2023-2032
VISALIA TOURISM MARKETING DISTRICT
MANAGEMENT DISTRICT PLAN
Prepared pursuant to the Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994, Streets and Highways Code section 36600 et seq.
May 6, 2022
Contents
I. OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................ 3 II. BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................ 4 III. BOUNDARY ....................................................................................................................................... 5 IV. ASSESSMENT BUDGET AND SERVICES ................................................................................ 6 A. Baseline Level of Services .................................................................................................. 6 B. Annual Service Plan ............................................................................................................ 6 C. Annual Budget .................................................................................................................... 8 D. California Constitutional Compliance ................................................................................ 9 E. Assessment ........................................................................................................................ 10 F. Penalties and Interest ........................................................................................................ 11 G. Time and Manner for Collecting Assessments ................................................................. 11
V. GOVERNANCE ............................................................................................................................... 12 A. Owners’ Association ......................................................................................................... 12 B. Brown Act and California Public Records Act Compliance ............................................ 12 C. Annual Report ................................................................................................................... 12
APPENDIX 1 – LAW .................................................................................................................................... 13 APPENDIX 2 – ASSESSED BUSINESSES ............................................................................................. 24
Prepared by
(800)999-7781
www.civitasadvisors.com
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I. OVERVIEW
Developed by Visalia Toursim Marketing District Corporation (VTMDC) and local hoteliers , the Visalia Tourism Marketing District (VTMD) is a n assessment district proposed to provide specific benefits to payors, by funding marketing and sales promotion efforts for assessed businesses. This approach has been used successfully in other destination areas throughout the country to provide the benefit of additional room night sales directly to payors. The VTMD was created in 2018 for a five (5) year term. VTMDC and Visalia businesses now wish to renew the VTMD for a ten (10) year term.
Location: The VTMD includes all lodging businesses with twenty (20) rooms o r more located within the boundaries of the City of Visalia (City), as shown on the map in Section III.
Services: The VTMD is designed to provide specific benefits directly to payors by increasing awareness and demand for room night sales . Marketing an d sales promotions and destination development programs will increase demand for overnight tourism and market payors as tourist, meeting and event destination s, thereby increasing demand for room night sales.
Budget: The total VTMD annual assessment budget for the initial year of its ten (10) year operation is anticipated to be approximately $650,000. A similar budget is expected to apply to subsequent years, but this budget is expected to fluctuate as room sales do.
Cost: The a nnual assessment rate is two percent (2%) of gross short -term room rental revenue. Based on the benefit received, assessments will not be collected on: stays of more than thirty (30) consecutive days or stays by representatives or employees of a State or Federa l government agency in the performance of their official duties as a representative or employee of the government agency paid for by the government agency.
Collection: The City shall be responsible for collecting the assessment on a monthly basis (including any delinquencies, penalties and interest) from each assessed business located in the boundaries of the VTMD. The City shall take all reasonable efforts to collect the assessments from each assessed business.
Duration: The renewed VTMD shall have a ten (10) year life, beginning January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2032. Once per year, beginning on the anniversary of VTMD renewal, there is a thirty (30) day period in which owners paying fifty percent (50%) or more of the assessment may protest and initiate a City Council hearing on VTMD termination.
Management: The Visalia Tourism Marketing District Corporation shall continue to serve as the VTMD’s Owners’ Association. The Owners’ Association is charged with managing funds and implementing programs in accordance with this Plan, and must provide annual reports to the City Council.
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II. BACKGROUND
TMDs are an evolution of the traditional Business Improvement District. The first TMD was formed in West Hollywood, California in 1989. Since then, over 100 California destinations have followed suit. In recent years, other states have begun adopting the California model – Montana, South Dakota, Washington, Colorado, Texas and Louisiana have adopted TMD laws. Several other states are in the process of adopting their own legislation. The cities of Wichita, Kansas and Newark, New Jersey used an existing business improvement district law to form a TMD. And, some cities, like Portland, Oregon and Memphis, Tennessee have utilized their home rule powers to create TMDs without a state law.
California’s TMDs collectively
raise over $ 300 million
annually for local destination
marketing. With competitors
raising their budgets, and
increasing rivalry for visitor
dollars, it is important that
Visalia businesses continue to
invest in stable, lodging -
specific marketing programs.
TMDs utilize the efficiencies
of private sector operation in
the market -based promotion
of tourism districts. TMDs
allow assessed business
owners to organize their
efforts to increase demand for room night sales. Assessed business owners within the TMD pay an assessment and those funds are used to provide services that increase demand for room night sales.
In California, most TMDs are formed pursuant to the Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994. This law allows for the creation of a benefit assessment district to raise funds within a specific geographic area. The key difference between TMDs and other benefit assessment districts is that funds raised are returned to the private non-profit corporation governing the district.
There are many benefits to TMDs:
• Funds must be spent on services and improvements that provide a specific benefit only to those who pay;
• Funds cannot be diverted to general government programs; • They are customized to fit the needs of payors in each destination; • They allow for a wide range of services;
• They are designed, created and governed by those who will pay the assessment; and • They provide a stable, long-term funding source for tourism promotion. 1 2 4 6 9 12
19 25 29 32
38 46
61 64
75 95
101
109 114
0 20
40 60
80 100
120
Number of Districts Operating in California
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III. BOUNDARY
The renewed VTMD shall include all lodging businesses with twenty (20) rooms or more located within the boundarie s of the City of Visalia. The boundaries shall remain conterminous with the jurisdiction’s boundaries. Therefore, future lodging businesses annexed into the jurisdiction after the renewal of the VTMD shall automatically be included within the VTMD’s boundaries when a business license is issued to that lodging business.
Lodging business means: any structure or any portion of any structure, which is occupied or intended or designed for occupancy by transients for dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes, and includes any hotel, inn, tourist home or house, motel, studio hotel, bachelor hotel, lodging house, rooming house, apartment house, dormitory, public or private club, mobile home or house trailer at a fixed location or other similar structure or portion thereof. Lodging business does not include a hospital room, medical clinic, convalescent home or home for the aged. Also, lodging business does not include a private home, vacation cabin or similar facility which is rented by a person who is not regularly engaged in the business of renting such facilities and does so only occasionally and incidentally to his or her own use thereof.
The boundary, as shown in the map below, currently includes sixteen (16) assessed businesses. A complete listing of assessed businesses within the VTMD can be found in Appendix 2.
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IV. ASSESSMENT BUDGET AND SERVICES
A. Baseline Level of Services
The “baseline level of services” is services, provided by the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (Bureau) and funded by the City, in the amount at a minimum of the contracted amount in the previous year.
The VTMD fun ded services will supplement, not supplant, the City’s pre -existing funding to the Bureau. In the event the City reduces Bureau funding to a level below the baseline subsequent to the renewal of the VTMD, lodging businesses may gather petitions to disestablish the VTMD.
