To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:title
Update on the Southern Humboldt Business Improvement District Formation and Cease Financial Supportend
RECOMMENDATION(S):Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive an update on the Southern Humboldt Business Improvement District Formation (SHBID); and
2. Cease ongoing financial support, including staff time, to the SHBID formation effort.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors' Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
On Oct. 4, 2022, Garberville business owners appeared during public comment at the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors' Meeting to express concerns over a sharp decline in foot traffic and business revenues attributed to the decline in Humboldt County's cannabis industry.
On Nov. 15, 2022, a professional services agreement was executed with Civitas Advisors, Inc. (Civitas) to prepare a feasibility report (Attachment 1) on the formation of a business improvement district in Southern Humboldt, in addition to creating a proposed service plan and educating owners and county staff on the components of a business improvement district.
On April 4, 2023, your Board adopted resolution #23-45, declaring the intention to authorize the examination of Sales and Transactions Use Tax Records for the purpose of forming a business improvement district in Humboldt County. Additionally, your Board allocated $31,500 to Economic Development from the General Fund for this work.
On Nov. 28, 2023, your Board received the feasibility study which indicated that the SHBID could generate between $260,000 and $782,000 annually for the community. Your Board approved moving forward with a contract amendment with Civitas to prepare the required Management District Plan (MDP) (Attachment...
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