Resolution on Artist Business License Requirement to Perform in City at Hand as Ordinance Eliminates It
By Jeff Toquinto on April 10, 2025
An issue that came up in May of 2024 and drew the ire of several, including those in the arts and culture community, appears headed to a resolution if given approval by Bridgeport City Council at the Monday, April 14 meeting.
The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex.
Listed on the agenda under new business is an ordinance to amend an existing ordinance that would provide an exemption for artistic 
performers – musical or theatrical – from needing to acquire a Bridgeport business license at a cost of $15 and thus needing to also file to pay taxes as required.
performers – musical or theatrical – from needing to acquire a Bridgeport business license at a cost of $15 and thus needing to also file to pay taxes as required.
Last year, Music on Main announced it was closing due to the fee as they said it impacted performances taking place at their Main Street location. That led to several Council meetings drawing multiple individuals to speak against the issue, including multiple performers who said they had never been asked for a business license in any other city or state. Several also said they had never been asked to apply for a license when performing in Bridgeport.
Now, that seems to be on the verge of being resolved.
“I’m very pleased that we’re at this point,” said Mayor Andy Lang. “I want to say again there was a misconception that the City of Bridgeport, Council, or city staff was against entertainment and music. We’re rule followers and other areas chose to turn a blind eye to rules and regulations.
“We think what we have is not only right legally, but is right for the community,” he continued. “It took us a while to find a way to do it legally, but we have found a resolution.”
Council member Don Burton echoed the remarks.
“This solution will help musicians, artists who aren’t making much doing what they’re doing in many cases other than to do what they love,” said Council member Don Burton. “… We have worked it out and believe this will enhance our arts and culture, musicians, and any performers who want to come to the city. I’m happy we’re at this point.”
Also under new business is a request from the Benedum Airport Authority, the governing body of the North Central West Virginia Airport, which is to be discussed and acted on, if appropriate.
“They have asked for assistance in match money in grants, and they will have someone speaking,” Lang said, and then said he anticipated it will be North Central West Virgina Airport Director Rick Rock.
There is one substantial item as far as dollars go under new business. Council will be asked to approve a contract with West Virginia Excavating Company of Powhatan Point, Ohio, for $688,200 with a 10 percent contingency of $68,820 for a total of $757,020.
The contract is for a soldier pile wall that will help fix a slip on the hillside between Gabe’s Plaza and Home Depot Plaza. The contract will also remediate Thompson Drive, which has had a lane closed in the area of the slip since it occurred following an August 2023 torrential rain.
As long as the city stays under the cost listed above, including the contingency, and things proceed as planned, Director of Emergency Management Tim Curry said the entire cost will be covered by FEMA Disaster Recovery Funds. That would mean no Bridgeport tax dollars are spent on this./Tim%20Curry%20Shot.JPG)
“Staff took the initiative on this to apply to FEMA and do all the work with the forms, the specs, and put it together,” said Lang. “They deserve the credit.”
Two additional items under new business involve the appointment of two individuals to boards. The boards are The Bridge Advisory Committee and the Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau. Council member Jon Griffith, who resigned in March, served as a Council representative on both of those boards.
Another item involves amendments to the city’s master fee schedule. Burton said the schedule is for costs associated with the use of city facilities, such as renting the pool or a room at the Benedum Civic Center.
The final item under new business is general fund budget revision #8. Finance Director Sharon Hinkle said the revision will transfer funds into the Office of the City Attorney in the amount of $76,164 and reduce the available contingency funds in the amount of $36,164 and Community Development (economic incentive funds) in the amount of $40,000.
Prior to official business, Council will do something for the fifth time this year as they will be recognizing a Bridgeport High School team sport that brought home a state title. The governing body will honor the 2024-25 BHS boys Class AAA state championship team
Before the regular meeting, there will be a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. on advanced construction planning. Burton and Lang said it will be held in executive session.
Lang said members of the Airport Authority will be in for a portion of the session to talk about the request they will be making before Council during the regular session. Lang added that several projects will be discussed, including some that could hold off on further discussion until a new Council is seated in July.
The meeting will include an invocation by Father Walt Jagela of All Saints Catholic Church. There will also be a report by Lang and a public comment forum near the start of the meeting.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Jack "Jackie" Brown who was the co-owner of Music on Main, while Mayor Andy Lang is shown in the second photo. Bottom photo is of Director of Emergency Management Tim Curry.
