Treasurer reports lower monthly collections; board hears legislative update on bills affecting CVT funding

Johnson County27s treasurer provided monthly financial figures: the treasurer27s office collected $89,965.53 for the tax period compared with $94,820.57 the same month in the prior year. The report listed December expenses and deposits, including four deposits totaling $264.12 and $4.95 in interest; expenses presented for December totaled $71,674.77 in one line and $95,575.69 in another line in the record. The transcript contains a likely transcription error listing a checkbook balance as "$553,744,100.48"; other figures and context indicate a substantial but not billion‑dollar balance and this line should be treated as a transcription mistake to be verified in the official financial packet.

Staff reported that the Relax Inn and Econo Lodge in Franklin were shut down effective Dec. 31 and cannot reopen until required changes are made; the Econo Lodge half may reopen sooner while the other property may remain out of service longer. Board members asked whether the closures would materially affect future collections; staff said reopening is possible but uncertain and may be cost‑prohibitive for the owner.

Legal counsel briefed the board on legislation: Senator Walker reintroduced a bill similar to last year27s proposal; counsel and lobbyists are working to secure committee hearings on the Senate side (Senate Judiciary, chaired by Senator Cindy Carrasco). Counsel warned the short session moves quickly and said the bill's language may be amended in committee. Members also reported an introduced bill was reported to have proposed allowing county executives to dissolve CBT boards and redirect innkeeper tax funds; staff said the proposal did not advance in early review but urged continued monitoring by the Indiana Tourism Association and local boards.