The Sunnyvale Sun

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Merchants may pay tax to cover services

By JASON GOLDMAN-HALL

By the beginning of the next fiscal year, Sunnyvale's downtown may be taxing itself to raise money for street improvements, downtown events and other needs previously taken care of by the city.

On Aug. 22, the Sunnyvale City Council unanimously approved the Sunnyvale Downtown Association's request for $47,050 to hire a consultant and continue employing Mike Johnson as executive director to develop a Business Improvement District.

With the district in place, the downtown merchants will be able to decide how much they'll pay each year to a fund maintained by the city for the merchants to use. Uses will likely include street cleaning and other "enhanced maintenance" that is currently being paid for by the city at a rate of almost $25,000 a year.

"I'm happy this passed; we really need it downtown," said new Sunnyvale Downtown Association President Lara Bliesner, who owns Dish Dash on S. Murphy Avenue.

While the motion passed with little discussion, there was a point of debate in the wording itself. Councilman Tony Spitaleri motioned to approve the funding but did not specifically address the ending of the enhanced maintenance being paid for out of the city's pocket.

Councilman Chris Moylan--as per staff recommendation--said granting the money and specifically removing the maintenance payment from next year's budget was more in line with discussions carried out in December.

Spitaleri said he preferred to stay with his original motion and remain silent on the funding issue. According to Sunnyvale deputy communications officer Adam Levermore-Rich, that silence actually means the decision to continue or end funding will be tabled until the next round of budget talks in 2007.

Business improvement districts are renewed annually by the city council.