By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s liquor commission is delaying action against two local restaurants which have not paid thousands of dollars in city taxes.

The city attorney said Frank Composto, who owns Caffe Italia at 511 Chancellor Dr., is very cooperative and has already paid almost $7,300 of his $13,000 tax bill.

Composto has agreed to pay up prior to the commission’s next meeting April 10.

He explained his restaurant has gone through peaks and valleys, but says business is picking up.

“When I have slow days and miserable weather days, State Farm laying people off, no one comes in,” Composto told the commission.

I can’t pay my bills, I can’t change my utilities, I can’t change my payroll. I have to basically take from Peter to pay Paul,” Composto said.

Mayor and liquor commissioner Tari Renner said Composto’s delinquent tax bill is like a loan at Bloomington taxpayers’ expense.

“And, that’s why there would be a fine of some form,” said Renner.

Cousin’s Restaurant on Maple Hill Road owes almost $14,000 in unpaid taxes.

Local restaurateur Eric Trujillo said he’s been running the eatery since November and is trying to buy the business.

Trujillo’s lawyer has so far been unable to locate the existing owner and liquor license holder who needs to sign the purchasing agreement.

Trujillo said he understands he’s responsible for paying the back taxes when he becomes Cousin’s owner.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]