27, 2023, Mayor Chris Reinserman expressed concerns regarding the current licensing process. “We were spending a lot of time on these solicitors’ licenses,” he stated. “The fees were not covering that time.” While the paperwork for a single operator may not be burdensome, the situation changes significantly when companies send large teams of salespeople, each requiring individual licenses.
Under the current structure, the fees include a $50 charge for an initial company application, plus an additional $25 for each individual salesperson. The proposed changes aim to establish a more straightforward and uniform fee of $75 for each applicant, simplifying the process for both the city and businesses. Notably, political and religious canvassers will remain exempt from these fees.
The City Council conducted its first reading of the ordinance outlining these changes during the recent meeting. A final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for next month, with anticipation that the new structure will streamline the licensing process for door-to-door sales operations in Independence.
The proposed ordinance, which is accessible for public review, highlights the updates in yellow for clarity. As the city moves forward with these changes, officials hope to enhance the efficiency of the licensing process while ensuring that the fees reflect the administrative costs incurred by the city.