County withdraws plan to waive casino’s fine

County commissioners on Tuesday backed away from a controversial proposal to waive a tax penalty accrued last year by Aces Casino.

“There was some misunderstanding as to what we were doing,” said Commissioner Mark Richard, adding he thought it would help a small, struggling business that provides jobs. “To me, the community is built on the back of small businesses. It’s not like I’m helping Enron.”

But community reaction to the proposed relief persuaded Richard to withdraw the plan.

Aces, which moved last summer to Francis Avenue and Division Street, was levied a $7,000 fine after missing its tax payment from July, August and September. It has since paid the $40,000 tax bill, but still owes the fine.

Commissioners lowered the county’s gambling tax from 15 percent to 2 percent effective Oct. 1. The casino blamed its tardiness on cash flow problems it suffered while paying the older, higher tax rate.

Commissioner Phil Harris said he felt waiving the fine would have raised questions of fairness.

“It’s regretful that you tried to do a good deed, and it slapped you upside the head,” Harris told Richard.