Jackets chief wants casino tax help

July 18, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

Columbus

Columbus Blue Jackets president Mike Priest said taxes from a casino planned for the city would be the best solution for the hockey team’s financial problems.

A 33 percent state tax on revenue at the casino being developed by Penn National Gaming is expected to generate an estimated $24 million for the city of Columbus and some $16 million for Franklin County.

“I think it is the most viable solution, and it wouldn’t require any other money being used,” Priest said. “But it’s up to the public sector to decide how it wants to use that money.”

Team officials have been meeting with business and government leaders for more than a year to figure out a way to curb the Blue Jackets’ losses. The Jackets are losing about $12 million per year in operations.

Local leaders say it’s too early to say whether casino taxes will solve the Jackets’ troubles.

“There are still multiple discussions on multiple fronts about how to best address this situation,” Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady said. “We’re not going to abandon any options yet.”

Local officials also have considered raising taxes on rental cars, hotels and alcohol to help the Blue Jackets. They say losing the hockey team would hurt the Columbus Arena District.

Still, the Blue Jackets aren’t the only group vying for casino revenue.

“Clearly, we have an interest in seeing that that money is used for local police and fire, that we’re able to use some of that tax money for equipment and personnel,” said Jason Pappas, executive vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9.

Casinos were approved by voters last year for Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.