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Downtown BID reports $5,000 year‑end decline; members press for delinquent payer list
Summary
The Downtown Business Improvement District advisory board reviewed fiscal year 24‑25 financials and heard members press for an itemized list of businesses that have not paid the BID assessment.
The Downtown Business Improvement District advisory board reviewed fiscal year 24‑25 financials and heard members press for an itemized list of businesses that have not paid the BID assessment.
Board members were told the BID began the fiscal year with about $61,000 and closed near $56,000, a decline of roughly $5,000. “That is mostly due to, collections of the downtown business improvement assessment fee, through the business license process,” a staff member said.
Board member Robertson asked for a detailed delinquent list and payment history: “I just would like a nice itemized list of who's paying and who's not and why.” The staff member responded that finance provides a delinquent list and that the BID assessment is collected with the business license renewal. “If applicants don't pay it, we have to go through code enforcement and do a public notice and and notify them. The municipal code does give some leeway before they are actually found delinquent. I think it's up to 3 months,” the staff member said.
Members also raised concerns about equity in how assessments are calculated. One member contrasted small retailers with large financial institutions, noting an example where a local feed store paid $700 while other businesses paid far less. Staff explained the assessment is “basically double your business license fee” because the BID assessment is tied to the underlying business license structure and is capped at a maximum fee set in that schedule.
Board members pressed staff on auditing and enforcement. Staff said billing relies on gross‑receipts declarations submitted with business license renewals and acknowledged auditing those figures is difficult: “How do we audit them?” staff asked rhetorically during the meeting.
Action: The board moved to approve the financials; a voice vote followed. “All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries,” the chair said.
Why it matters: The size and collection rate of the BID assessment affect the district's ability to fund events, maintenance, and grants the board administers. Board members said they want transparency about unpaid assessments so they can evaluate lost revenue and consider structural changes to the fee schedule.
Next steps: Staff said it will work with finance to produce a delinquent list for the BID committee and to further clarify how the fees are calculated and capped under the city’s business license schedule.
