Lexington’s Urban County Council approved the creation of the Downtown Lexington Management District Thursday.
The area, whose boundaries include Newtown Pike, Midland Avenue, High, and Second Street, will levy a tax of no more than 10 cents for every 100 dollars of assessed property value in the area. The funds would be used to supplement city services such as waste removal and public safety, as well as other areas beneficial to downtown property owners. While some citizens and property owners complained that it was just another tax, Vice Mayor Steve Kay was supportive.
“It’s going to put more emphasis on downtown, more resources on downtown, to make downtown more appealing for more people, so I think it’s all good," he said.
Councilmember Jennifer Scutchfield was the sole dissenting vote on the ordinance. Her colleague, Councilmember Ed Lane, wanted to table the measure for more discussion, but withdrew his motion due to lack of support. Regardless of opinion, however, the ordinance that created the Management District retains its 5-year sunset provision.