Amherst committee forwards proposal to cut annual food-truck fee, sets $135 baseline and $60 replacement fee

On Oct. 13, 2025, the Amherst Finance Committee voted 7-0 to send ordinance A25 32 to the full city council proposing a reduction in the city’s annual food-truck licensing fee and a change to the licensing period.

Mister Hornarski, who submitted the proposed ordinance, said residents in the Apple Orchard and Rock Creek Run neighborhoods reported that the current $235 fee discouraged some vendors from operating in Amherst. He told the committee the billing department and the mayor’s office reviewed the cost of inspections and administrative work and produced a baseline cost estimate of $135 for the annual license, plus a $60 replacement fee. Hornarski described adjusting the license dates so permits run Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.

Mister Hornarski said, "That's with the inspections and and just the cost of doing business. So, came up a $135." He also noted that the ordinance has additional changes not discussed in detail at the committee and will be routed to the law department for review before council consideration.

Committee member Mister Janet asked whether businesses that already paid the $235 fee this year would receive refunds under the proposed change; the administration replied that the new fee structure would take effect Jan. 1 for the next licensing year and that refunds would not be issued for the current year.

Mister Aberlin moved to send the ordinance to the floor of council; Mister Muckholtz seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote recorded as 7 to 0. The committee provided a list of currently licensed food trucks as part of the packet but did not change fee-backdating or refund policy at the meeting. The ordinance will next be reviewed by the law department and scheduled for council consideration.