1% tax would generate funds for proposed sports and aquatic center
Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS — A bill that would authorize the city of Jasper to adopt a 1% food and beverage tax passed the Indiana Senate Monday by a vote of 46-3.
Senate Bill 428, authored by State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper), would allow Jasper to fund a sports and aquatic center in the city.
Similar taxes have been implemented in 53 other communities throughout Indiana.
“The proposed sports and aquatic center in Jasper will give local families something to do throughout the year and add to the quality of life and place in southwest Indiana,” Messmer said. “I am happy to see Senate Bill 428 receive such widespread support by the Indiana Senate.”
The Jasper Common Council approved a resolution in February to seek to adopt a food and beverage tax to support the construction of the recreation/aquatic center, according to the Dubois County Free Press. The center would be created by renovating and adding to the current Indiana National Guard building.
Early estimates put the cost of the center at $35 million. Construction of the center likely will be put before voters in a referendum this fall. If the referendum fails, the food and beverage tax will not take effect.
The bill also authorizes the town of Merrillville to establish a food and beverage tax to pay for an 18,000-square-foot addition to the Dean and Barbara White Community Center
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies, live streams and proposed legislation can be viewed online by visiting iga.in.gov.