Switzerland County commissioners approve new casino revenue split, return additional $60,000 to fire chiefs

The Switzerland County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 2 to rescind prior casino-revenue percentages and approved a new distribution of casino funds that will return an additional $60,000 to the county's fire chiefs. The motion to rescind was made by Commissioner Ryann Harrison and seconded by Commissioner Joe Bennett; the board then voted to adopt the new allocation (both motions passed unanimously by those present).

Why it matters: Casino revenues are a recurring local funding source used by townships, schools and county services. The board's adjustment increases payouts to township governments and public schools and redirects the remainder to the commissioners' fund, with a specified $60,000 uplift to fire chiefs that the board cited during deliberations.

The board debated the updated numbers during old-business consideration of the casino-revenue item. Commissioner Ryann Harrison moved to rescind the previous percentage allocations; Commissioner Joe Bennett seconded and the motion passed. The board then approved the new distribution formula. The transcript records that the new numbers ‘‘would change would be an additional $60,000.00 back to the Fire Chiefs, all the townships went back up, public schools and remainder back in commissioner fund.’’

No additional detail on the formula, baseline amounts for townships or schools, or a timeline for disbursement was specified in the meeting record. The board did not reference a statute or ordinance in the transcript when making the change.

Next steps: The board did not record a separate implementation timetable in the meeting discussion. The change will appear in county financial records when disbursements are scheduled; the transcript does not specify dates or accounting entries.