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Council reviews draft innkeeper's tax guidelines, delays resolution to May
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Summary
Tippecanoe County Council reviewed a three-page draft that would clarify how innkeeper's tax dollars can be spent and asked staff to return a recommended application process by the May meeting; members stressed avoiding "double dipping" and keeping spending aligned with tourism-focused statutory intent.
The Tippecanoe County Council reviewed draft guidelines for spending innkeeper's tax revenue and agreed to defer action until its May meeting to allow more review and to develop an application process. "So at this point, we're gonna hold off on hearing this, resolution until the May meeting," the chair said.
The draft circulated by staff lays out code language, eligible project categories and a two-part allocation approach: a restricted portion with intergovernmental support requirements and a discretionary 20% "bucket." Staff described the paperwork and reporting expectations and said the guidelines are intended to align local practice with statutory uses for tourism, recreation, economic development and quality-of-life projects.
Council and staff discussion centered on process and scope. One staff speaker urged staying within the statute's general purpose, noting that while the statute does not expressly forbid certain uses, broad operational spending could draw scrutiny from the General Assembly. "The 20% bucket...my recommendation is to stick within the general thrust of that innkeepers tax statute," the staff member said. David Byers, identified by a council member as president of Visit Lafayette, emphasized the traditional aim of the fund: "Does it bring people in to put heads in beds, which pays the taxes?" he said.
Members debated whether requests should be taken on an ad-hoc basis or handled through a scheduled application cycle. Options discussed included quarterly application deadlines or folding the review into the budget process; one councilmember suggested consulting likely applicants such as Visit Lafayette to time requests and anticipate demand.
The council asked staff to incorporate feedback and return a revised draft and recommended process at the May meeting for possible adoption. No formal allocation decisions were made at this session.
