Petrolia officials are taking more time to meet with more businesses before asking council to form the Petrolia Business Association.

Recently, the town has been holding public information meetings about the ideas. It also sent out letters to the 127 businesses across the municipality about the concept.

The idea is each business would face a new $150 levy on their taxes. The town would match that amount and the money would be used to market Petrolia’s businesses, bringing more people to the community to shop and possibly live.

The businesses were asked to respond with their concerns to the town The town had two meetings in November to hear from business people about the concept. The plan was to present the concept for approval at council Dec. 13.

However Laurissa Ellsworth, director of marketing, arts and communications, says they plan to take more time to talk to a wider range of businesses after hearing some concerns voiced.

Ellsworth says the project will move ahead if 66 per cent of the businesses have not objected in writing to the plan.

Council is expected to deal with a new vacant building bylaw which would fines landowners who leave their buildings in poor repair at the Dec. 13 council.