Businesses in Union that fall behind on city taxes, fees, or fines now risk losing their licenses.

The Union City Commission voted 5-0 on July 20 to approve Ordinance No. 2026-11, which gives the city authority to suspend, revoke, or deny renewal of any business license when an entity is delinquent on occupational taxes, real or tangible property taxes, franchise fees, code enforcement fines, license fees, or other municipal charges.

"I'm 100% for it," Commissioner George Eldridge said at the meeting, according to a report by LINK nky . "I think it's too bad we didn't have this a year ago."

The ordinance creates what Attorney Jeffrey Otis called a "cross-collateralization" system. A business that owes money to one city department could lose licenses issued by a different department until the debt is resolved. Otis stood in for Union City Attorney Greg Voss at the July 20 meeting and presented the measure.

Revenue at stake

Occupational taxes are Union's second-largest revenue source, with an estimated $1.4 million projected for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the most recent city budget figure available. Property taxes rank first. The new ordinance gives the city a stronger enforcement tool to collect what it is owed.

Mayor Larry Solomon framed the measure in blunt terms, saying he wanted it "perfectly clear" that businesses failing to pay their taxes face losing their licenses.

Due process protections

Before the city can act, it must send written notice spelling out the delinquency, the amount owed, and which license is at stake. Businesses then have two options: enter a payment agreement with the city, or appeal the decision directly to the City Commission through a hearing where they can present evidence and testimony.

Otis emphasized the notice requirement at the meeting, saying every affected party gets a chance to be heard.

The ordinance received its first reading at the Monday, July 6, regular commission meeting and passed on second reading July 20 with all five commissioners voting in favor: Mayor Solomon, Commissioner John Mefford, Commissioner Doug Bine, Commissioner Eldridge, and Commissioner Kim Tuyn.

What's next

The next regular Union City Commission meeting is Monday, August 3, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Union City Building, 1843 Bristow Drive, Union, KY 41091. Businesses with questions can reach city hall at 859-384-1511.