Two pending actions are expected to help spike Mandan's liquor license fees after more than 40 years.

The Mandan City Commission today will consider the second and final reading of an ordinance that allows the license and permit fees to be increased by a resolution instead of by ordinance.

An ordinance action requires two readings before a matter becomes law. A resolution can be approved in one decision by the board.

In a separate action, the board will follow with a resolution to increase the license fees. These would take effect Jan. 1, 2009.

In the resolution proposal:

n Class A general retail on- and off-sale beer and liquor licenses will increase from $2,500 to $3,100. The city has 17 of these issued.

n Class B Clubs - on- and off-sale beer and liquor licenses will go from $2,500 to $2,800. There are two establishments that have these licenses.

n Class C Motel and Hotel - on- and off-sale beer and liquor will increase from $2,500 to $2,900. Three business in Mandan hold these.

n Class D off-sale beer and liquor license will increase from $2,500 to $3,100. Two Mandan establishments hold these licenses.

n Class D off-sale beer only licenses will increase from $500 to $600. Five city businesses operate with this license.

n Class E restaurant on-sale beer and liquor licenses will remain at $2,500.

n Class F on-sale beer and wine will increase from $500 to $1,150. Four businesses have this license.

n Publicly owned or operated facilities - on-sale liquor and three-day events for publicly-owned facilities will remain at $100.

Permits will remain the same for:

n Special catering - $25 per day.

n Sunday alcoholic beverages - $5 each Sunday.

n Public beer garden - $10 per day.

n Street dance - $10 per day.

n Site authorization - $100.

City Finance Director Greg Welch said affected establishments will be notified well in advance about the changes, which will take effect in 2009.

"Our deputy auditor has been here 42 years and she doesn't ever remember the fees being increased," Welch said.

"We are trying to make all of our fees and charges comparible to other cities. We at least want to be comparible to what they are across the river in Bismarck," Welch said.

Luke Berger, owner of the Silver Dollar Bar, said he received no notification of the city's intentions. "I don't feel it's right. It's been the same price a lot of years. There is no reason to make it higher," he said. "They do what they want, and we don't have anything to say about it."

"My understanding is they have not raised them in 40-plus years," said John Miller of Captain Jack'sLiquor Land. "I think they are trying to match what Bismarck is doing. That's the way it is. Everything goes up."

Welch estimated this will increase revenue for the city by $16,000. It will help lower mill levy needs for Mandan.

The issues go before the commission at 5:30 p.m. today at the Mandan City Hall.

In other business, Welch requested that check signing authorization be switched from himself and Deputy Auditor Phyllis Hager to Mayor Tim Helbling and City Administrator Jim Neubauer. Welch said that is the procedure in many other cities.

The action specifies that Welch will still be able to transfer funds as needed and make investments for the city of Mandan.

(Reach reporter LeAnn Eckroth at 250-8264 or leann.eckroth@;bismarcktribune.com.)