E. Dundee seeks resident input on vieo gambling

East Dundee trustees made it clear where they stand on video gambling machines in eligible village establishments: they don't want them.

But the village board still wants resident input on whether the village should allow or prohibit the machines in licensed bars, restaurants, taverns, truck stops and fraternal organizations.

Trustees on Monday voted 6-1 in favor of placing an advisory referendum on the Feb. 2 primary ballot, asking residents if the village should allow the machines.

Monday's vote comes two weeks after the village board voted 6-1 to effectively prohibit the video gambling machines. The measure was intended to prevent business owners from rushing out and installing machines, village leaders said.

Despite the one-sided decision Monday, three board members questioned the need for an advisory referendum before the vote

"I have a problem with this," said Trustee Michael Ruffulo, the lone village board member to vote in favor of the machines and against the ballot question. "I know we say this is not going to cost us any money, but we will be spending money on something. We know 98 percent of the residents are for prohibiting it. This is a done deal as far as I am concerned."

Trustees Jeff Lynam and Rob Gorman echoed Ruffulo's sentiments.

Village President Jerry Bartels said although he is not in favor of video gambling, residents should have a say in the matter because it involves a potential source of revenue. Also, the village has gotten negative feedback from residents about a debt-reduction fee recently added to water bills.

Bartels said the village faces a tough road ahead financially because of the impending departure of Walmart, as well as the loss of numerous revenue streams.

"We should give residents the opportunity to weigh in on it," Bartels said. "At some point in time, we are going to run out of rocks to turn over to look for revenue."

State lawmakers approved the use of video gambling machines outside casinos as a way to fund the state's $31 billion capital improvement plan.

Municipalities and counties that control unincorporated areas may ban the machines at a local level, either by ordinance or ballot measure.

Communities that allow the machines receive 5 percent of revenues. The state estimates each eligible establishment that installs machines could generate about $11,000 per year for the host community. East Dundee has at least six eligible establishments.

More than two dozen local municipalities have passed ordinances banning video gambling machines, and the list continues to grow statewide.

The list of local communities that have banned video gambling machines includes: Bloomingdale, Buffalo Grove, Elburn, Elmhurst, Hanover Park, Kildeer, Libertyville, Mettawa, Naperville, Rosemont, Villa Park and Wheaton. DuPage, Lake and Cook counties have banned the machines in unincorporated areas, while McHenry County officials continue to mull the issue. A Kane County task force recently recommended allowing the machines.