A local attorney met with Parkville business owners and city leaders on Monday morning to discuss the formation of a Community Improvement District (CID).
Formation of such a district could allow merchants to charge a new sales tax of up to 1%, providing proceeds return to the district.
Charles Renner of Husch & Eppenberger told the group that the first priority is to establish the boundaries of the district.
“There are several decisions that need to made,” said Renner. “First is what the boundaries are and what the core district is.”
Angelo Gangai, member of the Parkville Main Street Association and owner of the Power Plant restaurant, said the steering committee has identified the “old town district” as the area which would be affected.
Gangai said the committee is currently awaiting clarification from a city ordinance stating exactly what the boundaries of the “old town district” are.
Once the boundaries of the district are established and a plan is identified, the committee will then need to address decisions prior to circulating a petition.
It must be determined the type of CID which will be used, a non-for-profit or a political subdivision.
The committee must then chose a board of directors, which would involve a combination of residents, business owners and property owners within the CID.
“You must determine how many board members you want to have and the type of qualifications you want them to have,” stated Renner.
According to Renner, the purpose of the CID must also be identified.
“The committee must say these are the things we want to do,” he said.
Members of that committee have already jump started that project by comprising a five year plan, which outlines marketing goals, streetscape and infrastructure improvements, and possibly public restrooms that will serve as the main goals for Parkville’s CID. That plan will be presented to Renner at the next meeting on March 8.
Renner also suggested that Parkville begin to contemplate the revenue stream for the CID.
Gangai said the committee has already discussed the implementation of a 1 percent sales tax.
“We’re currently at 7.1% right now and most areas around us are at 9-11%,” said Gangai. “We feel we have the leeway to go 1% in our designated district.”
Renner agreed. “Clearly at 1% you’re going to be able to maximize all the potential you have.”
According to Gangai, preliminary numbers presented by the City of Parkville showed $11.5 million in general sales tax revenues last year. With those estimations, Gangai said 1% of that revenue could potentially generate $115,000 per year.
Renner, who has been retained by the City of Parkville at $200 per hour, has been involved in several CID projects across the metro area. “Our next step is to get all the information organized that the attorney needs, so he can put together the marketing document,” said Gangai.
“Once we circulate the marketing document throughout the district and get everyone’s input, then we’ll put out the petition.”
The establishment of the CID must be approved by more than 50% of the property owners within the district. If the CID is established, the tax initiative must then be supported by a vote of more than 50% of registered voters in the district, as well.
Renner told the committee the election can be held on any Tuesday and not an established election day.