Noting aspirations such as a second park and new sidewalks, Centerville council members welcome public opinion on whether the town should implement a food and beverage tax.
During its Jan. 27 work session, council unanimously approved a resolution paving the way for a 7 p.m. Feb. 24 public hearing about the tax.
The town would receive a maximum 1% from sales of prepared foods and beverages. The hearing is a required step before potential adoption.
Although acknowledging no one likes paying taxes, several councilors said they’re concerned about upcoming decreases in the town’s general fund because of Indiana General Assembly’s property tax reform.
Council President Dan Wandersee said the tax would “definitely help with our quality of life here that we normally pay out of the general fund.”
The tax could be used for two projects identified during the town’s recent strategic planning public engagement session. One would be to add a park, potentially south of town near Centerville Youth League facilities, with pickleball and basketball courts and new playground equipment. The cost is estimated at $350,000. Another wish would be a new downtown parking lot, nine sidewalks and historically styled streetlights from Main and Morton going east a block, estimated at $175,000.
Councilor Josh Tudor said the silver lining would be the community would experience the benefits of the tax rather than it going toward less visible needs such as town vehicles, computers or employee pay.
Tudor said new taxes aren’t something councilors take lightly, and they want to hear from residents on both sides of the issue at the hearing.
Council would have final approval over spending the tax proceeds.
Council members have spoken with some business leaders through Main Street Centerville and community members, and they received general support for the tax.
The hearing will accompany council’s regular monthly work session at town hall, 220 E. Main St., where a copy of the ordinance can be read. Comments also may be mailed to P.O. Box 125, faxed to 765-855-2514 or emailed to srice@town.centerville.in.us.
In other business
- Town Manager Kevin Slick said he’d forgo typical electricity shutoffs for nonpayment for another month because of extremely cold temperatures. Those struggling financially should leave a message for Center Township’s trustee at 765-855-5105. Other resources include ICAP (765-488-2416), local Baptist, Methodist and Nazarene churches, Salvation Army, Open Arms Ministry, and 211.
- Slick received permission to hire New Focus HR to develop a new town employment manual to comply with state and federal laws. The current handbook was written in 2016 and updated in 2017. Consultants will charge $6,000 and then another $150 per year for annual updates. Additional services could be for hiring practices and job descriptions.
- Council approved a state-required wastewater asset management plan up to $35,400 and a water audit up to $9,000, pending legal review. Lochmueller will handle both.
- Centerville Fire/Rescue encouraged attendance at a 4 p.m. Feb. 21 benefit for Boston firefighter Chris Johnston fighting aggressive cancer. A taco bar and silent auction will be in Boston’s station, 102 S. Salem St.
- Centerville Fire/Rescue received permission to seek quotes for a new command vehicle to replace its 2014 vehicle.
A version of this article appeared in the February 4 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.