Wyandotte Mayor Plans Casino Revenue Distribution
Wyandotte County, Kansas, knows that gambling and casinos are coming. Nobody can yet say exactly when; neither is it known who the owner/operator might be, nor the exact location or style. But casinos are coming, and that means good times ahead.
As many as six different bidders are involved in proposed projects for the Wyandotte County license. Depending on which ownership group is selected, the casino will be built either in conjunction with the Kansas Speedway, near the Speedway, or somewhere in the area. This process might start working itself out as soon as a court case challenging legitimacy of casinos in general is resolved.
If things work out perfect, a casino might actually be open for business in 2010. Still some time away, but not so long that Mayor Joe Reardon of the Wyandotte Unified Government can't start including casino revenue in his plans and promises to the people.
On Tuesday, in an annual "State of the Government" speech, Reardon proposed to use revenue from casino taxes to reduce property taxes. Reardon estimated income from gambling tax in the area of $7 million to $10 million, and promised to "ensure that every dollar of gaming revenue we receive from the new casino goes directly toward property tax reduction.”
Reardon also suggested using sales tax from a retail development to pay for improved and renovated infrastructure; the shopping and restaurant complex will lose its tax exempt status in 2013. Further, the mayor wants income from slots at the horse track to pay for college scholarships. These slots may be operational around the same time as the casino.
Yes, happy days are here again in Kansas. Well, they will be soon, anyway. Might as well spend the money now; why wait until it's actually being generated?
