Ignacio businesses were spared once again Monday from a new measure that would allow the town government to revoke business licenses under certain circumstances.
The town board of trustees postponed its vote for the third time since mid-October to gather feedback from the community. The much-debated ordinance would give the town more teeth to enforce public health and safety regulations, including those related to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I wish that everybody would just get on the same page,” said Mayor Stella Cox. “It’s more like a broken record. We all need to come to a good resolution. It’s not like we want to shove anything down anyone’s throat.”
Ignacio does not have a way to suspend or revoke required business licenses in its legal codes. Town officials became aware of the omission during enforcement proceedings against a local grocery store, Farmers Fresh Market, which has not complied with coronavirus-related state public health orders for months.
Under the ordinance, the town could suspend or revoke licenses if the business threatens the life, safety or health of the public, among other criteria.
Durango recently passed its own ordinance enabling it to enforce public health measures related to the pandemic.
In a split decision Monday, four board members voted to delay action on the measure, Ordinance 344, to gather additional public input. Two board members, Alison deKay and Sandra Maez, voted against the delay.
“It is a targeted attack on businesses in our community to demand compliance with an unenforceable (mandatory mask) mandate,” said Trustee Sharon Craig in a prepared statement. The town should be focused on supporting struggling businesses, she said.
The board has already informally surveyed businesses and heard from members of the public during town meetings.
The board has not surveyed other stakeholders or residents, which should be addressed, Cox said.
Cox, who voted in favor of the delay, was the swing vote Monday. In the past, she voted against delaying a decision on the ordinance. Her primary concern has been health and safety as coronavirus cases rise in La Plata County, and other public health issues.
“It’s going to happen. I think it’s happening too slowly. Sometimes I get the feeling that this is just a stall tactic,” Cox said.
smullane@durangoherald.com
