New Food and Beverage Tax to Take Effect

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A new countywide food and beverage begins Thursday. The one percent tax is being applied to hot foods, and foods comprised of two or more ingredients that are sold as a single item.

Though county officials passed the tax into law in December, some still have concerns about its effect on low-and-fixed income individuals. County Council member Marty Hawk says she’s especially concerned about the effect the tax will have on area seniors.

The county adopted the tax to help pay for expanding the Bloomington Monroe County Convention Center. The expansion is currently estimated to cost $72 million and would include a new Embassy Suites Hotel. However, the cost of the hotel is expected to be carried by a private hotel developer.

The food and beverage tax ordinance allows for a portion of the proceeds to be funneled into special projects.