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Fortuna council sets April 21 public hearing to reauthorize FBID assessment, introduces ordinance to revise district rules
Summary
Council adopted a resolution of intent to levy a $25 flat annual assessment per business for the Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID) and introduced an ordinance to dissolve legacy sub‑zones and revise district governance; the public hearing on the assessment is scheduled for April 21, 2025.
The Fortuna City Council adopted a resolution declaring its intent to levy an annual assessment for the Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID) for fiscal year 2025–26 and set a public hearing for April 21, 2025. The council also introduced (first reading by title) an ordinance amending the FBID regulations in the municipal code.
Staff reported the FBID annual report recommended a flat assessment of $25 per business for the coming fiscal year. Staff said there are approximately 660 businesses within the district; a $25 flat assessment would generate an estimated $16,500 annually. No assessment was levied for the prior fiscal year. The resolution of intent is the procedural step required before the public hearing and allows businesses to submit written or oral protests at the April 21 hearing.
The accompanying ordinance introduced by the council would dissolve three former core benefit zones (the downtown core and two shopping areas) into a single district footprint, allow the council to set the assessment method and basis consistent with Streets and Highways Code requirements, and reduce the advisory committee size from seven to five members with an appointed council liaison. The ordinance also removes the requirement that funds be allocated among the former core zones and instead allows funds to be used across the full district; staff said permitted uses remain those in the founding documents (events, marketing, insurance, temporary infrastructure for events, and related promotion activities).
Public process and next steps: the resolution sets a public hearing for April 21, 2025 at which property owners or business owners may file protests. After the hearing the council may adopt the annual assessment (subject to protest rules in state law). The ordinance will return for a second reading and adoption at a subsequent meeting.
Votes at a glance: Resolution of intent to levy FBID assessment (Resolution 2025-07) — Council member Diaz — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Trent — yes; Mayor Mike Johnson — yes. Ordinance 2025-774 (first reading introduced) — Council member Diaz — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Trent — yes; Mayor Mike Johnson — yes.
Ending: If adopted after the public hearing, the new flat assessment would provide modest annual funding for FBID activities; the ordinance would centralize governance and allow the advisory committee to operate with a smaller membership and citywide fund allocation.
