City staff on Tuesday presented the first reading of Ordinance 25-2025, which updates Greer's business license classification schedule to conform to the North American Industry Classification System as required by Act 176 of 2020.

"Act 1 76, the business license standardization act establishes a standard class schedule," said Mister Klein, city staff, listing six proposed NAICS reclassifications — including raising mining and transportation/warehousing one class and lowering classes for real estate, professional services, health care and other services.

Council members asked whether class changes translate directly into higher fees for local contractors competing with firms located outside Greer. Staff said classifications are proposed by the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) while license-rate settings remain a council decision, and described a prior transitional adjustment phase given when the standardization took effect.

Council requested follow-up: staff offered to return before second reading with analysis on how the classification changes will affect resident contractors and potential legal options for providing competitive relief within state law.

Next steps: the ordinance completed first-reading procedures and staff will provide further financial impact information ahead of second reading.