Racino split questioned

How the money from Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino is split is likely to be in the spotlight when St. Landry Parish Council committees meet Wednesday.
Parish Chairman Harold Taylor complained at the July 20 full council meting that the parish tourism commission is sending $430,000 to the parish economic development district.
“What the hell is that? Who is getting the money? Where is it going?” Taylor asked.
Economic development is earmarked for 5 percent of the 4 percent tax levied on of the aggregate of the weekly taxable net slot machine proceeds.
Steve Moosa, CPA, of Darnall, Sikes, Gardes & Frederick, who reported an audit a the July meeting said the economic development split can be used for tourism or economic development.
The Council’s attorney, Chad Pitre, said the split of racino revenue was placed into an ordinance and it was amended when the city of Opelousas annexed the casino and racetrack into the its corporate limits. The share going to the sheriff’s office was redirected to the Opelousas Police Department, he said.
The split is:
— Parish government, 55 percent;
— St. Landry Parish Airport, 1.5 percent;
— Coroner, 1.5 percent;
— Economic development, 5 percent;
— District attorney, 3.5 percent;
— Registrar of voters, 1.5 percent;
— Opelousas City Police Department, 6 percent;
— St. Landry Parish Municipal Association, 21 percent;
— St. Landry Parish Judicial System, 2 percent;
— St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, 1.5 percent; and
— St. Landry Parish Assessor’s Office, 1.5 percent.
The parish receives about $3 million from Evangeline Downs and takes about 4 percent for an administrative fee. The remainder is to be divided as set out by the ordinance.
Parish Government’s 55 percent is about $1.6 million.
Pitre said the division of money, which was created by the Parish Council, may be changed by the Council.
Wayne Ardoin, an Opelousas Council member, said the 21 percent to the municipal association is divided up among the parish’s municipalities based on population.
The Council agenda has not been released, but meetings usually begin at 6 p.m. at the Old City Market next to the Courthouse in Opelousas.