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Ceres hires HDL to run business licensing; firm cites about $104,000 in recoverable delinquent accounts
Summary
The Ceres City Council heard from HDL, the city's new business-license administrator, which outlined online licensing services, compliance work and early recovery figures — roughly $104,000 identified for collections and an estimated $98,000 in potential undiscovered revenue once discovery audits start.
The Ceres City Council on Dec. 8 heard a briefing from HDL, the contractor the city recently engaged to administer business licensing and compliance services. Jeron Saming, HDL operations manager, said the company went live with the city's licensing administrative services in August and provides an online portal for applications, renewals and payments as well as phone and mail support for businesses.
HDL also described compliance work it has begun and its plans to expand discovery and audit services. "The discovery aspect is trying to identify as many businesses as possible to again ensure equity in the community," said Ian Davis, HDL's senior compliance manager. He said the firm aims to find unlicensed or underreported businesses and verify gross-receipts reporting.
HDL reported preliminary financial estimates tied to its work: about $104,000 in accounts already identified for collection and an additional roughly $98,000 in potential revenue that could be recovered once discovery and audit services are underway. "That is a good chunk of money that's being left on the table by the city and we're actively working to try to collect amounts," Saming said.
Council members pressed staff for timing and scope. HDL said collections are active and that discovery and audit work is being coordinated with the city's finance department and expected to begin shortly. Deputy Finance Director Sonia (presenting the contract) and HDL representatives said the firm remits collected funds to the city after processing each month.
During citizens communications a business owner said she filed a license application in July and still had not received a posted business license or invoices; the council asked staff to follow up directly. Mayor Lopez asked staff to report back to the council on these kinds of discrepancies so they can be resolved.
The presentation outlined that HDL's services include online application processing, renewal notices, payment processing and outreach intended to make compliance easier for local business owners. HDL said collections efforts include graduated outreach and escalation to encourage compliance before enforcement.
The council did not take a separate vote on HDL operations during the meeting; HDL's presentation and the city's contract were part of the consent and administrative materials previously provided to council and staff for ongoing implementation.
