Slots Galores

3/18/2010 – South Side Leader
     

By Emily Chesnic

Luck may be running out for skilled game establishments currently operating illegally and/or not complying with tax laws in Lakemore.

At the March 15 regular meeting, Lakemore Village Council introduced a lengthy ordinance that would regulate entertainment device arcades operating in the village.

The ordinance was read to Council by Lakemore Fiscal Officer Rick Quay. The operation of slot machines and gambling devices is against the law in Ohio, yet businesses in which individuals can play various games to win prizes have been established in Lakemore, the proposed ordinance states. Among other reasons, the ordinance explains the village is enacting new guidelines in light of the Springfield/Lakemore Police Department’s recent conclusion that some of the local gaming businesses are giving cash prizes to regular costumers, going against the state’s gambling laws. Quay said some of the village businesses operating slot machines and other gambling devices have begun to close their doors to the general public in an attempt to thwart the efforts of the police investigating the operation of the games to enforce the gambling laws.

If adopted, the new 10-page ordinance would have numerous requirements for a person, partnership or corporation seeking to open an entertainment device arcade, including first getting a license from the village and then completing a detailed application that lists, among other information, the odds of winning any offered prize and the dollar amount of each prize awarded for the participation in the game or activity.

Quay said prior to beginning business, each entertainment device arcade owner must obtain a tax account number and a certificate of registration from the village. This registration would be revoked for failure by the operator to remain current in the filing of required tax documents and required payment of taxes. The business must comply with all tax laws of the village and gambling laws of the state.

The second reading of this resolution is set to be heard at the April 5 Council meeting.

Also during the meeting, Council adopted a resolution creating the Village of Lakemore Fiscal Report and Review Committee comprised of Council President Rick Justice, Village Solicitor Becky Doherty and Councilman Tom Wolfe, who is chair of the Finance Committee. Wolfe said the committee would meet up to four times a year at least once after an audit by the Ohio Auditor’s Office to report all audit findings to Council. He explained the committee would be providing an extra level of fiscal accountability in Lakemore. Wolfe added the resolution should show village residents that Council is committed to taking care of taxpayers’ money.

In other business, Council:

• established revolving petty cash funds for the utility billing office and fiscal office for a total of $250. Quay said petty cash funds are beneficial for making change when collecting fees and bills, making small purchases and paying postage and freight charges. He explained petty cash funds have existed in Lakemore, but there has not been a piece of legislation officially establishing and regulating petty cash funds;

• created a special revenue fund known as the Lakemore Fire Donation Fund for the purpose of receiving civic donations for the Lakemore Fire Department and using those funds for supplies and materials for the department;

• confirmed the appointment of Lakemore firefighter Shawn Parsell to the position of full-time fire prevention officer/ paramedic for the department at a salary of about $15 per hour, with benefits.

Lakemore Fire Chief Barry Saley explained several in-house candidates were interviewed for the job and Parsell was found most qualified for the position that was created by Council last month. He added Parsell is a fire inspector and will concentrate on enforcing current village codes; and

• approved designating $300 for the purchase of candy and supplies for the Easter Egg Hunt, which is slated for April 3 at noon at Upper Water Works Park. Those willing to help stuff Easter eggs can do so March 31 at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building.

The next Lakemore Village Council meeting is scheduled for April 5 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 1400 Main St.