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California casino dispute resolved

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the Fresno Bee: "The Chukchansi tribe has agreed to pay nearly $13 million to settle a bitter dispute with Madera County over the tribe's casino expansion.

"The agreement announced Wednesday allows the tribe to proceed with its expansion of the Chukchansi Gold Casino and ends the county's claim that it has jurisdiction over the project.

"The tribe also agreed to pay for the effects its casino has on police and fire services outside its boundaries, as well as mental-health issues related to gambling. Madera County counsel David Prentice said the tribe would be billed quarterly for the cost of those services.

"It is not unusual for casinos to help pay for public safety services. Dan Casas, an attorney for Table Mountain Rancheria in Fresno County, said the tribe has bought a firetruck for the fire station at Millerton Lake and pays to keep the station open year round. He said the tribe also funds deputy sheriff and deputy district attorney positions.

"Wednesday's agreement ends four separate legal battles between the Chukchansi tribe and Madera County, one in U.S. District Court in San Jose, two in Madera County Superior Court and one that was before a private mediator…"

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