If adopted, the EID would levy an assessment on commercial property in the downtown area. The affected area is shown on The Map. The levy could be assessed as a regular property tax, which is the current proposal. More likely would be a "voluntary" assessment. "Voluntary" means that if the property owner objects before the adoption of the levy, their property is excluded. But if they fail to object in timely fashion, the assessment is mandatory, creating a lien on the property if not paid. The current proposal is for a three-year assessment of 1/4 percent of the property value, capped at $500 per year per tax lot. Residential property, or parts used for residential purposes, is exempt. The authority to impose the assessment is provided by Oregon Revised Statutes 223.112 to 223.132.
Project Team: Andrew Jordan, City Attorney; Ann Mulroney, Consultant; Vergie Ries, City Manager
BACKGROUND: On January 22, 2001, the Forest Grove City Council received a request from the Forest Grove Community Development Corporation to hold public hearings on the question of establishing an economic improvement district in the town center. The Council approved a resolution initiating the EID process. City Attorney Jordan performed the first reading of an ordinance authorizing creation of economic improvement districts and providing procedures. Council set March 12, 2001, as the date for the first public hearing on an EID.
During the week of February 5, 2001, notices of the first public hearing and background material were mailed to property owners within the boundary of the proposed EID.
SCHEDULE IN PROGRESS:
DISCUSSION: Questions regarding process should be directed to the City Attorney.
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Ordinance establishing procedures.
Available here are the enabling ordinance creating procedures for establishing an EID in Forest Grove, the ordinance and plan proposing formation of the EID, and the map showing the proposed boundaries for the EID.