Ala. City, Casino Reach Deal for Fire Protection

Dec. 07--The Wetumpka City Council has entered into a multi-year, multimillion-dollar agreement with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The agreement calls for PCI to make use of the city's fire department.

Mayor Jerry Willis said the city will receive $1.97 million from PCI before Jan. 1. The city then will receive $850,000 each of the next three years with a renewable contract option at the end of that time.

"It's been a long time coming," Willis said. "We were able to sit down with PCI and hash out an agreement we thought was beneficial to both parties."

PCI has been in talks with the city of Wetumpka and the Elmore County Commission about the economic impact of Wind Creek Wetumpka, a $246 million hotel and casino. The casino floor is scheduled to open Dec. 17, and the hotel is set for an early 2014 opening.

Both the city and county funded a study in March to look at the overall effect the gaming center has had and will have on the surrounding area. Willis said more agreements could be put in place for other city services.

"I don't know what the future agreements will be, but we are very comfortable in working toward future agreements," Willis said about working with the PCI.

The funding for the Wetumpka Fire Department not only will ensure response to any of the casino's needs, but also will pay for additional personnel.

"We are excited at the opportunity," Willis said.

David Bowen, chairman of the Elmore County Commission, said county leaders still are in talks with PCI. Bowen could not comment on specific negotiations, but he said talks involve PCI contributing on an annual basis toward things such as infrastructure, road work and project-specific funding.

In November, PCI donated $1 million toward construction of the county's Emergency Operations Center in what Bowen said was a "good faith effort."

"We are very appreciative of them being good neighbors," Bowen said.

Representatives of PCI reciprocated the sentiment.

"We are proud that we can give back to our local communities, especially when a donation has the potential to save lives," said Robert McGhee, government relations adviser for PCI. "The city of Wetumpka and Elmore County are wonderful places to live and work, and we are happy to do our part to provide essential services such as fire protection and maintain the great quality of life there."

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