KENNEWICK -- The Cable Bridge Casino, which the city of Kennewick is suing for unpaid gambling taxes, has closed its doors.
But another business already has applied for a gambling license at the same location at 101 S. Gum St.
An attorney for the casino e-mailed Kennewick City Attorney Lisa Beaton Wednesday saying that its owners decided not to appeal a city decision to
Attorney George Telquist also told Beaton the casino had closed its doors as of Sunday, Beaton said.
Patrick Jutz of Walla Walla, who co-owned the business, did not return a call for comment by Thursday evening.
A city official delivered a notice that stated the city planned to revoke the casino's business license Feb. 4. The city had taken action after reportedly working with the casino pay off gambling taxes owed since sometime in 2008, Beaton has said.
On Nov. 30, the city filed suit against the casino, alleging it owed the city about $345,000.
That included back gambling taxes, plus penalties and interest. The city imposes a 10 percent tax on gross receipts of cardrooms, pull tabs and punch cards.
Additionally, in cases of late payment, the city charges a 50 percent penalty plus interest.
The city also had asked the Washington State Gambling Commission to revoke the Cable Bridge Casino's gambling license.
An administrative law judge issued an order to that effect Tuesday, said Susan Arland, spokeswoman for the state Gambling Commission.
According to a note on the casino door, it has closed to remodel.
The note said the casino plans to reopen under new management in April.
According to Arland, a Kennewick-based company named Lucky Bridge LLC applied Nov. 29 for cardroom and punch board/pull tab licenses at the same site on the corner of Gum Street and First Avenue.
The application stated the business would be called Lucky Bridge Casino.
The state Gambling Commission has not yet finished processing the applications, Arland said.
Prima Voss was listed as a member of Lucky Bridge LLC on the application, Arland said. Voss did not return a call for comment by Thursday evening.
The status of Cable Bridge Casino's former employees is unclear.
The business stated it had 65 employees when its owners applied for a business license renewal Feb. 8, 2010, according to city records.
Michelle Mann, executive director of Work Source Columbia Basin, said local Work Source offices have not seen an influx of former Cable Bridge Casino employees applying for unemployment benefits.
Although Cable Bridge Casino has closed its doors, the city will continue to pursue its lawsuit against the owners, Beaton said.
She said the city likely will amend its suit to include additional back taxes the city claims the casino owes based on gambling receipts from the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of this year.
Beaton also said Cable Bridge Casino owners have filed a court document denying all charges brought in the city's lawsuit.
* Kathy Korengel: 509-582-1541; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Similar stories:
-
Kennewick threatens Cable Bridge Casino
Kennewick threatens Cable Bridge Casino KENNEWICK The city of Kennewick has taken steps to revoke the business license of Cable Bridge Casino for not paying its gambling taxes. A city official Friday served a notice to that effect to the casino at 101 S. Gum St., said Pat Jutz of Walla Walla, who co-owns the business. Jutz and the co-owner do business under the name of Bevl LLC, a limited liability corporation. The casino owners have 10 days to appeal and request a hearing or to pay the back taxes, penalties and interest, which the city claims are close to $345,000.
-
Experience, fresh perspective choices in Franklin County auditor race
Experience, fresh perspective choices in Franklin County auditor race The Franklin County auditor's race is a choice between an auditor with 21 years of experience who is backed by officials who belong to both parties and a small-business owner who says he'll bring a fresh perspective. Republican Matt Beaton, who owns his own real estate appraisal business, is challenging incumbent Democrat Zona Lenhart in the November election. Lenhart said Beaton's experience is suitable to serve as assessor, but he doesn't have the skills and experience to be county auditor.
-
Council mulls hiring interim city manager
Council mulls hiring interim city manager Kennewick's permanent city manager may be as close as the person in the chair next to the mayor's. City council members discussed Tuesday whether they should spend approximately $34,500 to launch a nationwide recruitment effort or simply stay with Marie Mosely, who has been interim city manager for 3 1/2 months after the resignation of Bob Hammond. Mayor Steve Young and Mayor Pro Tem Sharon Brown have been working with city staff since September to develop a recruitment strategy, which they now believe might be unnecessary.
-
Economic growth voted No. 1 story for 2010
Economic growth voted No. 1 story for 2010 The continued growth of the Tri-City economy in the face of the persistent national recession and two shocking murder stories that took years to reach a conclusion were voted the top three stories of 2010 by the Herald staff. The Tri-Cities' continued economic health unfolded in a series of reports each month that recounted job growth, increasing home prices and a healthy business climate. And the murder trials -- of Vicente Ruiz and Phiengchai Sisouvanh Synhavong -- ran on for months as attorneys maneuvered and dueled through weeks of proceedings before the juries at last were seated and testimony could begin.
-
Benton Co. Court judge election heads for recount
Benton Co. Court judge election heads for recount KENNEWICK The neck and neck Benton County District Court judge race is heading for a mandatory recount. Dan Kathren was ahead of Alex Ekstrom by eight votes after Monday's count. And Benton County Auditor Brenda Chilton said the county auditor's office likely will have only one to three more ballots to count before results are certified today.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|