The Downtown Sylva Association (DSA), a member of the NC Main Street Program since 1996, remains of questionable utility. The town’s budget passed on a 3-2 vote, with much debate over a $12,000 appropriation for the DSA. The DSA has received $12,000 to $20,000 from taxpayers in years past, as well as close to $10,000 from membership dues and $10,000 from private donations. The entity is supposed to make Sylva vibrant. It has a track record of supporting some programs while others fall by the wayside. People who believe in this extra layer of government would like to see a special taxing district set up to keep the organization operating.