Downtown Denton Ambassador Program in Controversy
Business owners in Downtown Denton resist imposing a new tax to sustain the Ambassador program on the Square.
The Downtown Denton Ambassador Program, introduced by security company Block by Block, offers services ranging from trash removal and graffiti cleanup to security and public relations. However, the city's inability to fund the program beyond its initial two-year phase has stirred up a buzz[1][2].
Tax Hike Resistance
Downtown businesses have predominantly expressed disapproval towards raising taxes to support the program, asserting that the city should be handling these issues[1]. This sentiment was echoed in various social media posts, with many perceiving the program as an unnecessary additional cost.
Seeking Alternatives
As of now, no alternative funding sources have been explicitly identified for the program. The focus is on exploring various options as part of the upcoming budget discussions, with the Denton City Council scheduled to discuss funding for the ambassador program at their June 17 meeting[1].
The Future Awaits
The resistance towards tax increases, coupled with the lack of funds, casts doubt on the future of the program. The city council will need to ponder over alternative funding models or adjust the program's scope to ensure its continuation.
Insights:
- Core Services: Services provided by the program include cleaning, hospitality, and security.
- Funding Concerns: The main challenge is securing funds to sustain the program beyond the initial two years.
- Community Opinion: A majority of downtown businesses and residents oppose the idea of raising taxes to support the program.
- Upcoming Discussions: The Denton City Council will discuss potential funding for the ambassador program at their June 17 meeting.
The community's main opposition towards the proposed tax hike highlights their perceived unnecessary additional cost for the Downtown Denton Ambassador Program, which provides services such as cleaning, hospitality, and security. In the upcoming budget discussions, the Denton City Council is focused on exploring alternative funding sources to ensure the program's continuation, as a lack of funds beyond the initial two years has cast doubt on its future.
