Meeting Summary
The City Council held a study session to discuss the proposed Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). Cameron Brewer presented a detailed plan outlining the BID's purpose, assessment structure, budget, and governance. The discussion covered property owner feedback, city contributions, and the timeline for potential adoption, with the goal of enhancing downtown maintenance, marketing, and overall appeal.
Financial Matters
City Contribution for Base Level Services
The city proposes to contribute $57,000 annually to the BID to cover existing base level maintenance services in the downtown area, which the BID would then manage.
City and County Property Assessments
The city and county, as property owners within the proposed BID, would pay assessments based on the average taxable value per acre of private property in the district.
Annual BID Budget
The proposed annual budget for the BID is $233,000, allocated for maintenance, marketing, management, administration, and improvements.
BID Improvements Loan
A $100,000 loan from the Cleveland County Community Fund is proposed for the first year, to be repaid over five years at 5% interest, for beautification projects like landscaping refreshes.
City Administration Fee
A 2.5% fee will be charged by the city for collecting assessments and reviewing the assessment roll annually.
Public Comments
Some property owners expressed concerns about a letter sent out by the BID committee, feeling it was misleading regarding assessments. Questions were also raised about the lack of an individual opt-out procedure for property owners and the representation of non-retail businesses and the disability community on the BID board.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Assessment invoices due March 2023
Watch For
- City Council resolution acknowledging the BID petition (August 23rd)
- Public hearing for the BID (September 13th)
- Consideration and adoption by City Council (Early Fall 2022)
- BID services to begin (January 1st, 2023)
- Library meeting to discuss property owner objections (approximately two weeks from August 16th)
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding the development of a Downtown Business Improvement District
Cameron Brewer presented the proposed Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) plan, which includes a 10-year term, a tiered assessment structure based on taxable value, acreage, and linear frontage, and an annual budget of $233,000. The plan details city and county contributions, a $100,000 loan for initial improvements, and governance by a 501c6 non-profit board. The BID aims to provide enhanced maintenance, marketing, and management for the downtown area.