Council reviewed bill 23, an ordinance amending the City of Lebanon codified ordinances governing residential rental licensing and inspections. The mayor said the ordinance would increase the annual rental unit fee from $40 to $60 and the rooming-house license fee from $20 to $30 as part of the 2026 budget.

A public commenter, Cornell Wilson, asked: "What is the estimated revenue you're gonna make now that you increased it 50%?" Staff responded the change is expected to raise about $140,000. Council and staff said the fee has not been increased since the licensing program began in 2006 and that the increase is intended to cover enforcement, inspections, staffing, and registry maintenance.

Officials also discussed changes to billing timing enabled by new Tyler software: invoices will be sent earlier in the year, and after 60 days a $25 penalty applies (the penalty already exists). Staff said they will send a letter to affected license holders in advance of rollout and will test the system before mass mailing. Council discussed accommodations for licensees who lack email or online access; staff said paper bills and in-person payment options will remain available.

Next steps: bill 23 is on final reading on the Monday agenda. The council did not record a final vote during the review meeting.