Jackson Free Press

Jackson residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on the establishment and reauthorization of downtown Jackson's Business Improvement District during a public hearing tonight.

Downtown Jackson Partners represents the district and is proposing to expand the BID by adding a block of Farish Street, and maintain assessment rates for properties to receive services from DJP at 10 cents per square foot.

In 1996, the Mississippi Legislature passed a bill that created Business Improvement Districts and allowed cities to levy an assessment on all taxable property in those districts. The law allows DJP to collect 10 cents on each square foot of building space and "unimproved" real estate on properties in the district. In return, DJP provides support services for the properties. The district must undergo a reauthorization process every five years.

The public hearing is tonight, 6 p.m. at City Hall (219 S. President St.)