B. Annual Service Plan
Assessment funds will be spent to provide specific benefits conferred or privileges granted directly to the payors that are not provided to those not charged, and which do not exceed the reasonable cost to the City of conferring the benefits or granting the privileges. The privileges and services provided with the VTMD funds are sales and marketing and destination development programs available only to assessed businesses.
A service plan assessment budget has been developed to deliver services that benefit the assessed businesses. A detailed annual assessment budget will be developed and approved by the VTMDC board. The table below illustrates the initial annual assessment budget allocations. The total initial assessment budget is $650,000.
Although actual revenues will fluctuate due to market conditions, the proportional allocations of the assessment budget shall remain the same. However, the City and the VTMDC board shall have the authority to adjust assessment budget allocations between the categories by no more than fifteen percent (15%) of the total assessment budget per year. A description of the proposed improvements and activities for the initial year of operation is below. The same activities are proposed for subsequent years. In the event of a legal challenge against the VTMD, any and all assessment funds may be used for the costs of defending the VTMD.
Each assessment budget category includes all costs related to providing that service. For example, the sales and marketing budget includes the cost of staff time dedicated to overseeing and implementing Sales & Marketing,
$448,500 , 69%
Administration &
Operations, $97,500 ,
15%
Destination
Development,
$65,000 , 10%
Contingency/Reserve,
$32,500 , 5%
City Fee,
$6,500 , 1%
Initial Annual Assessment Budget - $650,000
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the sales and marketing program. Staff time dedicated purely to administrative tasks is allocated to the administrative portion of the budget. The costs of an individual staff member may be allocated to multiple budget categories. The staffing levels necessary to provide t he services below will be determined by the VTMD board on an as- needed basis.
Sales and Marketing
A sales and marketing program will promote assessed businesses as tourist, meeting, and event destinations. The sales and marketing program will have a ce ntral theme of promoting Visalia as a desirable place for overnight visits. The program will have the goal of increasing demand for overnight visitation and room night sales at assessed businesses, and may include the following activities:
• Internet marke ting efforts to increase awareness and optimize internet presence to drive overnight visitation and room sales to assessed businesses; • Print ads in magazines and newspapers targeted at potential visitors to drive overnight visitation and room sales to assessed businesses;
• Television and/or radio ads targeted at potential visitors to drive overnight visitation and room sales to assessed businesses;
• Attendance of trade shows, professional industry conferences, and affiliation events to promote assessed businesses;
• Sales blitzes for assessed businesses;
• Familiarization tours of assessed businesses;
• Preparation and production of collateral promotional materials such as brochures, visitor guides, flyers and maps featuring assessed businesses;
• Attendance of professional industry conferences and affiliation events to promote assessed businesses;
• Partnership with local and state tourism organizations to target key international markets to increase overnight visitation at assessed businesses;
• Development and implementation of a public relations and communications strategy, inclusive of social media outlets and press release distribution designed to drive overnight visitation at assessed businesses;
• Development of Return on Investment (ROI) anal ysis on effectiveness of district funds to improve effectiveness and increase demand for overnight visitation at assessed businesses; • Development of a marketing plan to ensure district funds are strategically spent to mar ket assessed businesses;
• Director of Sales and General Manager meetings to plan and coordinate tourism promotion efforts for assessed businesses;
• Development and maintenance of a website designed to promote assessed businesses; • Education of hospitality staff on service and safety (related to alcohol and food) designed to create a visitor experience that will bring repeat visits to assessed businesses; • Education of assessed business management and the Owners’ Association on marketing strategies best suited to meet assessed businesses’ needs; • Implementation, operation, and/or development of a Visitor Center; and • Community organization grants to promote events and activities that target potential visitors to drive overnight visitation and room sales to assessed businesses.
Destination Development
The Destination Development projects may include:
• Comprehensive and integrated wayfinding signage system;
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• Contributions towards funding a transportation program connecting assessed businesses with downtown, points of interest and other attractions, to increase room night sales; • Art and cultural projects, to attract overnight visitors; • Gateway enhancements, to attract overnight visitors;
• Enhancements to environmental experiences which attract overnight visitors; • Sustainability programs that offset impacts of tourist visitation within the destination; • Development of and/or improvements to visitor points of interest, such as hiking trails and parks, that attract overnight visitors;
• Enhancements to environmental experiences, which attract overnight visitors, that expose visitors to the value of the vital ecosystems; and
• Infrastructure improvements that enhance the destination’s competitive position to attract desirable special events year-round and attract overnight visitors.
Administration and Operations
The administration and operations portion of the budget shall be utilized for administrative staffing costs, office costs, advocacy, and othe r general administrative costs such as insurance, legal, and accounting fees.
City Administration Fee
The City of Visalia shall be paid a fee equal to one percent (1%) of the amount of assessment collected to cover its costs of collection and administration.
Contingency/Reserve
The assessment budget includes a contingency line item to account for unforeseen circumstances, such as higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated collections . If there are contingency funds collected, they may be held in a reserve fund or utilized for other program, administration or renewal costs at the discretion of the Owners’ Association. Policies relating to contributions to the reserve fund, the target amount of the reserve fund, and expenditure of monies from the reserve fund shall be set by the Board of Directors of the Owners’ Association. Contingency/reserve fund s may be spent on District programs or administrative and renewal costs in such proportions as determined by the Owners’ Association. The reserve fund may be used for the costs of renewing the VTMD.
C. Annual Budget
The total ten (10) year improvement and service plan budget is projected at approximately $ 650,000 annually, or $7,451,521.55 through 2032. A similar budget is expected to apply to subsequent years, but this budget is expected to fluctuate as room sales do.
The table below demonstrates the maximum cost of improvements and services over the VTMD’s ten (10) year term. A three percent (3%) annual increase in the cost of improvements and services is projected to account for anticipated increases in gross short term room rental revenue as a result of VTMD efforts.
Year Marketing
& Sales
Destination
Development
Admin Contingency
/Reserve
City Admin
Fee
Total
2023 $448,500.00 $65,000.00 $97,500.00 $32,500.00 $6,500.00 $ 650,000.00 2024 $461,955.00 $66,950.00 $100,425.00 $33,475.00 $6,695.00 $ 669,500.00 2025 $475,813.65 $68,958.50 $103,437.75 $34,479.25 $6,895.85 $ 689,585.00
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2026 $490,088.06 $71,027.26 $106,540.88 $35,513.63 $7,102.73 $ 710,272.55 2027 $504,790.70 $73,158.07 $109,737.11 $36,579.04 $7,315.81 $ 731,580.73 2028 $519,934.42 $75,352.81 $113,029.22 $37,676.41 $7,535.28 $ 753,528.15 2029 $535,532.45 $77,613.40 $116,420.10 $38,806.70 $7,761.34 $ 776,133.99 2030 $551,598.43 $79,941.80 $119,912.70 $39,970.90 $7,994.18 $ 799,418.01 2031 $568,146.38 $82,340.06 $123,510.08 $41,170.03 $8,234.01 $ 823,400.55 2032 $585,190.77 $84,810.26 $127,215.39 $42,405.13 $8,481.03 $ 848,102.57 Total $5,141,549.87 $745,152.16 $1,117,728.23 $ 372,576.08 $ 74,515.22 $7,451,521.55
D. California Constitutional Compliance
The VTMD assessment is not a property-based assessment subject to the requirements of Proposition 218. Courts have found Proposition 218 limited the term ‘assessments’ to levies on real property. 1 Rather, the VTMD assessment is a business-based assessment, and is subject to Proposition 26.
