Slot profits don't cover local funding needs

MANISTEE, Michigan -- As reported by the Ludington Daily News: "The Manistee Local Revenue Sharing Board has about $2,039,000 in casino slot machine profits to share with local governments and agencies.

"That amount, however, isn't even enough to cover the $2.16 million payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) on the casino, let alone hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant requests made by the local governments.

"The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians owns the casino and does not pay taxes on that property. The PILT payments are a way of giving the affected governments the money they would have received if the tribe did pay the taxes.

"...In all, local governments are asking for $2.82 million, including the PILT payments. Nearly $135,000 of that money is for required public safety grants..."