(A) For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter, the license official or other authorized agent of the municipality is empowered to enter upon the premises of any person subject to this chapter to make inspections and to examine and audit books and records. It shall be unlawful for any such person to fail or refuse to make available the necessary books and records. In the event an audit or inspection reveals that the licensee has filed false information, the costs of the audit shall be added to the correct business license tax and late penalties in addition to other penalties provided herein. Each day of failure to pay the proper amount of business license tax shall constitute a separate offense.
(B) The license official shall have the authority to make inspections and conduct audits of businesses to ensure compliance with the chapter. Financial information obtained by inspections and audits shall not be deemed public records, and the license official shall not release the amount of business license taxes paid or the reported gross income of any person by name without written permission of the licensee, except as authorized by this chapter, state or federal law, or proper judicial order. Statistics compiled by classifications are public records.
(Ord. 21-15, passed 12-13-2021)