Pursuant to Proposition 26 all levies are a tax unless they fit one of seven exceptions. Two of these exceptions apply to the VTMD, a “specific benefit” and a “specific government service.” Both require that the costs of benefits or services do not exceed the reasonable costs to the City of conferring the benefits or providing the services.
1. Specific Benefit
Proposition 26 requires that assessment funds be expe nded on, “ a specific benefit conferred or privilege granted directly to the payor that is not provided to those not charged, and which does not exceed the reasonable costs to the local government of conferring the benefit or granting the privilege.”2 The services in this Pla n are designed to provide targeted benefits directly to assessed businesses, and are intended only to provide benefits and services directly to those businesses paying the assessment. These services are tailored not to serve the general public, businesses in general, or parcels of land, but rather to serve the specific businesses within the VTMD. The activities described in this Plan are specifically targeted to increase demand for room night sales for assessed businesses within the boundaries of the VTMD, and are narrowly tailored. VTMD funds will be used exclusively to provide the specific benefit of increased demand for room night sales directly to the assessees.
Assessment funds shall not be used to feature non -assessed businesses in VTMD programs, or to directly generate sales for non-assessed businesses. The activities paid for from assessment revenues are business services constituting and providing specific benefits to the assessed businesses.
The assessment imposed by this VTMD is for a specific benefit conferred directly to the payors that is not provided to those not charged. The specific benefit conferred directly to the payors is an increase in demand for room night sales. The specific benefit of an increase in demand for room night sales for assessed businesses will be provided only to businesses paying the VTMD assessment, with marketing and sales and destination development programs promoting businesses paying the VTMD assessment. The marketing and sales and destination development programs will be designed to increase room night sales at each assessed businesses. Because they are necessary to provide the marketing and sales and destination development programs that sp ecifically benefit the assessed businesses, the administration and contingency services also provide the specific benefit of increased demand for room night sales to the assessed businesses.
1 Jarvis v. the City of San Diego 72 Cal App. 4th 230
2 Cal. Const. art XIII C § 1(e)(1)
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Although the VTMD, in providing specific benefits to payors, may produce incidental benefits to non- paying businesses, the incidental benefit does not preclude the services from being considered a specific benefit. The legislature has found that, “A specific benefit is not excluded from classification as a ‘specific benefit’ merely because an indirect benefit to a nonpayor occurs incidentally and without cost to the payor as a consequence of providing the specific benefit to the payor.”3
2. Specific Government Service
The assessment may also be utilized to provide, “a specific government service or product provided directly to the payor that is not provided to those not charged, and which does not exceed the reasonable costs to the local government of providing the service or product .”4 The legislature has recognized that marketing and promotions services like those to be provided by the VTMD are government services within the meaning of Proposition 26 5. Further, the legislature has determined that “a specific government service is not excluded from classification a s a ‘specific government service’ merely because an indirect benefit to a nonpayor occurs incidentally and without cost to the payor as a consequence of providing the specific government service to the payor.”6
3. Reasonable Cost
VTMD services will be imple mented carefully to ensure they do not exceed the reasonable cost of such services. The full amount assessed will be used to provide the services described herein. Funds will be managed by the VTMD, and reports submitted on an annual basis to the City. Only assessed businesses will be featured in marketing materials, receive sales leads generated from VTMD-funded activities, be featured in advertising campaigns, and benefit from other VTMD-funded services. Non- assessed businesses will not receive these, nor any other, VTMD-funded services and benefits.
The VTMD-funded programs are all targeted directly at and feature only assessed businesses. It is, however, possible that there will be a spill over benefit to non -assessed businesses. If non -assessed businesses receive incremental room nights, that portion of the promotion or program generating those room nights shall be paid with non-VTMD funds. VTMD funds shall only be spent to benefit the assessed businesses, and shall not be spent on that portion of any program which directly generates incidental room nights for non-assessed businesses.
E. Assessment
The annual assessment rate is two percent (2%) of gross short term room rental revenue. Based on the benefit received, assess ments will not be collected on stays of more tha n thirty (30) consecutive days or stays by representatives or employees of a State or Federal government agency in the performance of their official duties as a representative or employee of the government ag ency paid for by the government agency.
The term “gross room rental revenue” as used herein means: the consideration charged, whether or not received, for the occupancy of space in an assessed business valued in money, whether to be received in money, goo ds, labor or otherwise, including all receipts, cash, credits and property and services of any kind or nature, without any deduction therefrom whatsoever. Gross room rental revenue shall not include any federal, state or local taxes collected, including bu t not limited to transient occupancy taxes.
3 Government Code § 53758(a)
4 Cal. Const. art XIII C § 1(e)(2)
5 Government Code § 53758(b)
6 Government Code § 53758(b)
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The assessment is levied upon and a direct obligation of the assessed business. However, the assessed business may, at its discretion, pass the assessment on to transients. The amount of assessment, if passed on to each transient, shall be disclosed in advance and separately stated from the amount of rent charged and any other applicable taxes, and each transient shall receive a receipt for payment from the business. If the VTMD assessment is identified separately it shall be disclosed as the “VTMD Assessment.” As an alternative, the disclosure may include the amount of the VTMD assessment and the amount of the assessment imposed pursuant to the California Tourism Marketing Act, Government Code §13995 et seq. and shall be disclosed as the “Tourism Assessment.” The assessment is imposed solely upon, and is the sole obligation of the assessed business even if it is passed on to transients. The assessment shall not be considered revenue for any purpose, includin g calculation of transient occupancy taxes.
Bonds shall not be issued.
F. Penalties and Interest
The VTMD shall reimburse the City of Visalia for any costs associated with collecting unpaid assessments. If sums in excess of the delinquent VTMD assessment are sought to be recovered in the same collection action by the City, the VTMD shall bear its pro rata share of such collection costs.
Assessed businesses which are delinquent in paying the assessment shall be responsible for paying:
1. Original Delinquency: Any assessed business that fails to remit any assessment imposed within the time required shall pay a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the assessment in additional to the amount of the assessment.
2. Continued Delinquency: Any assessed business that fails to remit any delinquent remittance on or before a period of thirty (30) days following the date on which the remittance first bec ame delinquent shall pay a second delinquency penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the assessment in addition to the amount of the assessment and the ten percent (10%) penalty first imposed.
3. Fraud: If the City determines that the nonpayment of any remittance due is due to fraud, a penalty of twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of the assessment shall be added thereto in addition to the penalties stated in paragraphs 1 and 2 above.
