Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Durand’s ‘Queen of Hearts’ and county raffle rules prompt Winnebago County to examine permit language
Summary
A public commenter raised concerns about Durand’s large ‘Queen of Hearts’ raffle and differences in raffle permitting; county staff said Durand governs its own raffles and the county will review raffle permit language and licensing levels.
A member of the Association of Clubs of Rockville raised a public concern at the Winnebago County Board meeting on March 27 about what he described as unusually large local raffle payouts, asking why Durand’s Queen of Hearts drawing reached about $268,000 and whether county raffle permit caps should be removed.
FS Tate, addressing the board during the public-comment portion, said the association proposed removing caps under the county’s Class D raffle license for events that include the Queen of Hearts drawing. The board and staff clarified that the Village of Durand issues its own raffle permits and is the only municipality in Winnebago County that does so; county raffle rules therefore do not govern Durand’s raffles.
County staff said they are reviewing the county’s raffle permit language. Thomas Dornbusch of the state’s attorney’s office (referenced in committee discussion) told the board staff is gathering examples from other counties and seeking outside input to consolidate and simplify the county’s raffle application tiers. Several board members said local clubs, including VFW posts and other nonprofits, have expressed interest in raising permitted prize limits or allowing online raffle sales.
Why it matters
Raffle permit limits affect revenue streams for local nonprofit organizations and have implications for local municipal authority. The transcript shows the board did not change rules at the March 27 meeting; instead, staff will compile information for committee consideration and return proposed changes to the board.
What the board recorded
- Public commenter: FS Tate, speaking on behalf of the Association of Clubs of Rockville, raised the Durand Queen of Hearts payout and suggested removing caps from the county Class D raffle license. - Board response: County staff and the clerk explained Durand operates its own raffle permitting and that the county will review and compare raffle licensing across jurisdictions. - Staff next steps: The state's attorney’s office is collecting information from other counties and soliciting input; the matter was referred for committee review.
Details not decided
No ordinance or resolution was introduced or voted on; the board directed staff to study the raffle licensing framework and return with proposed changes. The transcript records interest among board members in considering online raffle sales and in raising permitted prize limits for some local organizations.
