Durham's City Council, it appears, has heard enough about a "Business Improvement District" downtown. Approval for a service contract in the BID is on the consent agenda for Monday's council meeting, and could get the go-ahead along with 20 other items in a single vote without discussion.
Alternately, a council member could pull the BID for further consideration during the meeting.
Approval Monday, though, leaves a surtax on downtown property to pay for the BID a matter to be decided during budget meetings later this month and in early June. The tax, and the BID itself, have met firm opposition from many downtown property owners, including Measurement Inc. and Brightleaf Square owner SEHED Inc.
Downtown Durham Inc. proposed the BID, which has support from other major institutions including American Tobacco owner Capitol Broadcasting. Money from the BID would go for downtown promotions and custodial and hospitality services.
Council members approved a BID in principle a year ago, but left its imposition and details for the 2012-13 budget process – after the 2011 mayor and City Council elections.
The contract on Monday's agenda (see links below) would appropriate $630,000 for Downtown Durham Inc. in 2012-13, to pay for BID services. Estimates are for $380,000 to come from the BID surtax, the remaining $250,000 from general revenue.
