Agenda item

The Council gave consideration to a report that sought approval of the Oban Business Improvement District (BID) ballot submission and the Business Proposal, Term Three, in support of the ballot.

Decision

The Council –

1.    approved the ballot request, approved the Oban BID Business Proposal and agreed to instruct the Returning Officer to conduct a ballot over 42 days in 2022 from Thursday 27th October to Thursday 8th December (‘the ballot day’);

2.    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;

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

4.    agreed that, if BID4Oban were successful in the ballot, the Council would pay an estimated £6,120 per annum in levy contributions for Council properties in Oban;

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

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