We should be wary any time a proposal for implementing, increasing or extending a tax comes across our ballots.

This year, businesses, residents and property owners in the Central Business District and North Main District are being asked to extend a 2 mill levy on property taxes that has been in place since 1997. The tax funds the Business Improvement District, a special district operated by a small staff of two and overseen by a board of directors, all of whom are business or property owners within the BID.

I have been surprised by how effectively BID has been able to utilize a small budget to promote and assist the business community. BID is responsible for several impactful annual events, including San Juan Brewfest, Downtown Balloon Glow, Children’s Halloween and Singing with Santa. BID oversees the Downtown Ambassador Program, the annual Downtown Clean Day, two annual Rewards Programs, and the Downtown and North Main business directory and map.

Beyond all of this, BID acts as a liaison between the business community and City Council. While it is not BID’s role to make decisions about the future of downtown or North Main, BID does maintain a seat at the table to promote business interests when big decisions are being made.

I urge you to vote “yes” to fund the BID. For more information, including how to access a ballot and vote in this special district election, please visit www.BackTheBIDDurango.com.

Carly Thomson

Durango