City Council Minutes 1999 12 07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lathrop explained that the money from any mill levy increase from the election would not be collected until 2002. Grassi explained that the explanation she received was that when a Business Improvement District is formed, the mill levy that's decided on goes to the Assessor in the spring of 2000. If the mill levy passes, the assessor already has the mill levy information and it's used when the notices are sent out in November. The tax is then collected in January 2001. Lathrop stated that the downtown business improvement district in Boulder just experienced some resistance from Boulder County regarding tax collection and he encouraged Grassi to contact them for their experience. He asked whether there was a backup plan in place should forming the Business Improvement District be unsuccessful. Grassi explained, yes. She stated that the alternative plan would involve downtown parking and parking initiatives. She explained that if the Business Improvement District is not successful, the parking cost for individuals working downtown would be significantly higher. Lathrop asked whether the Downtown Business Association would be asking for additional funds next year. Grassi explained no. She stated that funding would be provided by the Business Improvement District or by businesses paying for downtown parking spaces. Lathrop agreed that the Downtown Business Association is wise to consider the impact from the Flatirons Crossing Mall; however, he explained that the mall would also bring a large number of new people into the area. He suggested that the Downtown Business Association make downtown Louisville so unique that the shoppers that are drawn to Flatirons Crossing Mall would also patronize downtown Louisville. Grassi agreed. Mayer thanked Grassi for her presentation and for the amount of work she has put into the Downtown Business Association. He expressed support for the Business Improvement District. He agreed with Lathrop that the money provided by the City is only seed money and not a regular funding source. He stated that it is in the best interest of the City to help this Business Improvement District get started. Grassi agreed. She explained that there has been no conversation about approaching the City in the future for any additional funds. Mayer stated that he believes there are more possibilities for downtown Louisville. He explained that people know the difference between a large, commercial mall and a downtown business district. He thanked Grassi and the Downtown Business Association for all their work and efforts.