During a specially convened meeting on Wednesday, December 20, the Merrillville Town Council decisively passed Ordinance 23-32, marking the initial phase in the implementation of a 1% food and beverage tax within Merrillville. Additionally, a companion Ordinance (23-33) was duly sanctioned, granting authorization to the Town Clerk-Treasurer to institute a designated receipt fund poised to receive payments projected from the State, commencing in 2024.
Both ordinances, upon their inaugural presentation, garnered resounding support with 6-1 votes. The Town Council is slated to deliberate on the adoption of these pivotal measures during the upcoming regularly scheduled session on December 26, commencing at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, located at 7820 Broadway. Stakeholders are invited to contribute their perspectives on the ordinances during the session, following the reading of each.
Should the ordinances be ratified, the food and beverage tax is slated to take effect on January 1, 2024. This excise tax will be levied on the sales of all dine-in and take-home prepared food and beverages retailed at Merrillville’s dining establishments, bars, and analogous outlets. Constituting 1% of sales in this category, the tax equates to a one-cent levy on every dollar expended. Projections estimate an annual revenue generation of approximately $1.8 million, earmarked for allocation towards Parks and Recreation initiatives as well as the advancement of tourism objectives.
For more detailed information about the food and beverage tax, please use the linked buttons below:
This webpage linked above features a dedicated link for residents to contribute their feedback on the tax and articulate suggestions regarding the preferred utilization of generated revenue.
Furthermore, a video recording of the pivotal December 20th Special Meeting is accessible using the linked button below:
To read a past blog post about “What Can a Penny Buy Today” click the linked button below.