Entrepreneurs push back as Illinois city proposes new business registry

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Despite existing state registration requirements, Pontiac officials are proposing a new local business registration program aimed at improving communication and compliance, a move that has sparked concerns from some local entrepreneurs.

Greg Knowles, Pontiac’s director of building and zoning, explained the rationale during a recent city council meeting.

“It solves the problem of ‘I don’t know what’s happening downtown or I don’t know where businesses are,’” Knowles said. “If I don’t know what is downtown, I can’t tell you whether what’s downtown is compliant.”

The registration program, which would include a $10 annual fee, aims to create a database of business owners, building owners, and emergency contact information.

However, some local business owners question whether the program is necessary. Entrepreneur and real estate broker Kyle DeLong, who operates multiple businesses in the city, expressed frustration with the proposal.

“This, to me, is just another hoop that I have to jump through,” he said. “It seems redundant because I have a state license that’s in good standing. I have to do continued education for that. I have to pay fees. All those things cost me money.”

In Illinois, business owners must register with the Department of Revenue and, if forming an LLC or corporation, file with the secretary of state, with other requirements depending on the business.

Knowles emphasized that the program is not intended as a revenue source.

“It’s not a money-making opportunity for the city, but just a way for us to stay on top of who’s where,” Knowles said.

According to Knowles, the program would also allow the city to better communicate with business owners about community meetings and events.

“If I don’t know that you have a business, I can’t invite you to that meeting and you can’t learn about the things that the community, that the city is doing to help you,” Knowles said.

Knowles said the city hopes the program will also support compliance with zoning regulations.

“I received a notice not too long ago about tenants having items in the front yard that the city wanted removed. I was cooperative, made a phone call to the tenant, and the issue was quickly resolved. That’s an example of how the city is already enforcing existing rules. While that was related to a property rather than a business, there are already systems and avenues in place,” said DeLong.

DeLong expressed concern that the registration program could grow into something more intrusive.

“It almost seems like, to me, ‘I got to check in with Big Brother and make sure that I’m doing what they want me to do,’ and that I almost work for them instead of them work for me,” DeLong said.

The proposal also calls for a city-run business directory and welcome packets for newcomers, even though the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce already maintains its own business directory.

“It’d be great to know, hey, where can I get my hair done? Where can I get my dog groomed?” Knowles said.

The city plans to roll out the registration program immediately, offering to waive the first-year fee for businesses that register by April 1.