SYRACUSE, N.Y. — An audit investigating the City of Syracuse’s licensing practices revealed a lack of compliance and accountability has led to an 80% decrease in revenue for the city.
Syracuse City Auditor Alexander Marion released his latest report, “A License May Be Required” highlighting deficiencies in organizational support and overall communication when it comes to license issuances and renewals.
The audit looked back at the 18 months from July 2022 to December 2023 and found the city earned less than $40,000 in revenue – an 80% decline from the nearly $170,000 taken in 2016.
The audit also found insufficient organizational support structures within the Central Permit Office (CPO), nearly all city licenses are administered, reviewed and issued by one employee and are enforced by a two-person detail at the Syracuse Police Department and many businesses operate without proper licenses.
“Licenses are the basic work of local government, and with greater proactivity and better enforcement, we can see increased revenue and compliance,” Marion said. “We can’t afford to operate on the honor system anymore.”
Marion’s audit calls for an overhaul of licenses and their fees and the creation of a new department in charge of permits, licenses and inspections.
Other recommendations made by Marion include the relocation of the CPO to City Hall, a comprehensive review of business licenses, compliance checks and proper enforcement powers.
As a result, the City of Syracuse said it is committed to improvements, including improving signage and wayfinding around the Central Permit Office and improving communication with people seeking to renew licenses.
To read the full audit, click here.
