Marion County's only remaining drive-in theater might close if it can't lower the 155-percent jump in its property tax assessed value, says Tibbs Drive In owner Ed Quilling. The new assessment could hike his property tax bill to over $75,000, which he can't afford on the modest revenues the drive-in generates, he says.

If a planned appeal of his assessment fails to lower it, "this will be the last year" for the Westside drive-in, Quilling says.

The recently completed countywide reassessment hiked the value of the drive-in's land and buildings to $1.2 million. Quilling said he doesn't know why the assessment shot up so much.

"It's a little off-the-wall," he said.

The drive-in at 480 S Tibbs Ave, opened for the season last weekend. Quilling said he tries to offer affordable family entertainment, with a ticket price for a double feature set at $9.

Originally published online here: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080404/LOCAL18/804040489