For the purposes of Sections 21-43-101 through 21-43-133 the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context shall otherwise require: 
 

(a) "District" means a business improvement district established pursuant to Sections 21-43-101 through 21-43-133. 

(b) "District management group" means an established and independent Mississippi non-profit corporation and may also include a local Chamber of Commerce, a downtown development corporation, a Main Street Project or a department of a local municipality as determined solely by a simple majority of the property owners included in the district. 

(c) "District plan" means a set of goals and strategies as collectively determined by a majority of the property owners included in the district and as incorporated within Sections 21-43-101 through 21-43-133. 

(d) "Improvements" means any capital project constructed within the public areas, with the approval of the municipality, for any business improvement district or services established under Sections 21-43-101 through 21-43-133 to improve the appearance or economic functioning of property located within the district including, but not limited to: 

(i) Parks and related facilities; 

(ii) Sidewalks, street curbing, street medians, planting areas, underground utilities, lighting standards or fountains; 

(iii) Trees, shrubs, flowers or other vegetation; 

(iv) Security services which may include assistance to public law enforcement through employment of private security personnel and the purchase of equipment or technology; 

(v) Economic development services and assistance including, but not limited to, promotion of business, retail or industrial development developer recruitment, business recruitment, business marketing and business retention; 

(vi) Parking management; 

(vii) Street and sidewalk cleaning; 

(viii) Recreational and/or cultural activities; 

(ix) Training programs for employees of businesses within the district; 

(x) Any other services, events or activities which will enhance the economic prosperity, enjoyment, appearance, image and safety of the district; 

(xi) Refuse collection and disposal services; 

(xii) The production and marketing of special events and festivals; 

(xiii) Management of public facilities; 

(xiv) Fire prevention services; 

(xv) Water and sewer system enhancement; 

(xvi) Drainage enhancements; 

(xvii) Signage installation and removal; 

(xviii) Planning studies; 

(xix) Marketing studies; 

(xx) Tourism development services; and 

(xxi) Collective community child care centers. 

(e) "Property owner" means that person or persons, entity or entities possessing a majority of the ownership interest in a piece of taxable real property. 

(f) "Tax exempt properties" means properties which are exempt from certain real property taxes pursuant to Section 27-31-1. 

Sources: Laws,  1995, ch. 442, § 3, eff from and after passage (approved March 21, 1995).