A slight decrease in both on- Island and off-Island businesses applying for a license to operate on Mackinac Island became evident during the Island's annual licensing meeting Monday, April 16, as did the increase in the number of businesses with delinquent personal property taxes.

While 109 on-Island and off- Island 2007 business licenses were approved during a special meeting by the Mackinac Island City Council, 40 previous business license holders won't be able to open their doors until delinquent personal property taxes are paid.

License renewals, compared to last year at this time, dropped by 43 requests from a total of 152 in 2006. The number of businesses with delinquent tax bills increased this year by 10, to a total of 40. Thirty businesses made the list last year.

In 2005 and 2006, business licenses increased following efforts by the city to locate businesses operating without a license. While in 2004, business licenses totalled 275 for the year, that number jumped to 291 licenses for 2005 and remained nearly steady, at 292, in 2006.

During Monday's meeting, 78 on-Island business licenses were issued and 31 off-Island business were approved. No new business license applications were submitted for council's approval. Two new business licenses were issued last year during the special licensing session.

An on-Island business license renewal fee is $55, with an off- Island renewal costing $150. A new business license fee, which includes an inspection of the location, is $400.

Business owners still planning to apply of a license have until May 1. After that, in addition to renewal fees, a late fee of $10 is assessed on each application. After June 1, the late fee jumps to $20.

In other business during the brief meeting, Council approved the transfer of a liquor license for Chippewa Hotel from Robert Benser and Frank Nephew to Chippewa Properties, Inc. of Gaylord.

A two-day temporary motor vehicle permit was issued to Belonga Plumbing of St. Ignace to move a trailer from the Arnold Dock to the Iroquois Hotel and back. Remodeling work is in progress at the hotel.

A temporary motor vehicle permit was issued to Richard Coates for a tractor to be used for clean-up work on his property on Greenshed Lane. The permit is good through May 4.