The Effingham City Council will revisit a discussion about an Amusement Tax ordinance that charges event organizers a 5% tax on tickets sold for events within city limits. While the tax is already on the books, it has not always been enforced. There was resistance to the idea of stricter enforcement of the tax when the topic was discussed in January from area businesses and entertainers.
While the issue is for discussion only tonight, potential updates to the ordinance include eliminating exemptions for non profit organizations that operate on city-owned property; creating the ability for an amusement provider who provides less than ten events per year to file an estimated return to the Clerk’s Office prior to an event; and establishes an annual licence fee of $100.
Other agenda items include authorizing a joint agreement with the State of Illinois for additional improvement along Outer Belt West. Improvements will include lighting, a multi-use path and pavement markings.
The Council will also discuss working with Economic Development Resources, LLC to update certain aspects of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.