CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) – Everything about Carmel is now just a memory.
Mayor Sue Finkam announced the closure of the store at 110 W. Main St. in the Carmel Arts & Design District on Tuesday, saying the city government needs to prioritize more important expenses such as police and fire department staffing and street maintenance.
The store’s website describes how it works: “Carmel, Indiana, is consistently ranked among America’s best places to live, work and play, and we’re very proud to call it home. That’s why we opened a special store to celebrate Carmel!”
“Everything we offer bears the Carmel brand or is an example of why we are proud to live and work here.”
The remaining products are either donated or sold online.
Former city mayor Jim Brainard opened the store in 2020. Promote Carmel Inc., a tax-exempt nonprofit, managed the store. Property taxes and income taxes from the Carmel City Council budget supported the store.
A city press release issued Tuesday said a financial analysis found that an additional $100,000 would be needed to fund the nonprofit in 2024, in addition to the $200,000 subsidy from Brainard’s 2023 budget.
The city administration decided to redirect the funds to other nonprofit organizations and close the business, the press release said.
Promote Carmel Inc. also planned to reach out to retailers and other store partners as part of Tuesday’s store closure.
Statements
“Inflation and higher costs of living have forced Carmel taxpayers to tighten their belts. It is my responsibility to do the same with our city budget. While the program has been a vibrant asset to the Carmel Arts & Design District, today’s fiscal climate requires that we prioritize important expenses such as police and fire personnel and street maintenance.”
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, a Republican
“This deal has been a labor of love for many people. The leadership of Promote Carmel, Inc. and the City of Carmel thank them for their support.”
Tim Griffin, Chairman of Promote Carmel Inc. and member of the Hamilton County Council
