Common Council tables second reading of proposed food and beverage tax

The Shelbyville Common Council pumped the brakes on a proposed 1% food and beverage tax.

The first reading of the ordinance went through unopposed at the council’s previous meeting on July 21. Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson proposed a 1% food and beverage tax that would be used for capital improvement projects in the city.

Furgeson stated the first project would be the renovation of the Methodist Building in downtown Shelbyville.

Councilman Thurman Adams (R-5^th Ward) asked to table the second reading of the ordinance Monday night to allow for more time to discuss a new tax. Councilman Denny Harrold (R-At Large) seconded the motion which was approved 7-0.

Prior to Monday’s council meeting at City Hall, the Redevelopment Commission met and agreed to grant $800,000 in TIF money to the Shelby County Development Corporation to purchase the Methodist Building.

The new food and beverage tax would then reimburse the TIF account once funds are accrued. That agreement cannot go forward until the council approves the tax.

The mayor envisions the Methodist Building (photo), the largest building in downtown Shelbyville, becoming a “playscape” or interactive learning center that would highlight Shelbyville and Shelby County.

“I get comments from people all the time that there is nothing to do for families or there is nothing to do for kids, or for parents with their kids,” explained Furgeson at Monday’s meeting. “This is an opportunity to do this.”

Furgeson agreed a special meeting could be held to better discuss the proposal that would be funded by the food and beverage tax. The meeting also would allow for more time for public input.

No date for a special meeting was set Monday.

The next Shelbyville Common Council meeting is Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

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