Thank goodness DTSF supplies these plants in front of my bizzo, I wouldn’t be able to figure this out on my own.
We have known about this for awhile (Item #36), but take a close look at the PDF document: SPEC-ASS-DT, and you will scratch your head about the inequality.
I have always been on the fence about this, because the organization, DTSF charges a membership fee, but if you are not a member, you still have to pay through property taxes, but don’t get the benefits of belonging as a member. I say one OR the other.
I know that several DT property owners have challenged this in the past.
My solution? I would eliminate the special assessment and ONLY have a membership fee to DTSF (higher, and base it on property value and number of employees, like the Chamber). If you don’t pay the fee, you get NO special treatment (no marketing, plants, sidewalk sweeping, etc.) from the organization.
It just seems odd and unfair that non-members of DTSF have to still pay in on their property taxes even if they get no benefits from the organization. But call me a realist.