Money from the proposed 1 percent food and beverage tax could be earmarked for an expansion of the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center, and proponents of the project say it could bring up to 200 jobs to the community. However, some residents wonder about the downside of an expansion project that right now appears to be all benefits.
Convention center staff, the Monroe County Council members and residents met for a roundtable discussion about the issue Tuesday.
“We’re talking about 1,000 new attendees in Bloomington and Monroe County every week spending $23,000,” said Mike McAfee, executive director of Visit Bloomington, of the project. “I’m not hearing about any investments going on around here that would create those types of numbers.”
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The county council is considering a 1 percent food and beverage tax that can be used for a convention center, a conference center or related tourism or economic development projects.
Another public meeting, hosted by Monroe County Council member Marty Hawk, Monroe County Commissioner Patrick Stoffers and Ellettsville Town Council member Dan Swafford, will be at the Ellettsville Fire Station at 6 p.m. May 29.
