Correspond license fees to businesses’ size

As an owner of a small business in Marion, I find it ironic that the state says it wants small businesses to succeed when I'm finding the exact opposite is true.

I started an in-home pet bakery business earlier this year with the hopes to grow the business enough to open a retail store. I inadvertently overlooked a license that I need from the Department of Agriculture when starting the business (yes, I did pay the outrageous annual fee once I learned about it).

You would think that the amount of the license would be based on gross sales or some other factor but no, they charge the same rate whether your business is a big corporation or a small in-home business. There is no way that a business like mine can last. Because of the state's inflexibility, I am going out of business at the end of the year.

After much research, I found there are almost no regulations concerning selling non-hazardous human food at farmers markets and craft shows. Shouldn't the rules of selling human food be equal to selling pet treats?

Lea Taplin, Owner

Bushy Tail Bakery

Marion