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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/19/2007 - STAFF REPORTS - 5.A. 444 RO&n Ode¢Y, YlayOF 3200 1G "Niquizz Canyon�Vay ° Palen Springs,California 92262 'tel: (760) 323-5200 " Lax-(760) 323-5252 Web: www.palmsprings-ca.gov September 19, 2007 The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Governor Schwarzenegger: I am writing to express the City of Palm Springs' deep concern with regard to the removal of the Special Distribution Fund (SDF) from the budget. As you know, this Fund was created by 28 Indian tribes that initiated gaming casinos in California. The money was required by the State from the original tribes and was to be used by local jurisdictions to mitigate impacts from gaming. It is our understanding that you are concerned that these allocated funds are not being used for the specific purpose of casino impact mitigation for local governments. Although there may, in fact, be jurisdictions not using their SDF appropriations correctly, I can assure you this is not the case for the City of Palm Springs. Riverside County is the model for ensuring these funds are used correctly in accordance with State regulations. Our process involves local government agencies submitting requests to the local tribal government for review and recommendation. The requests are then submitted to the Riverside County Local Benefit Committee, which is made up of local/county elected officials. This Committee also has oversight to ensure that funds are spent correctly. Additionally, the Palm Springs City Council and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, which meet jointly several times each year, provide further oversight of these expenditures and results. An example of the current year's SDF program is our Police Department's receipt of approximately $731,000 from the Fund. We use these resources to provide four trained police officers to patrol in and around the Spa Casino located in downtown Palm Springs, which is operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Additionally, in accordance with the SDF governing law, we utilize two civilian officers to conduct crime prevention programs- 200 7 5 A . Si___ �rrf_. A, .. n_I C _ __ r _' ( Also, the Palm Springs Fire Department receives funding from the SDF for three firefighter/paramedics at our downtown Fire Station, which is located across the street from the Casino. Moreover, these dollars have contributed to the purchase of Fire Department apparatus, including fire trucks and a paramedic squad to be used at this station. Governor, as these additional safety services have been possible only due to the benefits accrued to the City from the SDF, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision. Without reinstatement of the SDF, our ability to mitigate casino impacts, particularly as we are the only local government jurisdiction in California with a casino located in the downtown, we will be affected in both the short and long term. Finally, on behalf of Palm Springs and other Coachella Valley cities affected by this decision, I would respectfully request a meeting with you or your staff to emphasize the importance of this issue for Palm Springs — and to further the discussion of our SDF process. Sincerely, Ron Oden Mayor RO/GJ:rm MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED Item No. 5 .A.