Batavia tax plan moves forward

The city of Batavia is moving forward with a proposed special taxing area for downtown, despite some council members saying it has too much opposition to become a reality.

The City Council voted 9-5 to set a public hearing for the special service area on Tuesday night. That entails researching downtown property owners and sending registered letters to them, at a cost of about $8,000.

The 75-cent tax per $100 of assessed value would go toward Batavia MainStreet, as well as parking and transit improvements.

If more than half of registered voters and property owners in the area sign a petition against it, the city can't move forward.

That's the likely outcome, said Alderman Jim Volk, as every person he's talked to about the proposal has been against it.

Alderman Eldon Frydendall said it was the wrong time to impose a tax on downtown businesses with the bridge construction and numerous vacant buildings in the area.

Alderman Linnea Miller said that through the public process, the council could tweak the proposal with input from business owners.

Alderman Forrest Nelson said the city often spends money with the intent of redeveloping downtown, such as infrastructure upgrades and planning consultants.

"This is one more component of doing something about downtown, instead of saying 'Oh, everyone will be against it,' he said.

Voting no along with Volk and Frydendall were Victor Dietz, Nancy Vance and Jodie Wollnik.

The council will hold its public hearing on the issue on Oct. 15.