Formal Letters Of Intent Signed Aimed At Creating Slots Revenue Sharing Agreement
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Ebro, Fla.) Ebro Greyhound Park owner Stockton Hess has signed official letters of intent to share slot machine revenues with Washington County, the Town of Ebro, Washington County schools and teachers, police, firefighters and emergency medical services. If voters approve slot machines at Ebro Greyhound Park, the amount of community revenue sharing is expected to be near $2 million annually.
“We’re one step closer to building our communities and growing our local economy,” said Mark Hess, Associate Manager of Ebro Greyhound Park. “With the support of voters on January 31st, our communities will have a new revenue stream to help fund critical services and needs.”
Stockton Hess, and his son Mark, personally delivered the formal letters of intent this week to Steve Joiner, County Administrator for Washington County, and David Evans, Mayor of Ebro. The letters commit Ebro Greyhound Park to paying an estimated combined total of two- to three percent of gross slot machine revenue on a monthly basis to the county and Town of Ebro. The exact percentage will be based on projected revenue and will be determined at a later date. The letter states that the revenue sharing funds are to be earmarked for public safety, education, public works and the general fund.
Mark Hess said a legally binding agreement will guarantee the funding, which will begin immediately following the initial expansion of park facilities to accommodate slot machines. The funding will be direct and remain local, never passing through Tallahassee.
First, he said, voters must go to the polls and vote yes for slot machines at the racetrack.
“Washington County voters can turn around our economy and turn on this new revenue stream with their vote on January 31st,” said Hess.
With the support of voters, Ebro Greyhound Park will expand into a $300 million contemporary resort hotel and entertainment center. Chuck Pohlmann, Project Manager for Ebro Greyhound Park, said the resort will create new jobs and serve as a catalyst for our economy, generating $100 million or more annually in new local spending that will reach out to all parts of the county.
“The rising economic tide in Washington County will lift all boats,” he said.
“The owners and operators of Ebro Greyhound Park are proud to be one of Washington County’s largest employers and a good corporate neighbor,” said Hess. The new resort, he said, and the jobs it will create, will serve as a source of pride for Washington County.
“With the support of voters, we will create approximately 1,500 new direct and indirect jobs,” said Hess. “Full-time jobs. Part-time jobs. Entry level positions. Administrative and management level positions. Jobs for people from all walks of life and levels of skill and experience.”
Hess said annual salaries for full-time positions at the new resort will average approximately $38,000. He said preference would be given to Washington County residents.
“Washington County has the highest unemployment rate in Northwest Florida. With the support of voters, that is going to change,” said Hess.
First opened in 1955, Ebro Greyhound Park, located on State Road 79 just north of SR 20, is Washington County’s only gaming facility and one of its largest private employers. With voter approval on January 31, it would be the only facility in Washington County permitted for slot machines.
Although the referendum will be conducted with balloting for the Republican Presidential Preference Primary, voters do not have to be Republican in order to vote in the referendum. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, are eligible to vote on whether slot machines will be allowed at Ebro.
No taxpayer money will be spent for the referendum. Instead, at its request, Ebro Greyhound Park is paying all costs associated with the referendum balloting.
“Allowing slot machines at Ebro Greyhound Park, where gaming already exists, is a winner for jobs and a windfall for our communities,” said Pohlmann. “Now is the time for Washington County voters to take charge. It’s your future. Your voice. And your vote.”
POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY GROW OUR LOCAL ECONOMY.
Click here to read the letter of intent sent to the Honorable David Evans - Mayor City of Ebro
Click here to read the letter of intent sent to the County Adminstrator Steve Joiner
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For a PDF Print Version of this Press Release Click Here
Contact:
Chuck Pohlmann
Ebro Greyhound Park
Phone: (850) 234-3943
Fax: (850) 535-4442
6558 Dog Track Road
Ebro, Florida
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