4. Interest: In addition to the penalties imposed, any assessed business that fails to remit any assessment imposed shall pay interest at the rate of one-half of one percent (0.5%) per month or fraction thereof on the amount of the assessment, exclusive of penalties, from the date on which the remittance first became delinquent until paid.
5. Penalties Merged with Assessment: Every penalty imposed and such interest as accrues shall become a part of the assessment herein required to be paid.
G. Time and Manner for Collecting Assessments
The VTMD assessment shall be implemented beginning January 1, 2023 and will continue for ten (10) years through December 31, 2032. The City will be responsible for collecting the assessment on a monthly basis (including any delinquencies, penalties and interest) from each assessed business. The City shall take all reasonable efforts to collect the assessments from each assessed business. The City shall forward the assessments collected to the Owners’ Association.
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V. GOVERNANCE
A. Owners’ Association
The City Council, through adoption of this Management District Plan, has the right, pursuant to Streets and Highways Code §36651, to identify the body that shall implement the proposed program, which shall be the Owners’ Association of the VTMD as defined in Streets and Highways Code §36612. The City Council has determined that the Visalia Tourism Marketing District Corporation (VTMDC) shall continue to serve as the Owners’ Association for the VTMD. The entirety of the VTMDC Board of Directors shall be representatives of businesses paying the VTMD assessment.
B. Brown Act and California Public Records Act Compliance An Owners’ Association is a private entity and may not be considered a public entity for any purpose, nor may its board members or staff be considered to be public officials for any purpose. The Owners’ Association is, however, subject to government regulations relating to transparency, namely the Ralph M. Brown Act and the California Public Records Act. These regulations are designed to promote public accountability. The Owners’ Association acts as a legislative body under the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code §54 950 et seq.). Thus, meetings of the VTMDC board and certain committees must be held in compliance with the public notice and other requirements of the Brown Act. The Owner s’ Association is also subject to the record keeping and disclosure requirements of the California Public Records Act. Accordingly, the Owners’ Association shall publicly report any action taken and the vote or abstention on that action of each member present for the action.
C. Annual Report
The VTMD shall present an annual report at th e end of each year of operation to the City Council pursuant to Streets and Highways Code §36650 (see Appendix 1). The annual report shall include:
• Any proposed changes in the boundaries of the improvement district or in any benefit zones or classification of businesses within the district.
• The improvements and activities to be provided for that fiscal year. • An estimate of the cost of providing the improvements and the activities for that fiscal year. • The method and basis of levying the assessment in suffi cient detail to allow each business owner to estimate the amount of the assessment to be levied against his or her business for that fiscal year.
• The estimated amount of any surplus or deficit revenues to be carried over from a previous fiscal year.
• The estimated amount of any contributions to be made from sources other than assessments levied pursuant to this part.
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APPENDIX 1 – LAW
*** THIS DOCUMENT IS CURRENT THROUGH THE 2021 SUPPLEMENT *** (ALL 2020 LEGISLATION)
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
DIVISION 18. PARKING
PART 7. PROPERTY AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT LAW OF 1994
CHAPTER 1. General Provisions
ARTICLE 1. Declarations
36600. Citation of part
This part shall be known and may be cited as the “Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994.”
36601. Legislative findings and declarations; Legislative guidance
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Businesses located and operating within business districts in some of this state’s communities are economically disadvantaged, are underutilized, and are unable to attract customers due to inadequate facilities, services, and activities in the business districts. (b) It is in the public interest to promote the economic revitalization and physical maintenance of business districts in order to create jobs, attract new businesses, and prevent the erosion of the business districts. (c) It is of particular local benefit to allow business districts to fund business related improvements, maintenance, and activities through the levy of assessments upon the businesses or real property that receive benefits from those improvements.
(d) Assessments levied for the purpose of conferring special benefit upon the real property or a specific benefit upon the businesses in a business district are not taxes for the general benefit of a city, even if property, businesses, or persons not assessed receive incidental or collateral effects that benefit them. (e) Property and business improvement districts formed throughout this state have conferred special benefits upon properties and businesses within their districts and have made those properties and businesses more useful by providing the following benefits:
(1) Crime reduction. A study by the Rand Corporation has confirmed a 12-percent reduction in the incidence of robbery and an 8-percent reduction in the total incidence of violent crimes within the 30 districts studied.
(2) Job creation.
(3) Business attraction.
(4) Business retention.
(5) Economic growth.
(6) New investments.
(f) With the dissolution of redevelopment agencies throughout the state, property and business improvement districts have become even more important tools with which communities can combat blight, promote economic opportunities, and create a clean and safe environment. (g) Since the enactment of this act, the people of California have adopted Proposition 218, which added Article XIII D to the Constitution in order to place certain requirements and restrictions on the formation of, and activities, expenditures, and assessments by property-based districts. Article XIII D of the Constitution provides that property-based districts may only levy assessments for special benefits. (h) The act amending this section is intended to provide the Legislature’s guidance with regard to this act, its interaction with the provisions of Article XIII D of the Constitution, and the determination of special benefits in property-based districts.
(1) The lack of legislative guidance has resulted in uncertainty and inconsistent application of this act, which discourages the use of assessments to fund needed improvements, maintenance, and activities in property-based districts, contributing to blight and other underutilization of property. (2) Activities undertaken for the purpose of conferring special benefits upon property to be assessed inherently produce incidental or collateral effects that benefit property or persons not assessed.
Therefore, for special benefits to exist as a separate and distinct category from general benefits, the
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incidental or collateral effects of those special benefits are inherently part of those special benefits.
The mere fact that special benefits produce incidental or collateral effects that benefit property or persons not assessed does not convert any portion of those special benefits or their incidental or collateral effects into general benefits.
(3) It is of the utmost importance that property-based districts created under this act have clarity regarding restrictions on assessments they may levy and the proper determination of special benefits.
Legislative clarity with regard to this act will provide districts with clear instructions and courts with legislative intent regarding restrictions on property-based assessments, and the manner in which special benefits should be determined.
36602. Purpose of part
The purpose of this part is to supplement previously enacted provisions of law that authorize cities to levy assessments within property and business improvement districts, to ensure that those assessments conform to all constitutional requirements and are determined and assessed in accordance with the guidance set forth in this act. This part does not affect or limit any other provisions of law authorizing or providing for the furnishing of improvements or activities or the raising of revenue for these purposes.
36603. Preemption of authority or charter city to adopt ordinances levying assessments
Nothing in this part is intended to preempt the authority of a charter city to adopt ordinances providing for a different method of levying assessments for similar or additional purposes from those set forth in this part. A property and business improvement district created pursuant to this part is expressly exempt from the provisions of the Special Assessment Investigation, Limitation and Majority Protest Act of 1931 (Division 4 (commencing with Section 2800)).
36603.5. Part prevails over conflicting provisions
Any provision of this part that conflicts with any other provision of law shall prevail over the other provision of law, as to districts created under this part.
