The city of Temecula plans to file a lawsuit against the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians in effort to get the tribe to pay millions of dollars to cover the costs associated the 2,000+ slot machines the tribe has added to its casino over the last few years, namely the costs of increased traffic and calls for police officers, Californian.com reported yesterday. The suit, approved unanimously at a city council meeting held yesterday, will be filed in around 45 days.
Under a new agreement with the city, signed earlier this year, the tribe agreed to pay $2 million annually for the next 21 years to offset the effects of the additional slot machines. The tribe did not make the first payment, which was due on June 30, as it says that there is a clause in the agreement that states the payment does not go into effect until a separate agreement is made with the county.
Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro had this to say in a statement issued after the meeting: "At a time when real leaders work together to solve problems, the Temecula City Council chooses a path of conflict, litigation and uncertainty. The absurdity of their action is beyond comprehension and jeopardizes millions for services that benefit the entire community. We will consider our options and proceed accordingly."
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