Taylor council unanimously approves downtown initiatives package, amid questions about hotel‑occupancy tax use

The Taylor City Council voted unanimously on April 23 to approve a multi‑part downtown initiatives package intended to boost walkability, tourism and small‑business retention in the city’s historic core.

City staff outlined three primary efforts: a “front porch” initiative to add soft landscaping, trash receptacles, bike racks, pedestrian bump‑outs and electrical upgrades for downtown lighting; an identity and tourism program that would improve the city’s tourism website and fund a dedicated Main Street manager plus event/tourism staff; and a retention, recruitment and revitalization stream that includes a $50,000 matching economic development grant, a ‘Stay a While’ small‑improvements grant and a Blue Dot rewards program to drive repeat visits to participating downtown businesses.

“Everything that we’re proposing here is included in existing master plans,” the staff presenter said, adding that many of the proposed actions are intended to be implemented this fiscal year using TIF funds and other dedicated downtown budgets. The package also includes alley activation, a modest longevity recognition for long‑standing businesses and infrastructure work on Heritage Square.

During discussion, several council members raised questions about the permissible uses of hotel‑occupancy (HOT) tax revenue and whether the downtown initiatives could legally be funded from HOT funds. Citizen John McDonnell urged the council to prioritize HOT funds for upgrades at the TRP sports complex, saying those improvements would directly support sports tourism. Staff responded that historically large TRP improvements have been funded with bonds and grants, that HOT revenues have only recently grown to material levels, and that staff will review statutory criteria and coordinate the downtown program with the tourism master plan.

Council members emphasized balancing investments so TRP and downtown both benefit. After that exchange, Mayor Pro Tem Samir moved to approve the downtown initiatives as presented; Councilwoman Long seconded and the motion carried, 5–0.

Supporters in the public and on the dais said the program pulls together multiple master plans and is intended to make downtown more walkable and easier to find for visitors. The council asked staff to provide follow‑up analysis on funding sources and legal constraints for HOT expenditures before allocating HOT funds to downtown projects.

The approved package is slated to begin implementation in the current and next fiscal year; staff said more detailed project lists and budget allocations will be returned to council as specific proposals are developed.