Baker County moves to clamp down on tent sales

By MELISSA BURNSED

MACCLENNY, FL - Since the City of Macclenny tightened their peddlers ordinance last year, transient vendors have been setting up their tent sales operations just outside the town’s boundaries where they are subject to less restrictive county regulations.

Heeding complaints from county business owners, at their meeting Tuesday, the Baker Board of Commissioners directed their staff to begin work on amending their ordinances so they coincide with Macclenny’s’ more restrictive one.

Local merchants don’t like the unfair advantage the traveling sales have because of their lower overhead costs and the fact that they don‘t contribute anything to the local economy. Because they pay taxes and have costs for maintaining permanent facilities, established businesses have a hard time matching the prices offered by the "here today, gone tomorrow" salesmen.

Commissioners were given a preliminary draft of the new proposed ordinance, in their agenda packets. Traveling sales would face a significant increase in permit fees, if the commission approves the recommendations.

Temporary businesses would have to pay $300 for a permit along with purchasing a occupational license. There would be a limit on the length of time allotted for the sales and on the frequency of operations in a calendar year.

Local produce vendors and residents having a yard sale would be exempted from the higher fees.

The commission will hold a public meeting, prior to adopting the tightened ordinance, on June 16.

In other business, Mr. Cone informed the board of preliminary discussions with New River Landfill staff and Bradford County about possibly consolidating garbage services. "Landfill Director Darrell O’Neil has said there may be significant benefits and savings to doing curbside pickup under a private joint contract."

Union County is the third partner in New River but they have indicated they would not be interested in participating in any curbside plans.

Curbside pick up for Baker County residents has been a topic of frequent conjecture at county budget meetings in recent years. Cone stated, "This is one service the board has envisioned. It is a good idea worth exploring, given the expenses we incur for collection centers and roadside pick up of debris from trucks hauling refuse."

Baker’s collection centers are currently operated by a private contractor, whose employees are not classified as county staff.

Landfill administrators will be putting together a proposal to solicit prices and options from companies interested in providing curbside pick up. Private contractors who already provide limited services would be encouraged to bid on the services.

"Conceptually you could have two or more vendors in Baker and Bradford doing the job," said Cone. He will provide further details as the proposal moves forward.

The commissioners also approved First Coast Women’s Services request for funding. The local faith based pregnancy resource center assists women and teens in unplanned pregnancy situations. Center Director Lori Dugan addressed the board to seek $7,900 in funds the county has accumulated from sales of the pro-life "Chose Life" car tags. The commission approved the disbursement with the stipulation that the funds could only be used to provide services for Baker County residents.