A plan by the city of Enumclaw to shift business licensing duties to the state was put on hold July 25 by members of the City Council.

Community Development Director Erica Shook had first taken the item to the council two weeks earlier.

There are multiple benefits to taking the city out of the licensing business, she said. First, it would free up between 90 and 120 hours of staff time annually, allowing personnel to tackle other duties. A second advantage, she said, is the change in policy would require all businesses operating in the city to obtain an Enumclaw license; presently, only those with a physical address within the city limits are required to purchase an annual business license. That creates an unfair advantage for those who do business in Enumclaw but are headquartered outside the city limits, she explained.

Shook also noted the licensing process could be handled online, should the city join forces with the state, making the process easier for those in business.

While council members didn’t voice disapproval, there was general agreement that such a move shouldn’t be taken until the local business community has the opportunity to weigh in. Shook noted she has already agreed to meet with Rotary and would be willing to meet with Chamber of Commerce leadership as well.

A motion by Councilman Mike Ennis to table the issue was passed with only Councilman Sean Krebs objecting. Krebs had earlier stated his belief that the issue had sufficiently circulated throughout the community and there was no need to delay passage.