The Fishers City Council set aside an entire meeting to conduct a public hearing on a proposed 1% Food and Beverage Tax levied on restaurant meals.  Deputy Mayor Elliott Hultgren reviewed how the tax would work and projected the estimated $3.2 million in annual revenue would be utilized to partially finance a new Events Center as part of the expanded Fishers District development.

Former Town Council member Mike Colby asked about the possibility of inserting a sunset provision in the law, so it would expire after a specific number of years.  He also asked whether the upcoming council vote will be the final vote approving the tax.

Jack Russell of One Zone Chamber of Commerce expressed the Chamber’s support for the tax.

Brenda Myers from Hamilton County Tourism cited data supporting the idea of the Events Center and supports the tax.

Fishers resident Charles Dresser was the final speaker and he clearly opposes the tax.  He listed all the taxes he currently pays to federal, state and county governments.  He told the council he is “taxed enough.”

The City Council will vote on the Food and Beverage Tax at the October 10 meeting, 7pm, at the Launch Fishers Huston Theatre.