Representatives of the city’s new vendor which handles business license services made a presentation last week to familiarize the council with its practices.

In July the council voted 3-2 to ditch Avenu and contract with Hinderliter De Llamas & Associates (HDL Companies) to administer business licenses in Ceres. The move came as a result of concerns about the performance of Avenu with regard to new applications, payment collection and license renewals. Avenue was late with the June 2025 quarterly business license reports as of the July meeting. Business owners and city staffers had raised ongoing concerns about limited customer service and delays in receiving licenses. The Finance Department tried to correct the problems with Avenu over a 18-month period but the company continued to fall short of expectations, said Sonia Ledezma, the city’s deputy finance director.

The Dec. 8 presentation from HdL, which officially contracted with the city of Ceres on Aug. 25, was made via the phone which was plagued with a serious echo problem.

HdL is maintaining a comprehensive business database, processing business license applications, renewals and payments. The company also sends renewal notices by email and postcard to active businesses at least 30 days prior to the due date of annual fees.

HdL said businesses may access its offices by phone or email during weekday business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time and can file, renew or make payments and update account information through its web portal, ceres.hdlgov.com. Payments also are accepted through the mail.

Ian Davis, HdL’s business tax compliance manager, said his company will be collect any delinquent balances from businesses which have not paid past invoices. The discovery and audit services are also out to find businesses operating without a license or businesses underreporting gross receipts.

“Mainly just trying to find the city as much revenue as possible,” said Davis. “Our main goal is try to get as much equity as possible and try to ensure that businesses feel they are playing on an even playing field.”

Davis said HdL has identified $104,676.32 to be collected in delinquent fees and $98,000 in undiscovered revenue.

“So obviously that is a good chunk of money being left on the table by the city and we’re actively trying to collect those amounts,” Davis told the council.

After the presentation, Brandy Meyer, who just opened BK Books & More on Fourth Street, approached the council and asked where she can get a copy of her business license which must to be posted in her store. She applied for her business license on July 25 and called multiple times and was told she can’t get it until she pays her taxes but she hasn’t been open enough for her first quarterly report.

“I went online and I looked and it said that I am out of compliance, that I haven’t paid my taxes but we’re a brand new business, we just opened,” said a frustrated Meyer. “I haven’t received any invoices, any paperwork or any information on paying my taxes. I’d love to pay my taxes but I need to know where to send it and what to do and how can I get a copy of my business license.”

Mayor Javier Lopez asked Economic Manager Julian Aguirre to follow up with Meyer.