A Higher Glyphic

Last night the Carbondale City Council discussed the possibility of a rental-licensing fee. This proposal was met with both hostility and excitement.

According to the Request for City Council Action document, "the preservation and stabilization of residential neighborhoods along with ensuring that the housing stock in the community is maintained in a safe, sound and sanitary condition is a priority of the City of Carbondale."

The proposed licensing fee would require the landlords of rented properties be charged a $35 fee for inspections. This inspection would take place at least once every three years and would be charged on a per-unit basis.

Concerned citizen and landlord Radine Paper said she considers this fee "just more taxes". She noted that she is in favor of more inspectors "inspections are good for business; they give the customer confidence in the property."

She is not however in favor of adding on an additional fee because she feels this cost will inevitably be passed on to the renter of the unit (most likely students).

Lauren Holly, a student of 611 W. Cherry St., echoed Ms. Paper's concerns when Lauren said, "adding this cost to landlords will ultimately come down on us as students."

The City Council meeting was not as uneventful as one may think. Diane Exner got into a little verbal battle with Mayor Brad Cole, but Cole joked something along the lines that the Council appreciates Ms. Exner's input even though she is not a resident of Carbondale.

This proposal will be reviewed at the next City Council meeting on October 16. The Council is expected to take action on the proposal at this time.

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