Management Summary Proposed Rate Change This year's budget proposes: 2% rate increase for properties assessed at the high rate 54% increase for properties assessed at the low rate Use of $17,000 or less from reserves

Reserve Account
Over the past few years, the BIA's ratepayer board has elected to use funds held in reserve as much as possible to maintain levels of service while offsetting the need to drastically increase rates. The reserve account has been drawn down to the extent that reserves now must be maintained in order to allow for cash flow, equipment replacement and emergencies. Therefore, the proposed budget anticipates much lower expenditure of reserves in 2006-2007 (compared with more than $91,000 in 2005-2006 and more than $172,000 in 2005-2005).

Security
BIA funding supports radio-directed patrols throughout the 84-block district. Services are coordinated with police and other public safety agencies to provide maximum flexibility in response to ratepayer needs. The 2006-2007 budget and work plan maintains this program and allows the contractor to provide wage and benefit increases in order to keep key positions competitive. District management has initiated an operational review of the program and will seek competitive bids in order to keep the program cost-effective and beneficial.

Maintenance
BIA maintenance crews clean sidewalks and other common areas weekly (more often in high traffic areas). The 2006-2007 budget and work plan maintains this program and allows wage and benefit increases in order to keep key positions competitive. The budget also includes support for common area improvements recommended in the Tacoma Downtown Streetscape Study and Design Concepts.

Marketing
The proposed budget and work plan supports regular, effective communication with district ratepayers to support their goal of preserving and enhancing their property values by highlighting the BIA as a desirable area in which to work, shop, live and visit.

Contacts
Ratepayers with questions or concerns may contact staff for the BIA:

Operations
Chelsea Levy
E-mail: ChelseaL@tacomachamber.org

Administration & Billing
Joanne Buselmeier
E-mail: JoanneB@tacomachamber.org