Update!

In the final days of the 2025 Indiana legislative session, Brown County was successful with 1 of 2 efforts to find additional funding that is not a tax on Brown County residents. A bill allowing the 5 percent innkeepers tax to increase to 8 percent was approved. 

Local leaders are evaluating options on how best to use these new funds to enhance quality of life for Brown County residents and visitors alike using tax dollars paid by tourism. A Quality of Life Working Group, made up of representatives from lodging businesses, local government and non-profits, is in the development stages with the goal of a multi-year investment plan to enhance life in Brown County. The many potential projects to evaluate could include improving the fairgrounds, the trail system and connectivity, infrastructure used by residents and visitors, parks and recreation amenities or even support of non-profits focused on the arts, history and other compatible activities.

The working group wants to invite Brown County business leaders and residents to attend the group’s planning meetings to learn about this major opportunity and how to have input in the process. We have scheduled two planning meetings prior to the County’s Councils public hearing and final reading on Monday June 16 at 5:30pm. The first meeting is Wednesday 6/4 at 9am in the Salmon Room at the Brown County Offices, and the second one will be on Thursday 6/12 at 5:30pm. These meetings will also be available on the county’s YouTube channel.