36604. Severability
This part is intended to be construed liberally and, if any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Assessments levied under this part are not special taxes.
ARTICLE 2. Definitions
36606. “Activities”
“Activities” means, but is not limited to, all of the following that benefit businesses or real property i n the district:
(a) Promotion of public events.
(b) Furnishing of music in any public place.
(c) Promotion of tourism within the district.
(d) Marketing and economic development, including retail retention and recruitment. (e) Providing security, sanitatio n, graffiti removal, street and sidewalk cleaning, and other municipal services supplemental to those normally provided by the municipality. (f) Other services provided for the purpose of conferring special benefit upon assessed real property or specific benefits upon assessed businesses located in the district.
36606.5. “Assessment”
“Assessment” means a levy for the purpose o f acquiring, constructing, installing, or maintaining improvements and providing activities that will provide certain benefits to properties or businesses located within a property and business improvement district.
36607. “Business”
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“Business” means all types of businesses and includes financial institutions and professions.
36608. “City”
“City” means a city, county, city and county, or an agency or entity created pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, the public member agencies of which includes only cities, counties, or a city and county, or the State of California.
36609. “City council”
“City council” means the city council of a city or the board of supervisors of a county, or the agency, commission, or board created pursuant to a joint powers agreement and which is a city within the meaning of this part.
36609.4. “Clerk”
“Clerk” means the clerk of the legislative body.
36609.5. “General benefit”
“General benefit” means, for purposes of a property-based district, any benefit that is not a “special benefit” as defined in Section 36615.5.
36610. “Improvement”
“Improvement” means the acquisition, construction, installa tion, or maintenance of any tangible property with an estimated useful life of five years or more including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Parking facilities.
(b) Benches, booths, kiosks, display cases, pedestrian shelters and signs. (c) Trash receptacles and public restrooms.
(d) Lighting and heating facilities.
(e) Decorations.
(f) Parks.
(g) Fountains.
(h) Planting areas.
(i) Closing, opening, widening, or narrowing of existing streets. (j) Facilities or equipment, or both, to enhance security of persons and property within the district. (k) Ramps, sidewalks, plazas, and pedestrian malls.
(l) Rehabilitation or removal of existing structures.
36611. “Management district plan”; “Plan”
“Management district plan” or “plan” means a proposal as defined in Section 36622.
36612. “Owners’ association”
“Owners’ association” means a private nonprofit entity that is under contract with a city to administer or implement improvements, maintenance, and activities specified in the management district plan. An owners’ association may be an existing nonprofit entity or a newly formed nonprofit entity. An owners’ association is a private entity and may not be considered a public entity for any purpose, nor may its board members or staff be consider ed to be public officials for any purpose. Notwithstanding this section, an owners’ association shall comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code), at all times when matters within the subject matter of the district are heard, discussed, or deliberated, and with the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code), for all records relating to activities of the district. 36614. “Property”
“Property” means real property situated within a district.
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36614.5. “Property and business improvement district”; “District”
“Property and business improvement district,” or “district,” means a property and business improvement district established pursuant to this part.
36614.6. “Property-based assessment”
“Property-based assessment” means any assessment made pursuant to this part upon real property.
36614.7. “Property-based district”
“Property-based district” means any district in which a city levies a property-based assessment.
36615. “Property owner”; “Business owner”; “Owner”
“Property owner” means any person shown as the owner of land on the last equalized assessment roll or otherwise known to be the owner of land by the city council. “Business owner” means any person recognized by the city as the owner of the business. “Owner” means either a business owner or a property owner. The city council has no obligation to obtain other information as to the ownership of land or businesses, and its determination of ownership shall be final and conclusive for the purposes of this part. Wherever this part requires the signature of the property owner, the signature of the authorized agent of the property owner shall be sufficient. Wherever this part requires the signature of the business owner, the signature of the authorized agent of the business owner shall be sufficient.
36615.5. “Special benefit”
“Special benefit” means, for purposes of a property -based district, a particular and distinct benefit over and above general bene fits conferred on real property located in a district or to the public at large. Special benefit includes incidental or collateral effects that arise from the improvements, maintenance, or activities of property-based districts even if those incidental or collateral effects benefit property or persons not assessed. Special benefit excludes general enhancement of property value.
36616. “Tenant”
“Tenant” means an occupant pursuant to a lease of commercial space or a dwelling unit, other than an owner.
ARTICLE 3. Prior Law
36617. Alternate method of financing certain improvements and activities; Effect on other provisions
This part provides an alternative method of financing certain improvements and activities. The provisions of this part shall not affect or limit any other provisions of law authorizing or providing for the furnishing of improvements or activities or the raising of revenue for these purposes. Every improvement area established pursuant to the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 (Part 6 (commencing with Section 36500) of this division) is valid and effective and is unaffected by this part.
CHAPTER 2. Establishment
36620. Establishment of property and business improvement district
A property and business improvement district may be established as provided in this chapter.
36620.5. Requirement of consent of city council
A county may not form a district within the te rritorial jurisdiction of a city without the consent of the city council of that city. A city may not form a district within the unincorporated territory of a county without the consent of the board
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of supervisors of that county. A city may not form a dist rict within the territorial jurisdiction of another city without the consent of the city council of the other city.
36621. Initiation of proceedings; Petition of property or business owners in proposed district
(a) Upon the submission of a writte n petition, signed by the property or business owners in the proposed district who will pay more than 50 percent of the assessments proposed to be levied, the city council may initiate proceedings to form a district by the adoption of a resolution expressing its intention to form a district.
The amount of assessment attributable to property or a business owned by the same property or business owner that is in excess of 40 percent of the amount of all assessments proposed to be levied, shall not be included in determining whether the petition is signed by property or business owners who will pay more than 50 percent of the total amount of assessments proposed to be levied. (b) The petition of property or business owners required under subdivision (a) shall in clude a summary of the management district plan. That summary shall include all of the following:
(1) A map showing the boundaries of the district.
(2) Information specifying where the complete management district plan can be obtained. (3) Information spec ifying that the complete management district plan shall be furnished upon request.
(c) The resolution of intention described in subdivision (a) shall contain all of the following:
(1) A brief description of the proposed improvements, maintenance, and activ ities, the amount of the proposed assessment, a statement as to whether the assessment will be levied on property or businesses within the district, a statement as to whether bonds will be issued, and a description of the exterior boundaries of the proposed district, which may be made by reference to any plan or map that is on file with the clerk. The descriptions and statements do not need to be detailed and shall be sufficient if they enable an owner to generally identify the nature and extent of the impr ovements, maintenance, and activities, and the location and extent of the proposed district. (2) A time and place for a public hearing on the establishment of the property and business improvement district and the levy of assessments, which shall be consis tent with the requirements of Section 36623.
