Putnam County food and beverage tax discussed

Monday, January 19, 2026 at 1:10 PM

By Paul Gable

Could Putnam County residents and tourists pay a little bit more when they go out to eat?

Possibly, as one county official is floating the idea of a new food and beverage tax across the county.

Commissioner Andy Beck first brought the idea about on Putnam People on GIANT fm WREB and then mentioned it again recently at a Putnam County Commissioners meeting.

Cloverdale is the only community with a food and beverage tax. Their tax is one percent. Other than that, there is no food and beverage tax in Putnam County,” Beck told The Putnam County Post.

Beck said neighboring counties have food and beverage taxes that generate funds already.

“Parke County has one and it’s one percent. Hendricks County has one and it’s maxed at two percent,” he said.

And, he admits there would be additional funds coming in from DePauw students and faculty and staff.

"We all know the university, which does a lot for Greencastle, does not pay property taxes but we could collect on Friday and a Saturday night when the kids go out,” Beck said.

Beck is in favor of using funds from the tax for building projects, such as an annex, which has been shelved due to cost.

Jim Ensley, county attorney, told the Putnam County Commissioners he will investigate how to move forward.