By Brandi Watters, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON - Money gambled at Hoosier Park's casino has area communities cashing in big.
As part of its agreement with Madison County, Hoosier Park pays a monthly wagering tax to nearby communities affected by the presence of the casino.
Anderson, being the largest city and the home of the racino, has been written the largest check.
So far, the city has collected $2,455,778.
Mayor Kris Ockomon said the money was originally slated for a city scholarship fund, but property tax caps and a tumultuous economy has forced city officials to dump the money into the general fund. "It's just keeping us from being worse off than we would've been."
The money has helped the city to avoid laying off city employees, including police officers and firemen, Ockomon said. Soon, he said, the inevitable will happen, and the city will have to follow Muncie and Marion by making job cuts.
Alexandria Mayor Jack Woods said his town was facing similar budget issues, and the gambling revenue has helped.
Alexandria has gotten $231,295 from Hoosier Park. "Anytime you get extra money in your budget with today's economy and the way things are going with the property taxes, any money that comes into the budget is welcome, so we don't turn it down."
Elwood has received the second largest helping of gambling revenue, with $360,011 since July 2008. Mayor Merrill Taylor said the money was also being used to help fill holes in the city's general fund.