Building owners were divided last night on the issue of continuing the now expired Knoxville Self Sustaining Municipal Improvement District (SSMID).

A group of about 15 met at the Iowa State University Extension office and discussed the pros and cons of the program. Two petitions will be distributed by the Chamber of Commerce, both for and against the district. 25% of the owners and 25% of the total assessed value of the building in the affected area, the Knoxville Square and some of the buildings surrounding it, is needed in order to enact the continuation or end of the program. If a petition reaches that threshold it will be given to City Council for review and action.