(Wampsville, NY – June 9, 2015) Madison County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution at their Board of Supervisors Meeting on Tuesday June 9 in support of legislation introduced by New York State Senator David Valesky and New York State Assemblyman William Magee. Senate Bill S5670 and Assembly Bill A7844 would authorize a twenty-five percent (25 percent) share in gaming revenue for Madison County from New York State’s share of twenty-five percent of any Net Win with respect to Gaming Devices operated by the Oneida Indian Nation.
The Oneida Settlement Agreement effective March 4, 2014 provides for sharing of casino revenue with the State and Oneida County who receives twenty-five percent of the State’s share of twenty-five percent as the host County for the Turning Stone Resort and Casino. The agreement stipulates that Oneida County receives twenty-five percent of any Oneida Indian Nation gaming operation regardless of where located.
During negotiations of the settlement agreement, gaming operations in Madison County were never contemplated and Madison County did not receive revenue sharing host County benefits. Madison County does receive $3.5 million annually to account for lost property and sales taxes from existing Oneida Indian Nation property and enterprises, which does not account for estimated annual losses.
Board of Supervisors Chairman John M. Becker stated, “All Madison County is looking for is our fair share of revenue.” He added, “Now that we are a host for gaming operations, we should be provided with what every other County in the State of New York receives, a portion of the revenue generated from these enterprises.” He also added, “Every property tax payer should be very upset about the County not getting its fair share and should let their elected officials at the State level know.”
Vice Chairman Daniel Degear stated, “We are not looking to take money away from Oneida County, but simply to be compensated for substantial additional in-County costs associated from these gaming operations in our County including further loss of sales tax revenue. We will have to handle these costs.”