From the (Havre de Grace) Record . . .
Perryville is eager to start spending its share of the $1.5 million in local grant money from Hollywood Casino Perryville, but its multi-year plan on how the money will be spent has yet to be finalized.
The casino, under state law, is required to give 5.5 percent of its gross gaming revenue per month to Perryville and Cecil County, but that money cannot be spent until both entities have a multi-year plan approved by the local development council, the group charged with determining how local funds from the casino should be spent.
Perryville has submitted its three-year plan to the council, but Cecil County is still developing its plan and doesn’t anticipate a finished product until March or April, according to Vernon Thompson, Cecil County’s economic development director.
Two words – Holy CRAP!
In an era of governments struggling to meet budget shortfalls – this county group can’t prioritize their time enough to put together a plan that benefits the citizens – and helps mitigate any impact the casino has had or will have (extra Sheriff’s deputies, road improvements, etc.)
I can’t say that I “can’t believe” this is the situation, because I lived in the county for nearly 10 years – and still know many of the players involved.