Over the past several weeks, staff at the City of Asheville have worked to ensure that City operations continue to function to serve the community during these uneasy times.
This includes the Finance Department’s accounts payable and receivable functions. Finance staff continues to process invoices in order to pay vendors and contractors in a timely manner, while ensuring that City staff is maintaining social distancing and following all CDC guidelines to remain safe and healthy.
Wherever possible, the City is waiving or deferring fees and charges that may be burdensome to our residents and businesses at this time. For example, the City is waiving monthly parking lease payments for April, and all parking on-street and City garage parking are free. The City is also providing fare-free transit for the duration of the crisis. The City will continue to work collaboratively with our community and partners.
While the City is able to wave or postpone some fees and charges, we are required to charge for others due to state laws or statutes.
One item we are required by statute to charge is the privilege licenses fee for businesses that sell alcohol to customers for both on-premise and off-premise consumption. The licenses are renewed annually and cost between $5-$30, depending on the activity.
We recognize that these may be difficult times for many businesses. In the next few days, the City will send privilege license invoices out to businesses for renewal. We will not charge late fees or penalties, and simply ask that businesses make the payment when they are able to do so.