My name is Ashlee Kintzler. I am the owner and operator of Moon Hitch Wagon Company and like many other small business owners in Buffalo, Wyoming, I find myself grappling with the unsustainable vendor fees imposed by our city council. These fees, amounting to $750 annually, are a tremendous burden on our small businesses. For small businesses trying to make ends meet, this amount significantly erodes our bottom line and makes it challenging to sustain operations, especially for those of us who operate within a short window of time each year.  

Imagine running a small stall at local markets, selling handmade crafts or fresh produce. Or in our case, offering a family-friendly tourism attraction and unique local experience. With such hefty fees and such a short operating season (3-4 months) to recover those fees in, a substantial portion of our profit is redirected towards merely keeping our business license active within the city, leaving little to reinvest into our business, pay employees, pay ourselves, and support our families.

Many small business owners are having to make the tough decision of whether to continue chasing their entrepreneurial dreams, shut down, or avoid operating within the city's limits of Buffalo, WY altogether simply because they cannot afford to pay these fees. This is not just about business—it’s also about community and scale. Local vendors bring diversity, economic resilience, and unique products and services to our community which in turn attracts tourism and raises community pride. Buffalo, Wyoming is also not scaled for such excessive fees given our small-town nature, economy, and cost-of-living expenses. 

We understand that fees contribute to city maintenance and services, but the current rates are disproportionate and unsustainable for small businesses. By lowering these fees, the city stands to gain more vibrant markets, a thriving local economy, and an inclusive environment where businesses of all sizes can flourish.

In light of these challenges, we are calling on the city council to reconsider and reduce the vendor fees. This change would enable local businesses to thrive, create jobs, and keep the marketplace diverse and competitive. This fee reduction also acts as an invitation for vendors from outside of Buffalo to contribute to our community and its economy.  

Support our mobile and pop-up local business industry by signing this petition to show your solidarity. With your help, we can urge the city council to act in favor of small businesses and the broader community.