Rising Sun City Council hear a legislative update from liaison Matt Brase on Thursday, May 4th.
“It could have been a lot worse,” he said of the budget and its affect on gaming revenues in Rising Sun.
It could potentially lower the held harmless from $48 million to $33 million in 2022
Also, the $33 million going to communities without gaming facilities may be affected.
In 2019, the $3 per person admission tax received from Rising Star Casino will be replaced by a supplemental wagering tax. The 2017 fiscal year will be used as the base year.
Mayor Brent Bascom noted early discussion with the bill saw the city losing $629,000.
However, clerk-treasurer Rae Gipson and Brase haven’t had enough time to calculate possible impact of the bill.
There will be one year relief with a share of $600,000 which had been received by South Bend as part of the $33 million non-gaming city. It will have an Indian casino open in the near future.
Bill Marksberry said he feels the state reneged on original gaming bill.
There will be a summer study committee on various gaming issues. Brase contends that no community should get more than host community.
He expects no loss in 2018. The 2019 figures were unclear, either a loss of $30,000 or $90,000. In 2020 it would be $140,000 and $70,000 in 2021.
During public comments, Bob White asked how the changes will affect Ripley County and Aurora as communities receiving funds from Rising Sun and Ohio County. He encouraged leaders to get those communities to be more involved and noted the state officials don’t realize the impact Rising Sun’s casino has on the region.
Mayor Brent Bascom said the city hasn’t determined how things would change but they are evaluating their options.
Also, White wondered about the affect on regional foundation.
Brase gave some good news with road funding increasing through a 10 cent rise in gas tax. It should lead to a 50 percent increase in MVH funds. By 2025 every penny paid at pump will go towards roads, he added.
In other state issues, redevelopment commissions can now purchase property valued under $25,000 without two appraisals.
The Rising Sun Board of Works passed a resolution designated all of Rising Sun for underground or buried utilities.