Agenda Council February 18, 2025
This post at Brown County Matters.
Appointments. Judy Wright-Simpson was appointed to PTBOA. Sue Lindberg was re-appointed to the RDC. David Couke was also appointed to the RDC.
Surveyor Salary Increase. A licensed surveyor is entitled to 1.5 % higher pay than a non-licensed surveyor.
2024 Salary Ordinance. Tabled pending analysis of the Sheriff’s Department’s stipend reconciliations.
Revenue from the Innkeeper’s Tax. Councilman Rudd is leading the council’s effort to increase the innkeepers’ tax from 5 to 8 percent. The intent is for 3% to fund public safety and to reimburse the county for visitor-related expenses that include sheriff and emergency service support provided to the state park, accidents, arrests, prosecutions, et al.
In order to specifically explain how the revenue from the innkee[pers tax can be spent, it will require changes to the Indiana Code, Title 6. Taxation Article 9. Innkeeper’s Taxes; Other Local Taxes; Chapter 14, Brown County’s Innkeepers Tax.
How the money can be spent. In addition to promoting tourism, the revenue from the innkeepers’ tax can be used for other county-related expenses and investments.
For example, in Tippecanoe County, revenue is designated for quality of life purposes, including (1) mixed-use development projects, (2) quality public spaces, (3) multiple transportation options, (4) multiple housing options, (5) revitalization of historic, blighted, or vacant properties; (6) arts, culture, and creativity; and (7) recreation and green spaces.
Council Requited Budget Reviews. Chapter 14 identifies the council’s financial responsibility to review and approve how the revenue from the innkeepers’ tax will be spent. This can include banking some of the revenue pending the needed changes in the statutes.
Independent Voters of Brown County IN 