Dawson County holds first hearing on proposed business license fee reductions

At a May 21 Dawson County Board of Commissioners work session, county staff opened the first of two public hearings on an amendment to the community development fee schedule that would lower business license fees countywide.

“ This is a proposal to reduce the business license fees countywide,” staff member Richard told the board, describing a proposed fee range of $125 to $975 and noting that some commissioners and members of the public have urged a $50 starting fee. Richard said the current range (as reflected in the record) had previously been set at $150 to a higher maximum amount; specific historical maximums were unclear in the meeting transcript.

The board closed the first hearing after no members of the public signed up to comment and scheduled a second hearing for 6:00 p.m. on June 4, 2026, when the commissioners will consider adoption or further changes. Commissioners repeatedly told staff they were open to adjusting the proposed amounts before any formal vote.

No formal vote was taken at the May 21 work session; the matter remains under consideration pending the June 4 voting session.