ELPERS RESOLUTION WILL ALLOW CITY COUNCIL TO PLAN FOR FINANCIAL EMERGENCIES

2020 has been an unprecedented year so far due to COVID-19.  Families and businesses along with municipalities have had to make difficult decisions when it comes to their budgets.

City Council has made cuts to its 2020 budget this year because of revenue shortfalls.  Moving forward, its likely revenues will be lower this year and into 2021.  As a result, I am asking the council on Monday, June 8th, to change the current resolution regarding Riverboat (Casino)Expenditure.

The change would give City Council the ability to approve Casino funds for planned operating expenditures under times of emergency or disaster situations.  

The current resolution states the money should not be used for operating expenses.  This action if passed would give council another tool to bridge the shortfall in tax revenues until the economy can make a full recovery.

Sincerely,

Justin Elpers

5th Ward City Council member

RESOLUTION C-2020-__ INTRODUCING: Elpers 

RESOLUTION REGARDING 

RIVERBOAT REVENUE EXPENDITURE

WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana, recognizes that a riverboat has been operational on the Ohio River since December 1995, and operations continued in subsequent years;

WHEREAS, the City of Evansville, Indiana, receives millions of dollars each year in admission and waging taxes and land lease revenues; 

WHEREAS, the Common Council of Evansville, Indiana (“City Council”), adopted Resolution C-96-21, as amended, on May 20, 1996, expressing intent to appropriate riverboat tax and land lease receipts for special and/or one-time projects, including but not limited to, capital improvements and equipment purchases, storm drainage and street repair projects, economic development, economic revitalization, community development, disaster or emergency situations, establishing a trust fund to benefit future generations, or bond repayments, with none of these revenues ever to be used for operations;

WHEREAS, City Council deems it necessary and proper to further clarify this non-binding resolution adopted as Resolution C-96-21, as amended, in light of recent events.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of Evansville, Indiana (“City Council”), that it intends to use City riverboat tax and land lease receipts for operations in emergency or disaster situations when designated by the governor or mayor.