A couple from Macklin are unhappy with the Town of Provost’s rules that obligate people to purchase a licence in order to conduct business in town limits.

Thomas and Elaina Yerosic of T & E Decorating say that they do not want to pay the $200 fee per year but would be happy to pay it if they lived in the town.

Thomas say they can see the value in the rule if “someone is soliciting work and banging on doors. There are a lot of scammers doing that.”

The couple offer services including gold plating, bath tub reglazing, granite effect table tops, wallpaper, power washing, ceramic tiles, ceiling texturing, stencils and re-stencils. They say they are extremely well equipped and have worked in Scotland, England, Vancouver and other places and never had problems with licencing. The by-law makes it appear like the town is like some big city like Toronto says Thomas.

“We spent most of our money here—supplies, food and so on” adding that the customer service in Provost is one of the best they’ve seen in a long time. “We like Provost.” They said they recently got a $10,000 loan and spent almost all of it in Provost on supplies and services and say they won’t spend more here unless the by-law is changed. “If I can’t work here, I can’t shop here.”

They also say that they’re not taking anybody else’s job by providing the services.

The couple work in over 10 communities in the area and say they would have to pay a lot of money out annually if they had to pay similar amounts on those other communities as well as Provost.

In the meantime they plan to move to Scott, Sask. (near Wilkie) where they say there is no business licence and have found very affordable housing. But they would still like to deal with customers here who want their services.

The couple plan to address the issue at the next town council meeting to see if council will look at dropping the licencing requirement. “They’re being non-progressive.”

Town councillor Ben Miller was contacted by The News for his reaction to the request and he said that the people are taking business away from people who are paying a business licence in Provost. Miller says he’s of the “strong opinion if he (Thomas) doesn’t want to pay the business licence then he doesn’t work here, period.”

Miller says that not all—but most towns have business licencing in place and adds a “word of advice: he’s wasting his time (bringing the issue to council). We will listen but won’t change anything.” The councillor is “happy with the way the by-law as it is . . . I feel real strong about that.”

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 8.

Those conducting business in town without the proper licence could be faced with a $500 fine from local police.

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