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Commission keeps DDA millage at adopted level after public testimony; debate over reduced millage request
Summary
The Downtown Development Authority requested a 1-mill rate; several business leaders and residents spoke in favor. The commission ultimately approved the Downtown Development Authority taxing district millage consistent with staff recommendation, after a short debate and a failed motion to modestly reduce the millage rate.
The commission held the second public hearing on the Downtown Development Authority’s fiscal year taxing district rate Sept. 15 after public testimony from downtown business leaders and residents urging continued funding.
Presentation and public comments: DDA Executive Director Laura Simon presented the DDA budget request and the board chair, Jim Knight, attended. Several business and community leaders — including downtown restaurateurs and event organizers — urged adoption of the DDA millage, calling the authority a critical partner in economic development and downtown events. Speakers highlighted the DDA’s role in marketing, events, and managing Old School Square programming.
Council discussion and vote: A commissioner proposed setting a slightly reduced millage (0.9386) to yield the DDA the same revenue as the prior year given higher assessed values; that motion failed on a roll call. The commission then approved the DDA’s requested rate (the DDA’s 1.0 mill as submitted in its budget package) through the formal resolution motion that followed. Commissioners complimented the DDA’s work and urged continued collaboration between city and DDA leadership.
Next steps: The DDA budget and taxing district rate were adopted as part of the city’s fiscal-year adoption process and will be certified to the county property appraiser.
