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Local property owners present Albany Westover CID proposal seeking city approval this month
Summary
A group led by Heath Fountain of Colony Bank presented a proposal to form the Albany Westover Community Improvement District (CID). Organizers say 82 commercial property owners have consented; they seek commission approval so the self-assessed tax can appear on bills this year.
Organizers of a proposed Albany Westover Community Improvement District told the commission July 1 they have gathered property-owner consents and are seeking the city’s approval to form the district and enable a self-assessed millage for infrastructure and aesthetic improvements.
Heath Fountain, CEO of Colony Bank, said the organizing group secured 82 consenting commercial property owners and raised $75,000 to study the CID’s viability. The group hired Michael Le Ted’s consulting firm (named in the presentation) and legal counsel Jim Moore to prepare the petition and map. Fountain described a CID as "a defined area of commercial property owners who voluntarily opt to increase their property taxes to add aesthetic improvements, public safety measures, and infrastructure" and emphasized that the additional assessment would be placed only on properties inside the proposed boundary.
Presenters cited House Bill 160 (HB 160), which the commission requested from state legislators, and which took effect May 1, 2023, enabling CIDs in Albany. Organizers said the CID would be governed by a five-member board (three elected by property owners via a caucus and one city appointment) and that the board would determine the millage rate. Fountain said approval this month is urgent so the CID’s assessment can be included on this year’s tax bills.
Commissioners asked about boundaries, whether funds must be spent inside the district (presenter: yes), and whether other neighborhoods could form similar CIDs. Presenters said the law requires funds be used within the district’s boundaries and encouraged other districts to pursue the same process. Several commissioners expressed support but asked staff to supply more precise maps and the tax-assessment mechanics before any formal vote.
Organizers asked the commission to consider a resolution later this month to certify the CID formation so the tax department can place the assessment on bills for the current tax year; staff agreed to provide required documentation for commission review.