36622. Contents of management district plan
The management district plan shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(a) If the assessment will be levied on property, a map of the district in sufficient detail to locate each parcel of property and, if businesses are to be assessed, each business within the district. If t he assessment will be levied on businesses, a map that identifies the district boundaries in sufficient detail to allow a business owner to reasonably determine whether a business is located within the district boundaries. If the assessment will be levied on property and businesses, a map of the district in sufficient detail to locate each parcel of property and to allow a business owner to reasonably determine whether a business is located within the district boundaries.
(b) The name of the proposed district.
(c) A description of the boundaries of the district, including the boundaries of benefit zones, proposed for establishment or extension in a manner sufficient to identify the affected property and businesses included, which may be made by reference to any plan or map that is on file with the clerk. The boundaries of a proposed property assessment district shall not overlap with the boundaries of another existing property assessment district created pursuant to this part. This part does not prohibit the boundaries of a district created pursuant to this part to overlap with other assessment districts established pursuant to other provisions of law, including, but not limited to, the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 (Part 6 (commencing with Section 36500)). This part does not prohibit the boundaries of a business assessment district created pursuant to this part to overlap with another business assessment district created pursuant to this part. This part does not prohibit the boundaries of a business assessment district created pursuant to this part to overlap with a property assessment district created pursuant to this part. (d) The improvements, maintenance, and activities proposed for each year of operation of the district and the maximum cost thereof. If the improvements, maintenance, and activities proposed for each year of operation are the same, a description of the first year’s proposed improvements, maintenance, and activities and a statement that the same improvements, maintenance, a nd activities are proposed for subsequent years shall satisfy the requirements of this subdivision.
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(e) The total annual amount proposed to be expended for improvements, maintenance, or activities, and debt service in each year of operation of the district. If the assessment is levied on businesses, this amount may be estimated based upon the assessment rate. If the total annual amount proposed to be expended in each year of operation of the district is not significantly different, the amount propos ed to be expended in the initial year and a statement that a similar amount applies to subsequent years shall satisfy the requirements of this subdivision.
(f) The proposed source or sources of financing, including the proposed method and basis of levying the assessment in sufficient detail to allow each property or business owner to calculate the amount of the assessment to be levied against his or her property or business. The plan also shall state whether bonds will be issued to finance improvements.
(g) The time and manner of collecting the assessments.
(h) The specific number of years in which assessments will be levied. In a new district, the maximum number of years shall be five. Upon renewal, a district shall have a term not to exceed 10 years. Notwi thstanding these limitations, a district created pursuant to this part to finance capital improvements with bonds may levy assessments until the maximum maturity of the bonds. The management district plan may set forth specific increases in assessments for each year of operation of the district. (i) The proposed time for implementation and completion of the management district plan. (j) Any proposed rules and regulations to be applicable to the district. (k) (1) A list of the properties or businesses to be assessed, including the assessor’s parcel numbers for properties to be assessed, and a statement of the method or methods by which the expenses of a district will be imposed upon benefited real property or businesses, in proportion to the benefit received by the property or business, to defray the cost thereof. (2) In a property -based district, the proportionate special benefit derived by each identified parcel shall be determined exclusively in relationship to the entirety of the capital cost of a public improvement, the maintenance and operation expenses of a public improvement, or the cost of the activities. An assessment shall not be imposed on any parcel that exceeds the reasonable cost of the proportional special benefit conferred on that parcel. Only special benefits are assessable, and a property-based district shall separate the general benefits, if any, from the special benefits conferred on a parcel. Parcels within a property -based district that are owned or used by any city, public agency, the State of California, or the United States shall not be exempt from assessment unless the governmental entity can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that those publicly owned parcels in fact receive no special benefit. The value of any incidental, secondary, or collateral effects that arise from the improvements, maintenance, or activities of a property -based district and that benefit property or persons not assessed shall not be deducted from the entirety of the cost of any special benefit or affect the proportionate special benefit derived by each identified parcel. (l) In a property -based district, the total amount of all special benefits to be conferred upon the properties located within the property-based district.
(m) In a property-based district, the total amount of general benefits, if any. (n) In a property -based district, a detailed engineer’s report prepared by a registered professional engineer certified by the State of California supporting all assessments contemplated by the management district plan. (o) Any other item or matter required to be incorporated therein by the city council.
36623. Procedure to levy assessment
(a) If a city council proposes to levy a new or increased property assessment, the notice and protest and hearing procedure shall comply with Section 53753 of the Government Code. (b) If a city council proposes to levy a new or increased business a ssessment, the notice and protest and hearing procedure shall comply with Section 54954.6 of the Government Code, except that notice shall be mailed to the owners of the businesses proposed to be assessed. A protest may be made orally or in writing by any interested person. Every written protest shall be filed with the clerk at or before the time fixed for the public hearing. The city council may waive any irregularity in the form or content of any written protest. A written protest may be withdrawn in writ ing at any time before the conclusion of the public hearing. Each written protest shall contain a description of the business in which the person subscribing the protest is interested sufficient to identify the business and, if a person subscribing is not shown on the official records of the city as the owner of the business, the protest shall contain or be accompanied by written evidence that the person subscribing is the owner of the business or the authorized representative. A written protest that does not comply with this section shall not be counted in determining a majority protest. If written protests are received from the owners or authorized representatives of businesses in the proposed district that will pay
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50 percent or more of the assessments pr oposed to be levied and protests are not withdrawn so as to reduce the protests to less than 50 percent, no further proceedings to levy the proposed assessment against such businesses, as contained in the resolution of intention, shall be taken for a perio d of one year from the date of the finding of a majority protest by the city council. (c) If a city council proposes to conduct a single proceeding to levy both a new or increased property assessment and a new or increased business assessment, the notice and protest and hearing procedure for the property assessment shall comply with subdivision (a), and the notice and protest and hearing procedure for the business assessment shall comply with subdivision (b). If a majority protest is received from either th e property or business owners, that respective portion of the assessment shall not be levied. The remaining portion of the assessment may be levied unless the improvement or other special benefit was proposed to be funded by assessing both property and business owners.
36624. Changes to proposed assessments
At the conclusion of the public hearing to establish the district, the city council may ado pt, revise, change, reduce, or modify the proposed assessment or the type or types of improvements, maintenance, and activities to be funded with the revenues from the assessments. Proposed assessments may only be revised by reducing any or all of them. At the public hearing, the city council may only make changes in, to, or from the boundaries of the proposed property and business improvement district that will exclude territory that will not benefit from the proposed improvements, maintenance, and activities. Any modifications, revisions, reductions, or changes to the proposed assessment district shall be reflected in the notice and map recorded pursuant to Section 36627.
36625. Resolution of formation
(a) If the city council, following the public hearing, decides to establish a proposed property and business improvement district, the city council shall adopt a resolution of formation that shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(1) A brief description of the proposed improvements, maintenance, and activities, the amount of the pro posed assessment, a statement as to whether the assessment will be levied on property, businesses, or both within the district, a statement on whether bonds will be issued, and a description of the exterior boundaries of the proposed district, which may be made by reference to any plan or map that is on file with the clerk. The descriptions and statements need not be detailed and shall be sufficient if they enable an owner to generally identify the nature and extent of the improvements, maintenance, and activities and the location and extent of the proposed district. (2) The number, date of adoption, and title of the resolution of intention. (3) The time and place where the public hearing was held concerning the establishment of the district.
