VALDOSTA — Small business owners, upset over the proposed tripling of alcohol licensing fees, shared their frustrations with the Lowndes County Commission at a public hearing Thursday.

Karen Connelly, representing Temptations, Bayou Bill’s and the Tavern in Lake Park, said her four businesses would have to shut down if the fees are implemented at the first of the year. “I’d have to find $14,200 just to stay open, and the business isn’t there to make that happen.”

She suggested delaying the increase for a year. “I could budget for it in a year, but I’ll have to close four businesses if you do it now.”

Connelly’s sentiments were echoed by numerous bar and convenience store owners, including Kathy Powers, owner of Kat’s Lounge on Bemiss Road.

“Tripling in one fell swoop is too much. We don’t have the income larger businesses do.” When questioned by Commissioner Richard Lee, Powers suggested basing fees on seating capacity, revenues or business size, rather than an across the board fee, and suggested the commissioners wait to impose the fee for a year.

At the beginning of the hearing, County Commission Chairman Rod Casey said the county needs additional revenues to offset rising costs, and rather than raise millage rates, which haven’t seen an increase in five years, the commission has been discussing raising various fees, including alcohol licensing. He said the fees have not been raised in at least 15 to 20 years.

Business owners who spoke at the meeting recognized the need for an increase, but were opposed to the short notice originally proposed. Initially, the new fee structure increasing beer, wine and alcohol fees from $1,500 to $4,500 would have been implemented Jan. 1, 2006.

Patty Williams, owner of Cuz’s Sports Bar on Bemiss Road, said, “I’m also not opposed to an increase, but not two months before the end of the year. Adjust it and give us a year to pay it.” Williams added that although the costs of doing business are rising, wages aren’t, and customers can’t afford the increases.

Of the 100 businesses affected by the new fees, approximately 75 are convenience stores, and several owners also spoke at the hearing about the proposal. Linda Hatcher of Sandlin’s Grocery said, “We understand you have to go up, but this is a real burden on a small store.”

David Dempsey of Ole Times on Gornto Road suggested that one way the commission could allow business owners to fund the increase would be to allow Sunday alcohol sales. “Approve Sunday sales and give us the opportunity to make up the money. If you can vote on one, you can vote on the other.”

The formal hearing was followed by an informal discussion between the business owners and the commissioners on possible compromises.

Casey said the item is supposed to appear on the next commission meeting agenda, and said the commissioners could either vote then or table it. Casey thanked the citizens who attended the meeting for their professionalism and said the commissioners would be discussing the issue further in order to find a fair way to implement the fee if the increase is approved.

The next County Commission meeting is Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m.