Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Collinsville Coffers Dwindle Due to Fairmount's Loss of Days

January 18, 2010

A labor dispute between a handful of state workers at Fairmount Park Racetrack and state racing officials could lead to fewer tax dollars for Collinsville and jobs for area residents.

The 2010 race season has been slashed to just three days of racing after representatives for both sides failed to meet a negotiating deadline three weeks ago. The Collinsville Road track had been expected to be open for 52 days.

The racetrack, which employs more than 500 people, is Collinsville's third-largest employer. Collinsville City Manager Robert Knabel said that city officials are watching the situation closely.

"Our biggest concern is employment," he said. "But we're also wondering what this will do to our recreation and entertainment. This would be one less attraction, and we'd like to keep it."

City Finance Director Tamara Ammann said the city would take a tax hit as well. "We collected $12,700 in admission tax in 2009," she said.

The city also collects a small amount sales tax from restaurant and souvenir sales at the race track. While those numbers are hardly eye-popping, the residual impact could significant. Knabel pointed out that Fairmount Park draws tens of thousands of people to the community each year, some of whom spend money locally.

Lanny Brooks, executive director of the Illinois Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, said the economic cost to track workers would be profound.

"This involves thousands of people," he said. "There are 67 trainers. There are grooms for each horse. There are sawdust guys, the hay man, the company that picks up manure. A lot of peripheral effects."

The future of the 2010 season remains murky. Behind-the-scenes talks to resolve the situation continue, but the clock to get horses and the track ready for the season is ticking.

"I think this has to be tidied up by the next time the racing board meets" on Jan. 26, Brooks said.