(IRON MOUNTAIN, MI.)–The property and businesses within the Downtown Development Authority(DDA) will see a tax increase of 0.5 mills effective this year, and upon action by council members on Monday night. The current DDA levy of 1.5 mills will rise to 2 mills for the next five years, and as pointed would used to help the authority members organize downtown events, attract new business, advance beautification and historic preservation. Council member Kyle Blomquist said the DDA “actively tries to build the taxable value.” A tax of 2- mills represents $2 per $1,000 of taxable value. The current levy generates about $32,000 for the authority’s budget. That will climb to about $43,000. Paula Craven is the, DDA program director, said the funding will expand programs that help property owners enhance the downtown. An example is the improvement matching grant program, which aids exterior work. The tax increase was approved unanimously. The district’s boundaries follow the corridors of Carpenter, River and Stephenson avenues, north from Woodward Avenue ,Brown Street on Carpenter, and north from the Midtown Mall to Chapin Pit on Stephenson. Two part-time employees increase fundraising by hosting the Brewfest, Italian Fest and Oktoberfest.
(Aaron Harper,WJNR,WOBE,WHTO)
aaronharper22@gmail.com