The Flowery Branch City Council is set to discuss financing policy and procedures concerning its planned tax allocation district.

City Manager Bill Andrew plans to discuss the matter at Wednesday’s council meeting, which is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall, 5517 Main St.

A tax allocation district is an underdeveloped or blighted area that local governments can target for improvement using property taxes from future developments as the primary funding source.

Voters statewide gave their approval to a constitutional amendment that allows school system money to help with such endeavors.

The city has crafted a 567-acre district, with plans to enliven its downtown district and other areas, including undeveloped land surrounding Thurmon Tanner Parkway and Phil Niekro Boulevard.

The centerpiece of downtown revitalization is Old Town Flowery Branch, a planned $15 million mixture of boutiques, eateries and homes.

Wednesday’s meeting will be the council’s first of the year.

As such, the council also is scheduled to vote on meeting dates and times for 2009. The council now typically meets at 9:30 a.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

In other business, the council plans to:

• Hear from Andrew on a review of the fiscal 2007-08 audit. The fiscal year ended June 30.
• Andrew also plans to give an update on the city’s sewer development.
• Vote on tax lien placement and demand letters regarding utility nonpayment.
• Hear a report concerning the Spring Festival proposed for April 18.