Dodge City News Questions Mark forgot to ask, re $34 million for casino infrastructure

[Bubba]

Originally Posted by Mike B.

...Illegal to use WND funds?...

I would say no it's not illegal. The WND funds would be used to build infrastructure to the publicly owned Special Events Center. After the infrastructure is complete to the SEC then the casino would be free to tie into the newly developed infrastructure.

[old timer]

then the events center. That would share the costs.

First issues, first. The decision of suddently moving the location of the events center to cover the costs of a casino which had the chair of CFAB as a board member, not public information at the time. That is a different issue. Starks should be off of CFAB, if not in court.

The location pushed by Starks, et al., is a water and sewer nightmare location. The costs of infrastructure doubled.

Thus the casino should pay one half of it all. That would be fair. They plan on making millions of dollars.

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by old timer

then the events center. That would share the costs.

First issues, first. The decision of suddently moving the location of the events center to cover the costs of a casino which had the chair of CFAB as a board member, not public information at the time. That is a different issue. Starks should be off of CFAB, if not in court.

The location pushed by Starks, et al., is a water and sewer nightmare location. The costs of infrastructure doubled.

Thus the casino should pay one half of it all. That would be fair. They plan on making millions of dollars.

OT,

Half? I think you're being kinda generous. I'd say make 'em pay 100% of their infrastructure cost. And let the SEC and city tap into them.

[gadwall]

If a developer puts in a subdivision he is responsible for all the infrastucture. Or are we talking about the added capacity?

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by Mike B.

OT,

Half? I think you're being kinda generous. I'd say make 'em pay 100% of their infrastructure cost. And let the SEC and city tap into them.

Perhaps I should have said, "...make 'em pay 100% of all the infrastructure cost..."

I mean really...combined, the city and county will recieve a paultry 3.0% of the revenue. The city as it stands now is looking at a major hunk of the infrastructure cost. I know everyone is saying new developers will chip in and new property taxes will be collected along with new sales tax revenues. Not saying that won't happen but let's be realistic...no guarantees yet.

So here we sit with a new casino, a sec and a huge obligation (over 34 million $'s, most likely to increase greatly as time passes) to provide the infrastructure.

The way things look now the sec and casino will be entertwined so tightly it will be hard to say where the sec leaves off and the casino starts. Even Rick Sowers has said it would be wise for the sec to use the casino's kitchen and banquet facilities in order for the sec to save dollars. Now he never said it was a sure deal, but left the impression that the two entities working together could accomplish more than being seperate. Which may be true, but then again, where are our tax dollars being spent? Casino or SEC. Both?

I realize some may say it's no big deal, just do it. IMO it is a big deal, why would I want my tax dollars spent on promoting a private business (even though it's considered State owned) when that's not what the State intended nor authorized. Any deal the city makes with the casino, which involves wnd funds or the sec would amount to the WND sales tax as “an illegal tax” because each (casino and sec) would be “inextricably intertwined.” (gambling and nongambling developments, WND and it's projects, which includes the sec) which is solely dependant upon the sales tax.

IMO, the two should stay away from each other. It is my opinion that a tax funded, family oriented, entertainment facility such as the SEC should not be tied with or intertwined with an adult venue. Each facility should be responsible for the development of their own infrastructure and expenses.

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by old timer

Conflict of interest law in Kansas does not require that you have made money, by the way. Just the future opportunity to make direct money from official position is enough. Thus, all the city and county elected officials sudden resignations from Boot Hill Gaming Inc. last summer.

PS How is the infrastructure being funded near Wichita for that casino ? Good research project here, folks.

OT,

Recently recieved this e-mail.



Mr. Boettcher,

County Attorney McEntire forwarded your question regarding infrastructure costs to the County Commission. I’m replying per their direction.

Infrastructure costs were addressed in the Request for Proposals from developers. The RFP and an addendum to the RFP are available on the Sumner County website. Reviewing those documents will show how it was addressed and is to be covered by the developer.

The link to our site and specific page is Sumner County Website



Shane J. Shields, Sumner County Clerk

501 N. Washington, Rm 101

Wellington, Ks. 67152

ph 620-326-3395

fax 620-326-2116

sshields@co.sumner.ks.us

OR sucoclk@co.sumner.ks.us

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by Mike B.

OT,

Recently recieved this e-mail.



