By Financial Services Director Barbara Ashley
Sedona AZ (January 11, 2012) – The City of Sedona Financial Services Department has many functions to serve the community. While wastewater billing and taxpayer assistance are the primary customer service functions of the Financial Services Department, the City of Sedona also maintains a business license program. Recently, the Financial Services Department implemented amendments to the City’s business license program based on feedback from the business community. There are three amendments to the business license ordinance that will affect the business community in the near future.
First, all businesses operating within the City limits will be required to obtain and maintain a current business license. Previously, the ordinance only required businesses with a transaction privilege tax liability to maintain a current business license. Second, there will be a delinquent fee for businesses that fail to obtain a business license in the amount of $5 per month after 30 days delinquency. Lastly, Special Event Business Licenses will be available at a cost of $7 per event. This special license will be valid 7 days from the date of issuance. The amendments are effective January 13, 2012.
A modified version of the City of Sedona’s business license database is available online to citizens and the business community. Please visit: the Financial Services Department web page at www.SedonaAZ.gov to view this database.
In addition to the recent business license ordinance amendments, the Financial Services Department will also begin implementing changes to the wastewater application process. We evaluate the customer experience on a continual basis to ensure the financial aspect of the wastewater program is operating efficiently. Based on evaluation of the sewer application process, the Financial Services Department will be implementing a variety of changes.
First, beginning January 2012, customers will be required to complete an application for wastewater service. Second, in the upcoming months, there will be a $25 non-refundable service set-up fee collected. This administrative fee applies to all changes to transfer or establish service to a new customer. Third, in addition to the administrative fee, a $250 deposit will be required to transfer or establish services. Upon termination of the sewer account, the deposit will be applied to the final bill or refunded to the customer.
Excellent customer service is a top priority for the City of Sedona Financial Services Department, both internally and externally. We seek feedback from our citizens about improvements that they think are valuable to improving the Financial Services Department’s performance. If you have suggestions for improvement, please contact us at (928) 204-7205. The Financial Services Department is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
