Devin Millstreet advocates for equitable bid fees and grant writer selection

During the recent City Council meeting in Selma, California, a significant discussion emerged regarding the Business Improvement District (BID) fees, highlighting concerns about equity and revenue loss. Devin Millstreet, a local advocate, urged the council to reevaluate the current fee structure, emphasizing that the BID is still in its early stages and needs adjustments to ensure fairness among businesses.

Millstreet pointed out that neighboring cities like Kingsburg, Clovis, and Fresno have established BIDs with different fee models, suggesting that Selma should research these approaches. He argued that the current system is inequitable, particularly noting that larger banks are not contributing to the BID, which places an unfair burden on smaller businesses. "It's not fair, especially for the big banks not to pay and just to ignore the city and ignore the BID," he stated.

Additionally, Millstreet brought attention to the city's efforts to hire a professional grant writer, which he believes will enhance Selma's ability to secure funding. He mentioned that the council is set to vote on this position soon, and he encouraged the council to ensure that the selected grant writer focuses on local opportunities, such as the T-Mobile grant.

The meeting also allowed for public comments, with attendees encouraged to voice their opinions on agenda items. This engagement reflects the council's commitment to transparency and community involvement in local governance.

As the council considers these discussions, the potential for revising the BID fee structure and hiring a dedicated grant writer could significantly impact Selma's economic landscape, fostering a more equitable environment for local businesses.