Petaluma will receive $102,591 from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, money that will be directed to law enforcement, the Press Democrat is reporting.
The funds are part of a $417,000 payment meant to mitigate impacts on crime and public safety from the 3,000-slot casino, already under construction.
For Petaluma, which has faced continued budget cuts over the past four years, the cash is a big help.
"You're basically talking about buying an officer, or the better part of an officer,” Petaluma City Manager told the Press Democrat. “That's great. If there aren't strings attached, then I'd be happy to receive it."
Under the plan, Santa Rosa will $286,923 a year, Cotati, $12,808 and Sebastopol $14,596, while Sonoma County will receive $283,082 in crime-mitigation funds.
The county and tribe are currently in negotiations about how to mitigate traffic, noise and social impacts of the 245-acre casino, which is set to end by October 12.
It’s estimated that the tribe will pay a total of $40 million during the fist seven years of the casino’s operations to the county, already it’s not clear whether the funds will be distributed by the tribe or by Sonoma County.
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria tribe has a separate revenue-sharing agreement with Rohnert Park, under which it will pay about $200 million to the city over 20 years.
