City to seek more money from Pechanga Band

Monday, August 13, 2007  

The city of Temecula already gets $2.7 million from a state gaming fund every year but stands to gain more now that the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians has negotiated a new compact.

The compact allows the tribe to add up to 5,500 slot machines to its casino. In exchange, the tribe will contribute $42.5 million each year to the state gaming fund, up from $29 million, and share a percentage of slot machine revenues.

The deal also requires the tribe to address the impacts of its casino. Leaders in Temecula are seeking more money for infrastructure improvements and police and public safety services.

The exact amounts will be negotiated though a preliminary proposal called for another $18 million a year. The tribe and the city plan to meet later this month to talk about the issue.

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City stands to win with expanded casino (The Californian 8/13)