The Durango Business Improvement District (BID) board of directors has confirmed its intention to hold a special election to pursue a mill levy renewal that would continue funding for the special district that has, since 1997, worked to sustain the economic health of the entire BID district, including Downtown Durango.
Ballots will be mailed Oct. 1 to constituents, which include businesses and property owners in essentially the Central Business District as well as along north Main. Approximately 800 will be eligible to vote.
The BID reports it will request a .5 (half) mill increase, bringing the total mill levy assessment to district constituents to an even 2 mills for a period of 15 years. The existing 1.5 mill assessment will sunset at the close of 2010.
“We’re essentially keeping our funding at current levels,” said John Wells, BID presiding officer. “The valuation of each individual mill levy is based on property value assessment, and the County has been warning that beginning in 2012, property values will drop, and thus if we maintained the 1.5 mill assessment, we would potentially have less funding than we have today to accomplish the tasks our constituents have asked us to continue.”
 Given the current economic conditions, the BID felt it prudent to ask constituents for a greater mill assessment, added Wells, as it would enable the BID to take on additional projects to help sustain Downtown and the entire Business Improvement District. The .5 mill increase is, in essence, a "cost-of-living increase".
“We’re very sensitive to our constituents and their economic struggles,” said Rod Barker, BID board member. “But just as with any marketing effort, the most important time to implement it is during a downturn. Now, more than in flush times, the BID is a valuable resource to help our district businesses make it through this rough period. We hope our constituents understand this and vote to renew the funding.”
The 1.5 mills that voting members of the BID approved in 2003 has funded the BID’s activities over the past seven years (2004-2010), which range from infrastructure purchases (such as the new business directories, tents, sound and stage equipment and more for special events), to grants that market Downtown events, to “branding” of the Downtown and Durango with promotional maps, bags, the Visitors Kiosk, umbrella marketing and more, as well as economic research projects to benefit district members. All has gone forward with an eye on cost-effectively spurring activity, tourism and business in the BID.
If the BID funding is renewed, hope is to allocate a portion to further a parking management plan, host regular constituent meetings, and explore additional marketing opportunities not available with the current funding level.
Though the BID board as a “committee” will not necessarily need to be dissolved should the mill levy not pass, the board will have no new funds to maintain any existing programs or staff.
The BID mill levy is assessed only to property owners within the District, and is paid to the City of Durango as part of annual property taxes. The City passes the funds directly through to the BID, and the volunteer board of directors in turn determines allocation of those funds.
The BID board members, as well as Pam Glasco, BID community relations coordinator who is organizing the mail-in election, are available to speak with any constituents and further explain the renewal vote and future uses of the funding should a majority of the constituents approve the renewal.
For further information about the Durango Business Improvement District, visit www.downtowndurango.org or call 970.375.5067.
The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 1.5 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office. BID Board members are John Wells, presiding officer; Bob Allen, Karen Barger, Rod Barker and Tim Wheeler. |