The City of Shelbyville is in the process of adopting a food and beverage tax with a rehabilitation project in mind.
The first reading of a new 1% food and beverage tax was approved at Monday’s Shelbyville Common Council meeting.
The money captured by the tax would go toward economic development projects. Mayor Scott Furgeson wants to regain control of the Methodist Building, the tallest building on the Public Square, and turn it into a children’s learning center that would highlight Shelbyville and Shelby County.
“The public may be aware when they go out to eat currently there is already a 1% food and beverage tax that is issued by Shelby County,” explained city attorney Jennifer Meltzer. “That 1% does not stay in Shelby County. It actually goes up to Indianapolis and pays for Lucas Oil Stadium.
“This 1% will actually stay within the city of Shelbyville and be used for economic development.”
The five-story Methodist Building, located at 23 Public Square, has had multiple owners attempt to rehabilitate the structure for retail, office and apartment space but have yet to be successful. The building is currently owned by Ron Kelsay, according to Shelby County GIS.
Furgeson would like to purchase the building and make it an educational space for children and families that features community highlights.
The mayor is not looking to create a museum in downtown Shelbyville. The goal is something interactive similar to kidscommons in Columbus, Indiana.
The new food and beverage tax will likely not go into effect until later in 2025, according to Furgeson. The council must approve it on second reading and meetings will need to take place with local food and drink establishments before the tax can be collected.
In other council business Monday night at City Hall, Furgeson informed the council that the roundabout project at Miller St. and McKay Road at Shelbyville High School could open as soon as this week.
There are still landscaping and clean-up projects going on. Temporary lighting will be used until the decorative lighting arrives and can be installed, likely in late August according to city engineer Tyler Comstock.
The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed.
Pair of traffic stops net arrests
Eagles look to soar to sectional crown
Riverton Parke looks to get over sectional hump
FAA calls for airline traffic reduction to begin Friday
Central Indiana Land Trust names nature preserve to honor Efroymson family
Select Wings Etc. locations offering free entrée on Veterans Day
Tips for Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month
FSSA statement on SNAP benefits, one week delay
Gov. Braun orders flags to half-staff in honor of former Vice President Dick Cheney
Free admission to DNR properties for veterans, active-duty military, Nov. 11
Indiana Grown Holiday Box highlights local businesses for the third year
Christmas Nights of Lights returns to the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Indiana State Police wants everyone to stay safe this Halloween
Nominations being accepted for Indiana Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) of the Year
BMV warns customers of new scam text messages
National FFA Convention & Expo to call Indy home through 2040
Tortoises taken from Indianapolis Zoo found safe in Madison County park
INDOT has plans to expand electric vehicle charging
PH FFA competed in area and state Livestock Skillathon
Wednesday is Buckle Up Phone Down Day in Indiana
