Decision details

The Council considered a report which asked members to endorse the Oban Business Improvement District (BID) ballot submission and to note the Draft Business Proposal Term Three, in support of the ballot.

Decision

The Council –

1.    Noted the ballot request and the BID4Oban Draft Business Proposal, Term Three.

2.    Agreed to delegate approval of the ballot request and final proposal to preserve the veto date of 28th July 2022, to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leader and Leader of the largest Opposition Group.

3.    Agreed to instruct the Returning Officer to conduct a ballot over 42 days in 2022 from Thursday 25 August to Thursday 6 October (‘the ballot day’).

4.    Authorised the Executive Director with the responsibility for Development and Economic Growth to cast the votes on behalf of the council in favour of the BID.

5.    Agreed that the Council will charge £7,956 (incl VAT) per annum, to BID4Oban for administering the levy charge to businesses in Oban, with charges thereafter increased annually. The first increase will apply on 31 October 2023 and annually thereafter for the subsequent term of the BID.

6.    Agreed that, if BID4Oban are successful in the ballot, the Council will pay an estimated £6,120 per annum in levy contributions for Council properties in Oban.

7.    Noted that if the BID group are successful in the ballot, two representatives from the Council would be requested to sit on the BID4Oban Board, one Elected Member and one Officer.

(Ref: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated May 2022, submitted)