Mr. Boettcher,

County Attorney McEntire forwarded your question regarding infrastructure costs to the County Commission. I’m replying per their direction.

Infrastructure costs were addressed in the Request for Proposals from developers. The RFP and an addendum to the RFP are available on the Sumner County website. Reviewing those documents will show how it was addressed and is to be covered by the developer.

The link to our site and specific page is Sumner County Website



Shane J. Shields, Sumner County Clerk

501 N. Washington, Rm 101

Wellington, Ks. 67152

ph 620-326-3395

fax 620-326-2116

sshields@co.sumner.ks.us

OR sucoclk@co.sumner.ks.us

I like what Sumner County included. I especially appreciate...

3. Provision for Adequate Infrastructure. Applicant agrees that in the development of the project, it shall construct, cause to be constructed, or provide the funds to the County for construction of adequate infrastructure to serve the project. Adequate infrastructure shall mean roadways, utilities, and public safety and emergency service facilities in a size and type to serve the employees and patrons of the project as determined by mutual agreement of the professional planning, engineering, and technical consultants of applicant and County. Applicant shall agree to purchase and supply designated police, emergency and fire equipment and technology necessitated by the project.
4. Professional Consultants. Applicant shall agree to reimburse the County for the reasonable expenses incurred by the County for professional consultants it may hire to review the construction and development of the project, including outside legal counsel to advise and assist the County. Such expenses incurred by the County will be reimbursed in equal shares by all applicants endorsed by the County. Upon selection and approval by the Lottery Commission and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission of the manager of the South Central Gaming Zone, the chosen manager shall agree to reimburse the County for the entire amount of reasonable expenses incurred by the County for professional consultants it may hire to review the construction and development of the project, including outside legal counsel to advise and assist the County, for services rendered after the date the manager is selected and approved.


I wonder if Dodge and Ford County have anything like this?

[Made in the USA]

The way we do things, I would give you only one guess! Bend over taxpayers.

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by old timer

then the events center. That would share the costs.

First issues, first. The decision of suddently moving the location of the events center to cover the costs of a casino which had the chair of CFAB as a board member, not public information at the time. That is a different issue. Starks should be off of CFAB, if not in court.

The location pushed by Starks, et al., is a water and sewer nightmare location. The costs of infrastructure doubled.

Thus the casino should pay one half of it all. That would be fair. They plan on making millions of dollars.

OT - I've reading your dribble for days and always amazed at how you scream foul over issues you believe are unethical - BUT, you don't give a hoot about telling the truth. Your sources are the Globe, or land transaction reports you admit you don't know how to read, and your most vivid-source is your own imagination. Once again, to try and stop this crap, I'll give you some facts:

1) USA asked if land control was a requirement by the Gaming statute. Yes. in Dodge City's case, Butler Nat'l bought the land from Bogner. Joseph has an option to purchase if selected.
2) Butler bought the land with the intention to develop it into a new retail center, even if they are not selected by Lottery. So, apparently you don't want Dodge City to have more retail sales taxes, property taxes, jobs, shopping venues. Nope, you don't want to pay off the Jail faster, and Horse Thief, and infrastructure needs, or create jobs so more of our kids stay home.
3) The City-County has long said that the SEC will follow the Casino if possible - that's why they're waiting for who's selected.
4) You use the Globe as your source for why we need new water-sewer infrastructure to meet the demands of growth. The Globe made it seem as it was due entirely because of the Casino - BUT, that isn't the whole truth. The City is at maximum capacity now. Dodge City can't grow without new water and sewer treatment facilities - with or without a Casino. In fact, Casino's are fairly low volume users - did you know that?. Hotel's yes, Restaurants, some, Casino's low.
5) Either Casino developer will pay a significant share of new infrastructure costs.
6) Starks had nothing to do with Butler's purchase of Bogner's land. The Globe told you he did - BUT no one else has. I can verify that. You either believe it or you don't.
7) Sadly for you OT, there's just no evidence of anything bad. It's more a story of investors bringing new jobs and tax revenues to Dodge and they thankfully will pay a good portion of new water-sewer facilities that we have to build anyway. Oh, and they aren't asking for tax breaks or incentives of any kind. It seems like a lot of Good News for all of us.

[aft_lizard01]

DOdge City is like Springield in the Simpsons. Whenever a moneymaking scheme is thought up by Mayor Quimby or Lisa the citizens all get behind it only to see it fail miserably.