(4) A determination regarding any protests received. The city shall not establish the district or levy assessments if a majority protest was received.
(5) A statement that the properties, businesses, or properties and businesses in the district established by the resolution shall be subject to any amendments to this part. (6) A statement that the improvements, maintenance, and activities to be conferred on businesses and properties in the district will be funded by the levy of the assessments. The revenue from the levy of assessments within a district shall not be used to provide improvements, maintenance, or activities outside the district or for any purpose other than the purposes specified in the resolution of intention, as modified by the city council at the hearing co ncerning establishment of the district.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, improvements and activities that must be provided outside the district boundaries to create a special or specific benefit to the assessed parcels or businesses may be provided, but shall be limited to marketing or signage pointing to the district. (7) A finding that the property or businesses within the area of the property and business improvement district will be benefited by the improvements, maintenance, and activities funded by the proposed assessments, and, for a property -based district, that property within the district will receive a special benefit.
(8) In a property -based district, the total amount of all special benefits to be conferred on the properties within the property-based district.
(b) The adoption of the resolution of formation and, if required, recordation of the notice and map pursuant to Section 36627 shall constitute the levy of an assessment in each of the fiscal years referred to in the management district plan.
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36627. Notice and assessment diagram
Following adoption of the resolution establishing district assessments on properties pursuant to Section 36625, the clerk shall record a notice and an assessment diagram pursuant to Section 3114. No other provision of Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 3100) applies to an assessment district created pursuant to this part.
36628. Establishment of separate benefit zones within district; Categories of businesses
The city council may establish one or more separate benefit zones within the district based upon the degree of benefit derived from the improvements or activities to be provided within the benefit zone and may impose a different assessment within each benefit zone. If the assessment is to be levie d on businesses, the city council may also define categories of businesses based upon the degree of benefit that each will derive from the improvements or activities to be provided within the district and may impose a different assessment or rate of assess ment on each category of business, or on each category of business within each zone.
36628.5. Assessments on businesses or property owners
The city council may levy assessments on businesses or on property owners, or a combination of the two, pursuant to this part. The city council shall structure the assessments in whatever manner it determines corresponds with the distribution of benefits from the proposed improvements, maintenance, and activities, provided that any property - based assessment conforms with the requirements set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (k) of Section 36622.
36629. Provisions and procedures applicable to benefit zones and business categories
All provisions of this part applicable to the establishment, modification, or disestablishment of a property and business improvement district apply to the establishment, modification, or disestablishment of benefit zones or categories of business. The city council shall, to establish, modify, or disestablish a benefit zone or category of business, follow the procedure to establish, modify, or disestablish a property and business improvement district.
36630. Expiration of district; Creation of new district
If a property and business improvement district expires due to the time limit set pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 36622, a new management district plan may be created and the district may be renewed pursuant to this part.
CHAPTER 3. Assessments
36631. Time and manner of collection of assessments; Delinquent payments
The collection of the assessments levied pursuant to this part shall be made at the time and in the manner set forth by the city council in the resolution levying the assessment. Assessments levied on real property may be collected at the same time and in the same manner as for the ad valorem property tax, and may provide for the same lien priority and penalties for delinquent payment. All delinquent payments for assessments levied pursuant to this part may be charged interest and penalties.
36632. Assessments to be based on estimated benefit; Classification of real property and businesses; Exclusion of residential and agricultural property
(a) The assessments levied on real property pursuant to this part shall be levied on the basis of the estimated benefit to the real property within the property and business improvement district. The city council may classify properties for purposes o f determining the benefit to property of the improvements and activities provided pursuant to this part.
(b) Assessments levied on businesses pursuant to this part shall be levied on the basis of the estimated benefit to the businesses within the property and business improvement district. The city council may classify businesses for purposes of determining the benefit to the businesses of the improvements and activities provided pursuant to this part.
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(c) Properties zoned solely for residential use, or tha t are zoned for agricultural use, are conclusively presumed not to benefit from the improvements and service funded through these assessments, and shall not be subject to any assessment pursuant to this part.
36633. Time for contesting validity of assessment
The validity of an assessment levied under this part shall not be contested in an action or proceeding unless the action or proceeding is commenced within 30 days after the resolution levying the assessment is adopted pursuant to Section 36625. An appeal from a final judgment in an action or proceeding shall be perfected within 30 days after the entry of judgment.
36634. Service contracts authorized to establish levels of city services
The city council may execute baseline service contracts that would establish levels of city services that would continue after a property and business improvement district has been formed.
36635. Request to modify management district plan
The owners’ association may, at any time, request that the city council modify the management district plan. Any modification of the management district plan shall be made pursuant to this chapter.
36636. Modification of plan by resolution after public hearing; Adoption of resolution of intention
(a) Upon the written request of the owners’ association, the city council may modify the management district plan after conducting one public hearing on the proposed modifications. The city council may modify the improvements and activities to be funded with the revenue derived from the levy of the assessments by adopting a resolution determining to make the modifications after holding a public hearing on the proposed modifications. If the modification includes the levy of a new or increased assessment, the city council shall comply with Sect ion 36623. Notice of all other public hearings pursuant to this section shall comply with both of the following:
(1) The resolution of intention shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the city once at least seven days before the public hearing.
(2) A complete copy of the resolution of intention shall be mailed by first class mail, at least 10 days before the public hearing, to each business owner or property owner affected by the proposed modification.
(b) The city council shall adopt a resolution of intention which states the proposed modification prior to the public hearing required by this section. The public hearing shall be held not more than 90 days after the adoption of the resolution of intention.
36637. Reflection of modification in notices recorded and maps
Any subsequent modification of the resolution shall be reflected in subsequent notices and maps recorded pursuant to Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 3100), in a manner consistent with the provisions of Section 36627.
CHAPTER 3.5. Financing
36640. Bonds authorized; Procedure; Restriction on reduction or termination of assessments
(a)The city council may, by resolution, determine and declare that bonds shall be issued to finance the estimated cost of some or all of the proposed improvements described in the resolution of formation adopted pursuant to Section 36625, if the resolution of formation adopted pursuant to that section provides for the issuance of bonds, under the Improvement Bond Act of 1915 (Division 10 (commencing with Section 8500)) or in conjunction with Marks -Roos Local Bond Pooling Act of 1985 (Article 4 (commencing w ith Section 6584) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code). Either act, as the case may be, shall govern the proceedings relating to the issuance of bonds, although proceedings under the Bond Act of 1915 may be modified by the city council as necessary to accommodate assessments levied upon business pursuant to this part.
