City council meeting tonight. It's a short agenda but an important one as the annual property tax levy is on the agenda. The Carbondale Public Library asked for an increase of $42,578 over last year's levy for the library, or an increase of about 5%. The total levy under consideration if just over $1.7 million, a reduction, if I am reading the ordinance correctly, of about $788,000 from last year.
Also on the agenda is re-authorization of the Downtown Special Service Area for another five years. The SSA generates, though taxing downtown properties, $40,000 for partial funding of Carbondale Main Street. If approved, this would be the 2nd extension for the SSA.
Also on the agenda is re-authorization of the Downtown Special Service Area for another five years. The SSA generates, though taxing downtown properties, $40,000 for partial funding of Carbondale Main Street. If approved, this would be the 2nd extension for the SSA.
I just found your blog and LOVE it! I never know where to find out the latest news in town (i.e. restaurants, shops, etc). Question to your previous post....what is the Special Services Area?
ReplyDeleteThe state allow communities to designate sections of the community in need of development as Special Services Areas. Special Service Areas, known as Business Improvement Districts or BIDs in other cities, are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas. The enhanced services and programs are in addition to those currently provided through the City.
ReplyDeleteSSA-funded projects typically include but are not limited to: public way maintenance and beautification; district marketing and advertising; business retention/attraction, special events and promotional activities; auto and bike transit; security; façade improvements; and other commercial and economic development initiatives. In the case of Carbondale, the Carbondale Main Street program is the designated recipient of the SSA funding, which currently amounts to about 48 cents per $100 assessed value, not exceeding $40,000 per year. Under the terms of Carbondale's ordinance, the SSA must be renewed every 5 years or it lapses.