Graton Resort Owners and Sonoma County Reach Payment Agreement

Graton Resort Owners and Sonoma County Reach Payment Agreement

The Graton Resort and Casino, located in Rohnert Park, California, has reached a payment agreement with Sonoma County. The agreement will see the casino pay $38 million to the county over the next 10 years. This payment is in addition to the $251 million the casino has already paid to the county since it opened in 2013.

The payment agreement was reached after months of negotiations between the casino and the county. The negotiations were focused on how much the casino should pay the county for the services it provides, such as law enforcement and fire protection. The casino argued that it was already paying enough, while the county argued that it needed more to cover the costs of these services.

The $38 million payment will be split between the county and its cities. The county will receive $19 million, while the cities of Rohnert Park, Cotati, and Santa Rosa will receive $6.3 million each. The money will be used to fund various projects and services, such as road repairs, affordable housing, and mental health services.

The Graton Resort and Casino is owned by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, a federally recognized tribe. The casino is one of the largest employers in Sonoma County, with over 2,000 employees. It also generates millions of dollars in revenue for the county each year.

The payment agreement is a win-win for both the casino and the county. The casino gets to continue operating without any disruptions, while the county gets the funding it needs to provide essential services to its residents. It also shows that the casino is committed to being a good neighbor and contributing to the community.

In a statement, Greg Sarris, chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, said, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Sonoma County that recognizes our commitment to being a responsible member of the community. We look forward to continuing to work with the county and its cities to support the economic and social well-being of the region.”

Overall, the payment agreement between the Graton Resort and Casino and Sonoma County is a positive development for both parties. It shows that they are willing to work together to find a solution that benefits everyone involved. It also sets a good example for other businesses and communities on how to work together to achieve common goals.