Tattoo and body piercing establishments and artists will now pay their local licensing fees and state inspection fees all at once.
The change was approved during the Jan. 25 City Commission meeting. Previously, the licensing fees were paid at the beginning of the year, and the inspection fees were paid at a later date.
“Administratively, this cleans up the billing process; there is no change to the cost of operating in Pierre,” said Twila Hight, City Finance Director.
Hight explained that under the previous process the City received a bill from the state Health Department to cover inspection costs. The City then sought reimbursement from the operators. The change removes the reimbursement step since the operators will pay the inspection fee upfront.
In 2021, the City issued four tattoo establishment licenses. An annual establishment license is $250; an annual artist license is $50. New license fees are required prior to opening. Renewal fees are billed the beginning of each year.
The change is effective immediately.