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Dixon council directs collections for 38 past-due business licenses
Summary
Staff reported 38 delinquent business licenses; council reviewed enforcement options and voted to proceed with collections rather than using police or in-person code-enforcement visits, citing operational concerns and credit consequences from collection agencies.
Finance staff presented the annual report on past-due business licenses and requested council direction on enforcement. Kate reported there were 38 businesses listed as delinquent and outlined three options: serve violation letters through code compliance, send accounts to collections, or assess municipal-code penalties (up to $500). She said the municipal code allows a $500 penalty and described prior notice steps taken by the city.
Police Chief Robert Thompson joined the discussion and cautioned against sending uniformed or sworn police officers for enforcement visits, citing concerns about public perception and potential confrontations; he recommended using collections to avoid direct, in-person enforcement. Council discussed operational challenges, potential impacts on small businesses, and the limits of enforcement without an audit function. Council Member Bogue moved to continue the collection effort; the motion passed on roll call with all present voting aye.
Council directed staff to continue sending accounts to collections and to remove businesses from the list if confirmed closed. Kate noted the collections process may affect credit reports and that de-listing will occur when businesses confirm closure or pay outstanding fees.
