SCOTT CITY COUNCIL HEARS RIVERBOAT GAMING PITCH

SCOTT CITY -- A representative of a riverboat gambling company made a brief pitch to the Scott City Council prior to its regular Monday meeting.

"This is a real opportunity for growth and economic development in this area," said Doug Whitehead, representing Minnestota-based Casino Magic. "You have to think about whether or not you can afford to let this kind of opportunity slip by."

Scott County voters are being asked to authorize riverboat gambling in an election Nov. 2, which could lead to the establishment of a floating casino at the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority near Scott City.

Riverboat gambling also will be on the election ballot in Cape Girardeau that day for the second time around -- voters rejected the issue in June.

Casino Magic proposes bringing in an paddle-wheel-style boat which they promise would create 800 jobs locally with an annual payroll of $20 million, and an annual economic impact upon Scott County of more than $100 million.

Scott City Council members asked a few basic questions about traffic, security and feasibility of the plan. "We'll be in touch with you soon," Whitehead promised. "We got started with this kind of late, but it's not too late."

In other business, Mayor Larry Forhan told the council that three or four major businesses are looking at the Scott City Industrial Park area as possible sites for future expansion.

"We could have an announcement in as few as two or three weeks concerning one of the businesses," Forhan said.

"Businesses are coming to Scott City and are liking what they see," he said. "They like our facilities, our low crime rate and the accessibility of the area."

The council spent time near the close of the meeting reallocating funds to pay the balance owed on the new fire truck, scheduled to arrive in the city around 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

In January the council voted to approve the city's contract with Quality Manufacturing Co. for a new fire truck and related fire-fighting equipment.

The city will have to pay the $50,000 balance owed on the $218,985 truck upon delivery -- money the truck account currently does not have.

The money will be taken out of the regular fire department budget until enough sales tax revenues have been collected to replace the funds.