Merrillville council approves food and beverage tax
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The Merrillville Town Council on Tuesday officially approved a 1% food and beverage tax. The tax will now go into effect on Jan. 1, and the town says the revenue generated will support tourism and parks and recreation initiatives.
The final vote on the second reading of the tax ordinance was 5-1, with Councilor Leonard White repeating is “no” vote from the first reading last week. Councilor Rhonda Neal was not present for the vote.
The council heard public testimony on the tax, with Merrillville Clerk-Treasurer-elect Eric January, again questioning the need for the tax as he did in last week’s meeting.
“I think that a lot of the reason that we are asking for this 1% tax is because we haven’t necessarily been the most disciplined town when it comes to the money that we’re given,” January told the council.
January, who will take office on Jan. 1., also questioned the timing of the tax, particularly with new council members about to take office as well.
Council President Rick Bella noted that the council surveyed in the incoming councilors, all of whom expressed support for the tax.
The council’s website outlines several ideas for which the revenue from the tax could be used:
Parks and Recreation
- Revamp existing neighborhood parks with modern equipment and upgrades.
- Build new neighborhood parks in areas where no park is available for residents.
- Build a bandstand-type park for outdoor concerts and other shows that can be performed.
- Expand the Dean and Barbara White Community Center by adding two basketball that would convert into four volleyball courts so regional tournaments can be hosted at the facility.
- Expand programs at the community center.
Tourism
- Add sidewalks to connect our community for residents and tourism. This would utilize ideas as presented in the Comprehensive Plan update.
- Add signalized crosswalks to provide safe pedestrian and bicycle passage throughout town to again connect our community and allow access to commerce and increase tourism.
- Add decorative street lighting and welcoming signage to entrance points in town.
- Identify and build a new town square-type downtown area to give Merrillville an identity that was never accomplished upon becoming a town over 50 years ago.
- Build a splash pad for children to enjoy.
- Establish the recommendations that we expect to receive from resident feedback from the Merrillville Momentum Comprehensive Plan due for completion in early 2024.
The council said it will devise a formal plan to use the funding at a later date.