A pair of Indianapolis state senators have introduced a bill that would repeal two future tax increases aimed at boosting the board that runs the city’s sports venues and convention center.
Senators Michael Young and Patricia Miller said the improved finances of the Indianapolis Marion County Capital Improvement Board make the tax hikes, an admissions tax and a car rental tax, unnecessary.
The two Republicans introduced SB 269 to repeal the increases, which are set to take effect in 2013. The lawmakers said they want to find out more about the board’s finances and will then decide whether to push forward with the bill.
Indiana and city-county council members approved the tax hikes in 2009 as part of a larger effort to stabilize the CIB, which officials said was facing a large deficit. At the same time the state approved a revenue package that expanded the city’s downtown sports district to include a new JW Marriott hotel and raised the hotel-motel tax 1%.
The General Assembly also agreed to let the CIB borrow $9 million from the state in 2009, 2010, and 2011. The board owns, operates, or leases the Conseco Fieldhouse, the Indiana Convention Center, Victory Field, Lucas Oil Stadium, and related parking structures. All the facilities are located in downtown Indianapolis.
