McHenry Times

Financial relief is available for businesses in Lake in the Hills that have been impacted by COVID-19.

A recently approved ordinance reduces licensing fees for liquor, tobacco and video gambling, according to the Daily Herald. The fees will be cut back to 50% of what they normally are, and due dates for payments have been extended to July 31. 

The reductions will provide financial relief to restaurants and other businesses with licenses, totaling $35,975, according to the Daily Herald.

"Throughout this entire situation, we'll be looking at reasonable ways that the village can provide assistance to our community," Village President Russ Ruzanski said. "Businesses aren't necessarily able to use these types of licenses how they normally would, so this was a unanimous decision for our Village Board. We've also provided water billing relief for businesses and residents by extending the suspension of late payment fees and water shut-offs through the May stay-at-home order."

Businesses had to submit an application to renew their license by May 1. Business were either charged for half of the license or, if they paid in full before the ordinance, they were refunded 50% of their payment.