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(b) The resolution adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall generally describe the proposed improvements specified in the resolution of formation adopted pursuant to Section 36625, set forth the estimated cost of those improvements, specify the number of annual installments and the fiscal years during which they are to be collected. The amount of debt service to retire the bonds shall not exceed the amount of revenue estimated to be raised from assessments over 30 years.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, assessments levied to pay the principal and interest on any bond issued pursuant to this section shall not be reduced or terminated if doing so woul d interfere with the timely retirement of the debt.
CHAPTER 4. Governance
36650. Report by owners’ association; Approval or modification by city council
(a) The owners’ association shall cause to be prepared a report for each fiscal year, except the first year, for which assessments are to be levied and collected to pay the costs of the improvements, maintenance, and activities described in the report. The owners’ association’s first report shall be due after the first year of operation of the district. The report may propose changes, including, but not limited to, the boundaries of the property and business improvement district o r any benefit zones within the district, the basis and method of levying the assessments, and any changes in the classification of property, including any categories of business, if a classification is used.
(b) The report shall be filed with the clerk and shall refer to the property and business improvement district by name, specify the fiscal year to which the report applies, and, with respect to that fiscal year, shall contain all of the following information:
(1) Any proposed changes in the boundaries of the property and business improvement district or in any benefit zones or classification of property or businesses within the district. (2) The improvements, maintenance, and activities to be provided for that fiscal year. (3) An estimate of the cost of providing the improvements, maintenance, and activities for that fiscal year.
(4) The method and basis of levying the assessment in sufficient detail to allow each real property or business owner, as appropriate, to estimate the amount of the assessment to be levied against his or her property or business for that fiscal year.
(5) The estimated amount of any surplus or deficit revenues to be carried over from a previous fiscal year.
(6) The estimated amount of any contributions to be made from sources other than assessments levied pursuant to this part.
(c) The city council may approve the report as filed by the owners’ association or may modify any particular contained in the report and approve it as modified. Any modification shall be made pursuant to Sections 36635 and 36636.
The city council shall not approve a change in the basis and method of levying assessments that would impair an authorized or executed contract to be paid from the revenues derived from the levy of assessments, including any commitment to pay principal and interest on any bonds issued on behalf of the district.
36651. Designation of owners’ association to provide improvements, maintenance, and activities
The management district plan may, b ut is not required to, state that an owners’ association will provide the improvements, maintenance, and activities described in the management district plan. If the management district plan designates an owners’ association, the city shall contract with the designated nonprofit corporation to provide services.
CHAPTER 5. Renewal
36660. Renewal of district; Transfer or refund of remaining revenues; District term limit
(a) Any district previously established whose term has expired, or will expire, may be renewed by following the procedures for establishment as provided in this chapter. (b) Upon renewal, any remaining revenues deriv ed from the levy of assessments, or any revenues derived from the sale of assets acquired with the revenues, shall be transferred to the renewed district. If the renewed district includes additional parcels or businesses not included in the prior district, the remaining revenues
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shall be spent to benefit only the parcels or businesses in the prior district. If the renewed district does not include parcels or businesses included in the prior district, the remaining revenues attributable to these parcels shall be refunded to the owners of these parcels or businesses. (c) Upon renewal, a district shall have a term not to exceed 10 years, or, if the district is authorized to issue bonds, until the maximum maturity of those bonds. There is no requirement that the boundaries, assessments, improvements, or activities of a renewed district be the same as the original or prior district.
CHAPTER 6. Disestablishment
36670. Circumstances permitting disestablishment of district; Procedure
(a) Any district established or extended pursuant to the provisions of this part, where there is no indebtedness, outstanding and unpaid, incurred to accomplish any of the purposes of the district, may be disestablished by resolution by the city council in either of the following circumstances:
(1) If the city council finds there has been misappropriation of funds, malfeasance, or a violation of law in connection with the management of the district, it shall notice a hearing on disestablishment. (2) During the operation of the district, there shall be a 30 -day period each year in which assessees may request disestablishment of the district. The first such period shall begin one year after the date of establishment of the district and shall continue for 30 days. The next such 30 -day period shall begin two years after the date of the establishment of the district. Each successive year of operation of the district shall have such a 30-day period. Upon the written petition of the owners or authorized representatives of real property or the owners or authorized representatives of businesses in the district who pay 50 percent or more of the assessments levied, the city council shall pass a resolution of intention to disestablish the district. The city council shall notice a hearing on disestablishment. (b) The city council shall adopt a resolution of intention to disestablish the district prior to the public hearing required by this section. The resolution shall state the reason for the disestablishment, shall state the time and place of the public hearing, and shall contain a proposal to dispose of any assets acquired with the revenues of the assessments levied w ithin the property and business improvement district. The notice of the hearing on disestablishment required by this section shall be given by mail to the property owner of each parcel or to the owner of each business subject to assessment in the district, as appropriate. The city shall conduct the public hearing not less than 30 days after mailing the notice to the property or business owners. The public hearing shall be held not more than 60 days after the adoption of the resolution of intention.
36671. Refund of remaining revenues upon disestablishment or expiration without renewal of district; Calculation of refund; Use of outstanding revenue collected after disestablishment of district
(a) Upon the disestablishment or expiration without renewal of a district, any remaining revenues, after all outstanding debts are paid, derived from the levy of assessments, or derived from the sale of assets acquired with the revenues, or from bond reserve or construction funds, shall be refunded to the owners of the property or businesses then located and operating within the district in which assessments were levied by applying the same method and basis that was used to calculate the assessments levied in the fiscal year in which the district is disestablished or expires. All outstanding assessment revenue collected after disestablishment shall be spent on improvements and activities specified in the management district plan. (b) If the disestablishment occurs before an assessment is levied for the fiscal year, the method and basis that was used to calculate the assessments levied in the immediate prior fiscal year shall be used to calculate the amount of any refund.
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APPENDIX 2 – ASSESSED BUSINESSES
Business Name Business Address
America's Best Value Inn 623 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 Best Western 9300 W. Airport Dr. Visalia, CA 93277
Comfort Suites Downtown 210 E. Acequia Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 Fairfield by Marriott 140 S. Akers St. Visalia, CA 93291 Hampton Inn & Suites 4747 W. Noble Ave. Visalia, CA 93277 Hilton Garden Inn (Opening in 2022) Visalia, CA
Holiday Inn Express 5625 W. Cypress Ave, Visalia CA 93277 La Quinta Inn & Suites 5438 W. Cypress Visalia, CA 93277 Lamp Liter Inn 3300 W. Mineral King Visalia, CA 93291
Majestic Inn (formerly the Marco Polo) 4545 West Noble, Visalia, CA 93277 Motel 6 4645 W. Noble Ave Visalia, CA 93277
Residence Inn 205 N. Plaza Drive, Visalia, CA 93291
Super 8 Visalia 4801 West Noble Ave, Visalia, CA 93277
The Darling Hotel 210 N. Court Street, Visalia, CA 93291 Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center 300 S. Court St. Visalia, CA 93291 Wyndham Visalia 9000 W. Airport Dr. Visalia, CA 93277