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Town staff to report on business-tax collection shortfalls, new online registration push planned
Summary
Council asked staff for a detailed report after staff said historical data and manual records mean some local businesses may not have been captured for business tax receipts; administration plans a fresh outreach and online registration push.
Council members asked town staff on Aug. 19 to deliver a focused status report on the town’s business-tax receipts program after staff said a portion of local businesses may not be fully captured in the town’s records. Finance staff and the manager told the council that in previous years some data were manually entered and that sections of the business registry did not match fee records.
Finance staff said that over recent years the town’s outreach and software efforts increased collections from roughly $70–90K annually to about $130–150K in collections as staff pursued compliance. Staff described a plan to send an all-business outreach message, refresh online registration tools and publish how-to instructions so new and existing businesses can register and renew online; staff said some enforcement remains necessary in person for businesses that do not comply.
Councilmembers asked to receive a written report in time for the next budget hearing with a clear statement of the status, estimated missing revenue, and proposed steps for collection and enforcement. The manager said staff will prepare a comprehensive report and recommended operational options, and will email interim updates if new information arrives before the deadline.
