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Vermillion County Council approves $6,000 from innkeeper's tax to cover utilities at Newport Old Jail
Summary
The county council approved a $6,000 additional appropriation from the Convention, Visitor and Tourism (innkeeper's tax) fund to cover heating and electricity for the historic Newport Old Jail after representatives from the historical society and the innkeeper's tax board requested help with utilities and minor repairs.
The Vermillion County Council on June 9 approved a $6,000 additional appropriation from the Convention, Visitor and Tourism fund (Fund 11‑27) to pay for electric heating and related utilities at the historic Newport Old Jail.
The request was presented by members of the Vermillion County Historical Society and representatives of the county's innkeeper's tax board. Rhonda Arisman spoke to the council and described the society's outreach and fundraising efforts. Steve Axel, president of the historical society and president of the innkeeper's tax board, told the council the innkeeper's tax board had approved the $6,000 request and that the society would also use a previously appropriated $3,500. "As far as what we're requesting, I'd say we're good to go with the $6,000 that Dale and then the $3,500, it's already appropriated," Axel said.
Council members and staff discussed the society's broader needs. The historical society reported a contractor estimate of $9,650 for exterior painting and repair work; society representatives said a $12,000 total would be ideal to address additional foundation and repair work, but the formal request before the council was $6,000 for utilities. Council members noted the innkeeper's tax fund cash balance shown in the packet was about $17,820 and that $3,500 had already been budgeted for the society this year.
Councilman Rick Costello moved to approve the $6,000 appropriation; Mr. Bose seconded the motion. The council approved the appropriation by voice vote.
Council discussion included a request that any previously donated innkeeper's tax money be used for its intended tourism/historic purpose rather than being redirected to other organizations. Historical society leaders described visitor activity ("anywhere from a thousand to 1,800 people a year" visit the building) and explained that restrictions tied to the building's listing on the National Register of Historic Places limit some energy-efficiency upgrades and can raise restoration costs. Speakers also noted the building's insurance is about $3,500 per year and that much larger structural repairs would require additional fundraising and community involvement.
The appropriation covers utilities only; no county decision was made this meeting to fund foundation or major structural repairs.
