Salamanca City Council approves spending plan for casino revenue
By Donna Snyder CATTARAUGUS CORRESPONDENT
Updated: 07/10/08 6:42 AM
SALAMANCA — The City Council Wednesday approved a $2.7 million spending plan for casino revenue from the first six months of 2007.
The city must submit its financial intentions to the Empire State Development Corp. for approval before the money is released by the state. This is the first year the revenue will come in two payments.
Previously, money from 2005 and 2006 was paid at the end of each year. As a result, the city had to borrow money to meet its obligations, City Clerk April Vecchiarella said.
The revenue comes from the Seneca Allegany Casino as part of an agreement with the state that spans 21 years.
The revenue analysis calls for $319,706 to cover tax-loss reimbursements because of Seneca- owned properties removed from the city tax rolls; $1.07 million for direct impact costs; and $1.27 million for economic development funds.
The money will target the following:
• $236,448 to the Fire Department to hire three new firefighters and make payments toward a new ambulance and ladder fire truck.
• $193,719 for the Police Department for four new officers hired in 2005 and 2006 and payments toward a new police car and pickup truck, the latter also used by firefighters.
• $124,616 to the Public Works Department for two workers, snow-removal expenses and highway improvements, all casino related.
• $179,364 to the city’s electric and sewer departments and other amounts for planning staff, economic stability and land-lease payments and expressway lighting.
• $50,000 for a grant program for businesses.
• $50,000 for blight demolition and forestry management.
• $150,000 for a downtown strategic plan, improvements at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater, parking improvements and marketing for the downtown area.
• $50,000 to design and study a new health care facility.
• $135,000 for revision of the city’s comprehensive plans and zoning law revisions.
• $534,303 for payment of land acquired several years ago by the city for future development.
• $190,000 for sewer and drainage system projects.
In other business, Mayor Jeffrey Pond voted “yes,” breaking a tie vote, to appoint Tracy Fuller-Meek provisional accountant at the Salamanca Housing Authority. The annual salary would be $33,000, subject to civil service testing.