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Letters to the Editor
Local innkeeper weighs in on proposed tax
To the Editor:
The Innkeeper's tax has been discussed several times before and by the same group. I read the Commissioner's meeting minutes and there were some opinions presented as facts and some inaccuracies. I have operated a B&B and currently have rental units operating under Section 31 16-41-31-1 for about 10 years. No one has asked my opinion.
While the tax sounds like it might be a good idea, it is not. Previous estimates stated that the tax would bring in $45k but that the administrative costs were about the same. Who would administer the benefits of the tax if not a new employee? If no new employee would be required then perhaps some cost cuts are available? All that seems to be presented is a centralized brochure agency. The Internet has made printed media almost obsolete. Printed media distribution is already being done by our Chambers and fits their mission.
Brochures and printed media are less than 5 percent of my advertising. I have a 4-State brochure distribution system and spend far less of what the proposed tax would be. I also get several very good brochures about the area and "attractions" from the Linton Chamber and I distribute in my rental units. I do not think we need another brochure(s) especially if it does not help the Innkeeper DIRECTLY but just gets more people to visit. I could say, "Why am I paying for other non-innkeeper's increased business?" This tax seems to target Greene's emerging hospitality industry.
At booking I have had questions about what additional taxes are to be added. They cite bad experiences with Brown County and surprises at checkout. 7% sales tax is a lot and adding to it would either reduce profit (if any) or increase room costs and reduce booking numbers. No tax would increase bookings, not the other way around. More taxes are not the answer. Innkeepers already pay a 2% cap property tax
Collecting, depositing, and filing forms for sales tax is a chore and the Sales Tax Commission can be brutal if there are mistakes. The time and paperwork to collect and process an Innkeeper Tax is not that much but it still takes time.
I truly believe that an additional tax on my guests would not produce more guests. I believe there are adequate brochures and distribution systems that exist now and an additional system is unnecessary. If a tax is passed, I would recommend the money be sent to the Chambers. Please, no new tax.
John Cline
Lyons
Crowd-funding page to benefit neighboring Owen County
To the Editor:
Shaylyn Ammerman.
What goes through your mind when you hear that name? Grief for the loss of such a young, beautiful life? Anger at the fact that an angel was slain? Disgust and horror at the thought of the sexual abuse, nay, sexual assault, she experienced? We've all been following the story, its difficult to turn on social media without seeing her beautiful face or her alleged killer. However, little good has come from this story. That is until now.
My wife, Kassie Smithey, grew up in Gosport in Owen County, near where Shaylyn was discovered. My wife has been emotionally traumatized during this entire story. I venture to guess that she is not alone.
Kassie was so affected by Shaylyn's story that she had to do something. Hence, we have now set up a YouCaring crowd-funding page to benefit Owen County. Her goal is large -- to raise $20,000 in the month of April -- Child Abuse Awareness Month. With that money she has set the foundation for a fund to be developed with the Owen County Community Foundation. This fund will finance the training of individuals in Owen County every year to become a Steward of Children through the Darkness2Light organization (www.d2l.org). This Steward would then be able to train others within the community to increase awareness and prevention of child sexual abuse, and so much more. If we could surpass our $20,000 goal, then we can set up a scholarship in surrounding counties as well.
We need your help. Our goal is so large that we can't do it alone. We need people in your demographic range to hear and pledge to make a difference.
Help make something bright come from such a macabre story. Help bring peace and hope to a community that has drown in anger and heartbreak. Help us stitch together the broken pieces of Owen County. Help us make a positive impact on children's lives for many years to come.
Still not convinced?
Please visit: "Stewards of Children Scholarship Fund" YouCaring page to get more info:
https://www.youcaring.com/the-community-of-owen-county-549828
Our story shared by WTHR:
http://www.wthr.com/story/31650420/murder-of-spencer-toddler-inspires-woman-to-a...
Owen County Community Foundation article referencing our efforts (near bottom):
http://www.spencereveningworld.com/news/2016-04- 08/Columns/Y our_Owen_County_Community_Foundation.html
With gratitude,
Adam Smithey
Martinsville