Starke Council Approves Change to Innkeeper’s Tax

  
 
The Starke County Council approved a change to the county’s ordinance regarding the innkeeper’s tax – a tax on the rental of rooms and accommodations, for periods less than 30 days, in addition to the state sales tax. Deb Mix with the Starke County Convention and Visitors Commission approached the council to discuss the tax, and according to county attorney Martin Lucas, the innkeeper’s tax is covered by Indiana Code and controlled by the fiscal body.

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Starke County Tourism Board President Requests Release of Funds

Julie Dessauer asks the Commissioners for the release of tourism funds

Starke County Tourism Board President Julie Dessauer appeared before the county council and commissioners this week seeking release of funds for the organization to function. Funding from the Innkeeper’s Tax has been frozen in the auditor’s office until an investigation into financial irregularities is completed. The financial issue stems from actions conducted by Jennie Carter.

Commissioner Kathy Norem said that the funding did not come directly to the Tourism Board.

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Starke County Council Freezes Drug and Tobacco Free Funds, Innkeepers Tax

The Starke County Council discusses the issue of misappropriated funds

The recent revelation of misappropriated money from Drug and Tobacco Free Starke County and Starke County Tourism has caused embarrassment to members of several interlocking boards, and consternation on the part of county government officials. Those government officials expressed anger and frustration at this week’s Starke County Council meeting.

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