Gun Lake Tribe’s Second State and Local Revenue Sharing Payments Exceed $7.8 Million
 

Tribal Government Shares Funds under its State Compact

(Bradley, Mich.) – November, the Gun Lake Tribe announced details of its second revenue sharing payments to the state and local governments. The Tribe was joined by members of the local revenue sharing board, which received $1,560,441, while the State received $6,241,766. The revenue sharing payments are distributed semi-annually under terms of the tribal-state compact. The figures are calculated on electronic gaming revenues reported from April 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011.

“The substantial revenue figures are possible because of the dedication of our team members and outstanding performance of our management team,” said D.K. Sprague, chairman of the Gun Lake Tribe. “We thank them for helping the Tribe make a contribution to improve the lives of our tribal citizens, and neighbors here in West Michigan.”

The Tribe and the State of Michigan entered into a government-to-government contract, known as a tribal-state gaming compact. Under the compact, the Tribe agreed to share a percentage of electronic gaming revenues with the state and local governments. The local revenue share equals 2 percent of net win from electronic gaming devices, while the state payment is calculated on a sliding scale between 8 and 12 percent, depending on revenue. Today’s state distribution equaled 8 percent of net win from electronic gaming revenue.

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Wayland Township Area Local Revenue Sharing Board was formed to receive and administer local revenue sharing payments. Pursuant to the compact the Board is comprised of three representatives of the Tribe and three representatives of local governments/communities. The Board consists of the following individuals: For more information visit www.mbpi.org

•  Lorraine “Punkin” Shananaquet (Gun Lake Tribe, Tribal Council) ·
• Phyllis Davis (Gun Lake Tribe, Tribal Council)
• Rebecca Baker (Gun Lake Tribe, Tribal Council)
• Roger VanVolkinburg (Wayland Township, supervisor and LRSB chairman)
• Mark DeYoung (Allegan County Board of Commissioners, chairman)
• Linden Anderson (former mayor, City of Wayland)

The compact prescribes mandatory funding to local municipalities for: costs incurred due to the operation of the casino; public safety services; and replacement of tax revenue. The Board has established bylaws that govern the local distribution process. Other possible uses for local revenue sharing money include funding for schools and civic organizations. The local revenue shared by the Tribe is not dependent on exclusive gaming rights prescribed under the compact.

“Speaking as an elected member of the County Commission, I can tell you firsthand that these revenues are a tremendous boost to municipal budgets. The enhanced services have a very positive impact in the local community,” said Mark DeYoung.

 Mr. DeYoung explained the Board’s bylaws that govern distribution of funds to eligible organizations in accordance with the compact. The Board has 60 days to determine how the funds will be split amongst local municipalities, school districts, and civic groups.

The revenue shared with the State goes to economic development and job creation programs administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. These payments are dependent on the continued preservation of exclusive gaming rights within the Tribe’s competitive market area, as defined by the compact, which includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Lansing, as well as the entire counties of Kent, Kalamazoo and Ingham, among others.

The Tribe will make state and local revenue sharing payments two times per year. Gun Lake Casino opened in February 2011 and now employs more than 900 team members. The Gun Lake Tribe has now shared a total of $10,376,560 with state and local governments.