Toccoa Tables Taxicab Ordinance Change Proposal

The city of Toccoa tables proposed changes to its taxicab licensing ordinance.

On Monday, the city commission took up a proposal for amendments to Toccoa’s Taxicabs Business License Ordinance.

Toccoa City Manager Billy Morse said that they are proposing several changes to the ordinance.

“The most significant changes are the requirement of a mandatory vehicle inspection, an illuminated taxicab marker that would be on the roof, and permanent flat fees are also allowed,” said Morse.

The city would handle the yearly vehicle inspection with code enforcement and it would not cost the business owner anything.

However, one local taxicab business owner has concerns about the proposed changes.

Greg Brumbaugh owns Toccoa Taxi.

He said he does not feel some of these extra requirements are necessary.

Brumbaugh said he is also concerned about the cost of complying with the proposed ordinance changes, specifically purchasing a meter and installing wiring for an illuminated sign.

City officials said that a meter may not be required under the ordinance if rates are posted and the illuminated sign could be temporary.

Brumbaugh noted that most of his business is from people calling him in advance for a ride somewhere, not picking people up at random.

City Commissioner Terry Carter said that is a difference worth looking at.

Brumbaugh suggested a magnetic sign instead and multiple commissioners thought that was a good idea.

City commissioners voted unanimously to table the ordinance Monday for further discussion.