By Nancy Edwards
A few months ago, there was a significant chance Fishers would adopt a one percent food-and-beverage tax like neighboring cities, Carmel, Noblesville and Westfield.
The proposed tax was expected to generate approximately $1 million per year and, if passed, would have gone toward either reducing the town’s tax property levy or economic development.
The council had two public hearings for residents and businesses to express their support or opposition to the tax.
During a town council meeting held at Fishers Town Hall on Dec. 2, the tax was tabled. The council had until Dec. 31 to approve the tax. It was not approved.
“What it came down to is the property tax relief didn’t resonate (with residents); it wasn’t a big enough impact to make a significant difference,” said Fishers Town Councilor Pete Peterson.
Peterson added that while an economic development deal was a more likely scenario than the property tax relief, the problem was that there was no announcement for a specific improvement.
“There was no reason to vote, (no) economic development plan ready, and everyone was going ‘let’s just let it go,’” he said.
Many restaurant owners and managers, including Bob Pollock of Nickel Plate Bar & Grill, are relieved that the tax will not be going through.
“We were somewhat concerned (before) but it seems like there’s always another tax coming from somewhere,” Pollack said. “We’re really happy (now).
Peterson said there is no plan to revive the food-and-beverage tax this year.
Attempts to reach further council members for their reactions were unsuccessful.