Durango Business Improvement District renewed for 15 years
Majority of BID constituents vote to approve 2-mill levy
Following a tally of constituents’ votes on Nov. 2, 2010, the mill levy that funds the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) has been renewed at 2 mills for a period of 15 years.
In the special district election, 356 constituents cast ballots, with 246 (69 percent) voting in favor of the mill levy renewal, and 110 (31 percent) voting against. Approximately 800 were eligible to vote.
“We appreciate this vote of confidence from our constituents,” said John Wells, BID presiding officer. “As a board, we don’t take this vote lightly and will continue to do our very best to help sustain the District and protect our economic viability as a community.”
The 1.5 mills that voting members of the BID approved in 2003 has funded the BID’s activities over the past seven years (2004-2010), which range from infrastructure purchases (such as the new business directories, tents, sound and stage equipment and more for special events), to grants that market Downtown events, to “branding” of the Downtown and Durango with promotional maps, bags, the Visitors Kiosk, umbrella marketing and more, as well as economic research projects to benefit district members.
With the renewal of the 1.5 mills, plus the new, additional .5 (half) mill funding, expectation going forward in 2011 is to allocate a portion to further a parking management plan, increase regular constituent meetings, and explore additional marketing opportunities not available at the previous funding level.
The BID mill levy is assessed only to property owners within the District, and is paid as part of the overall property tax assessment. The City passes the funds directly through to the BID, and the board of directors in turn determines allocation of those funds. The BID board will now reassess its proposed 2011 budget, currently pending approval before the Durango City Council.
“As a volunteer board, we on the BID are always interested in hearing from our constituents with ideas and suggestions,” said Wells. “And that has never been more important than today. Going forward, we anticipate developing stronger working relations and communications not only with property owners, but business managers to provide the greatest benefit to our constituents.”
For the history and background of the Durango BID, as well as information on current activities and contact information, visit www.downtowndurango.org.
The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. BID Board members are John Wells, presiding officer; Bob Allen, Karen Barger, Rod Barker and Tim Wheeler.
