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Mayor says Indiana owes Michigan City about $5.7 million under 2019 law; city may retain lobbyist
Summary
Mayor Angie told the council Jan. 21 that Michigan City is owed roughly $5.7 million under Indiana Code 4-33-13-5.3 related to compensation tied to the Hard Rock Casino in Gary and that state legislation may alter the timing of repayment; the mayor said the city is considering hiring a lobbyist to protect its financial interests.
Mayor Angie told the Michigan City Common Council on Jan. 21 that the city is owed approximately $5.7 million in supplemental payments from the Indiana state comptroller under Indiana Code 4-33-13-5.3, a provision enacted in 2019 relating to compensation for certain riverboat communities after the opening of the Hard Rock Casino in Gary.
The mayor said the city learned of the unpaid supplemental monies after being contacted by state legislators and that bills under consideration in the current legislative session could change how the payments are repaid. She referred specifically to House Bill 1448 (described at the meeting as a proposal that would spread repayment over multiple years rather than deliver a lump sum).
The mayor said she has been researching lobbying firms and believes retaining representation for the session may be worthwhile to protect Michigan City’s interests. She said she prefers the city receive the full amount now but acknowledged the state may budget repayment over several years; she proposed placing any recovered funds into the city’s rainy-day account and said she might seek a council appropriation to pay for a lobbyist.
Council members urged a proactive approach. Councilman Beatrice argued the city should press the comptroller’s office to pay immediately. The mayor said she will keep the council informed about committee hearings and the cost of retaining outside representation.
No formal council action or appropriation was taken at the Jan. 21 meeting; the mayor said she will update the council as developments occur and may return with a request to appropriate funds for lobbying services.
