Supporting research into a potential Food and Beverage Tax

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The South Bend Common Council 227 West Jefferson Boulevard, Room 441 Downtown South Bend, Indiana 46601 574.235.5981 TDD 574.235.5567 February 19, 2016 The South Bend Common Council 4"' Floor County -City Building South Bend, Indiana 46601 Re: Substitute Bill No. 16 -10 Resolution Supporting Additional Research on Potential Food and Beverage Tax Dear Council Members: Since filing the original resolution which called for supporting additional research and potential food and beverage tax, which highlighted the need for transparency and open public dialogue, good conversation has begun in all parts of our community. In the interest of promoting further discussions and needed research, I would like to broaden the topic so that all possible alternatives are identified, highlighted and discussed. Therefore, rather than limiting the scope of such research to that which was originally proposed, I believe it should be broadened. It is vitally important that the overall impact on our community of any potential adoption of a food and beverage tax in St. Joseph County should be our initial focus at this stage, rather than identify or limit potential uses in the Bill. A true and more comprehensive cost - benefit analysis could then be conducted. I have therefore drafted a Substitute Bill No. 16 -10 which is attached for your review and public discussion. Proposed changes are highlighted in red. Rather than delete the background information on the Potawatomi Zoo in the prefatory "Whereas" clauses, I have added and broadened the scope by adding new clauses. I am also, in the interest of embracing all pertinent topics, deleting in Section II of the proposed resolution any specific e .fling for the zoo. Thank you. rd J Randy Kelly, 3 District uncil ember South Bend Common Council Attachment Filed in Clerk's Office FFn 9 9 Z016 KAREEMAH FOWLER CITY CLERK . %,jTH BEND, IN