Windfall in driver’s license renewals
Greene County has received $14,687.21 in gaming revenues from Wild Rose Jefferson as of Aug. 20.
The amount of gaming revenue was reported for the first time in county treasurer Donna Lawson’s monthly report to the board of supervisors Monday. The county and the city of Jefferson will each receive one-half of 1 percent of the adjusted gaming revenue (all money taken in on gambling, less the winnings paid). The money is paid on a weekly basis, with the first check going to the county July 27.
Lawson also reported an unexpected bonus Wild Rose is providing to the county – an increase in the number of driver’s license renewals. In order to collect winnings, a person must present a valid driver’s license or identification. There have been a number of casino guests who have “detoured” to the courthouse to renew their expired license so they can collect winnings, Lawson said.
There were 256 renewals in July, compared to 221 renewals in July 2014. The increase is despite the fact that the driver’s license station was closed July 20-24 (the second week of operation for Wild Rose) for staff vacation.
The county retains $7.50 of the fee on each driver’s license renewal. The money goes into the county’s general fund.
