INGLEWOOD : Use of Card Club Funds in Budget Attacked
Several members of the City Council criticized Inglewood City Manager Paul D. Eckles this week for balancing the city’s budget with $4.7 million in revenue from a card club that has not been built.
“I believe it is fiscally irresponsible for this municipality to balance a budget on money that is not there,” Councilwoman Judith L. Dunlap said at Tuesday’s council meeting.
The projected funds--$3 million in a lump-sum license fee and $1.7 million in monthly fees--have not been paid to the city because the Hollywood Park card club has not yet had its gaming license approved by Inglewood or state officials.
Eckles said the developers agreed to pay the initial $3 million as soon as the city gives provisional approval to the license, which is expected soon. Even without the money, the city could meet its payroll from reserves if necessary, he said. The city has a budget of $130 million.
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