On Thursday at 6pm in the River Garden BABB will host a public meeting to explain the DID. They are hoping that all citizens with an interest will be there to listen and ask questions.
If the establishment of a DID is approved by the representatives of Town Meeting on Saturday, March 19th it will create a new entity focussed on improving the vitality of Brattleboro's downtown district.
The DID will be, as far as I can tell, under the auspices of BABB but will operate as an autonomous body. It will elect its own directors.
It will be funded by a small tax levied by the town but applied only to property owners within the DID. (This area is slightly larger than what our zoning maps delineate as the Urban District). The tax will be based on the assessed value of the property. Currently the figure of 15 cents per hundred is being used but only as a rough estimate. In the end it might be slightly higher or lower. After taking an appropriate administrative cut the remaining funds will be forwarded to the DID to spend as they wish.
Because it will be a legal tax the Town will retain ultimate authority. This will be expressed annually thru its responsibility for approving DID's proposed budget.
Altho the DID would be concerned about all manner of things related to the downtown they do not envision, at this time, taking responsibility for the River Garden.
There are some very important implications involved and issues yet to be worked out. Some concern structure, powers and authority.
Again, the public is invited and encouraged to come. Most especially if one is residing or doing business in this district.
Hope to see you there.