Opponents of proposed chain-store restrictions in Sonoma won a victory last week when city leaders backed away from enacting a temporary ban. But with a narrow majority on the City Council clearly favoring the concept, it’s probably only a matter of months before the city of 10,000 joins a select few nationwide that have such regulations. What, if anything, should the City Council do?

After days of making national news, Sonoma city leaders on Wednesday backed away from enacting a temporary ban on chain stores. Some saw the proposal as a way to protect the town’s character, but others said it would shut out economic development. Was it the right decision?

Sonoma’s city finances are healthy compared to many other California cities, but uncertainty over state funding could lead to residents being asked to approve new or higher taxes to generate more revenue. It is unclear whether the city will be able to tap redevelopment funds in the future. “There is a need for more revenue, notwithstanding our performance last year,” Councilman Steve Barbose said.

The conspiracy theories are in full swing in Sonoma over the city’s exploration of new regulations for chain and big-box stores.

Sonoma’s latest foray into whether it should regulate chain stores had city leaders on the defensive Monday night as they discussed the formation of a committee to study the issue. The meeting revealed how difficult it will be for the City Council to reach consensus. Councilmembers debated the need for a committee at all, and then, who among them was most qualified to serve on it.

Power plays and political sniping are becoming more apparent in the debate over chain stores in Sonoma as the city inches closer to becoming one of the few in California to strictly regulate corporate businesses. Even the normally routine matter of what issues city councilmembers can bring up for discussion at public meetings is now under review after one councilmember accused another of wasting staff time with the chain store debate.

Sonoma city leaders want the power to limit big-box stores, national chains and formula stores that are looking to open outlets in the historic town. On Tuesday, City Council members asked staff to explore ways the city can gain more control over what types of stores and chains can set up shop in the city.

A City Council majority said they were opposed to a moratorium that would have prevented a Staples office supply store from occupying a former auto dealership at the gateway to the historic town. Two council members said the city should consider using its zoning code to regulate large businesses in the future.

A group of local merchants has sent a letter to the Sonoma City Council demanding changes to the city’s zoning ordinances to “keep our town free of big-box store conglomerates.” The council will take up the issue tonight when it reviews a proposal to open a Staples office supply and computer store on West Napa Street.

The Sonoma City Council won’t revisit its decision to install bike lanes on Fifth Street West despite protests from dozens of residents, who complain the lanes will rob them of parking and increase traffic congestion. “I think it sets a dangerous precedent, that anytime a group of citizens doesn’t like a decision they can petition us and put it back on the agenda,” Councilman Steve Barbose said.