Florida vote not certain

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel has reported that Broward County commissioners on Tuesday delayed a decision on whether to conduct a March 8 gambling referendum until negotiators can finalize a deal with the pari-mutuel industry over how many millions it will pay to install slot machines. Pompano Park is one of the tracks in Broward County, which encompasses Fort Lauderdale.



Commissioners explained the postponement by saying that setting the election is the only negotiating point they have with the county's three race tracks and one jai-alai fronton. "The only time we have any leverage is setting the vote," said Broward Mayor Kristin Jacobs.



The county wants $35 million for itself and the three cities that would have facilities hosting the slot machines (Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach and Pompano Beach). The money would be used to offset the costs county staffers associate with more gambling, such as the need to hire extra police.



Dania Jai Alai, Hollywood Greyhound Track, Gulfstream Park and Pompano Park Racing have offered about $30 million. However, the approximately $5 million difference is not the only sticking point in the negotiations.



County negotiators say they will not count on gambling interests' promises to pay $2.5 million for the election. They are demanding the industry pay for a bond so that the county is assured of payment even if voters turn down slot machines. Commissioners also want a guarantee that the pari-mutuel industry in Broward match any more favorable deal with Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade has two race tracks and a jai-alai fronton.



The negotiations are expected to be conducted with the pressure of a deadline as track operators are hoping for a March 8 referendum.



Also, on Tuesday a judge in Tallahassee tossed out the last legal challenge to the amendment to allow the local referendums decide whether or not slots can be installed at pari-mutuel faciities.

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