Pundrake, known legally as A&S Enterprises will be able to continue it’s successful gaming operation thanks to the City of Carmi’s awarding the establishment a Class G Liquor license at Tuesday night’s Council meeting. Before Jason Smith presented his case last night, Mayor Jeff Pollard gave some scope on the request.
“A little history on that, before I ask Jason to come up and talk, is the fact that in Illinois before you have your gaming license they require you to either be a truck stop or have a “pour” license. When Brown’s was bought out by Nutrien, they lost their truck stop status. That’s why we are where we are at tonight.”
Smith, along with his wife Jami and co-owners of the business, Brian and Stacy Austin originally purchased Pundrakes in 2003. As part of his request, Smith laid out some history saying that the business employs about 8 folks. In 2013, the Illinois Gaming Board granted Pundrakes a Truck Stop license through an agreement with what was Brown’s. The license stipulations include certain land requirements and diesel sale minimums. When Nutrien purchased the Brown’s Feed Store across the street, Pundrakes was left in a pickle. Smith explains
“We’re no longer going to be able to maintain that truck stop status, so we basically have two options. We can self report this to the IGB (Illinois Gaming Board) and surrender our gaming license or we can wait until we get an audit on our diesel sales and our license will be revoked. Honestly, there’s no way we are going to be able to stay open without it. It’s just a tough business.”
Without the gaming license, Smith indicated the business wouldn’t make it.
“I mean, if we surrender that gaming license, we might as well just lock the doors the same day.”
Stats from the Illinois Gaming Board show that of Carmi’s 11 licensees, over the last year, Pundrake’s is far and away the most popular video gaming site within the city. In fact, it’s nearly double it’s next highest competitor. Since January of 2019, nearly $6.5 million dollars has been poured into video gaming machines there. The net terminal income generated at Pundrakes over that period is over half a million dollars at $500,808.80. The NTI tax then takes $157,397.87, the state’s share is $132,357.38, and the city of Carmi itself profited more than $25,000 (25,040.49). The license will allow gamers to also have a maximum of two drinks while playing, though that seems to be in question as the specific number of drinks is apparently not in the current code. There could be more coming to clarify that potential loophole. Even Alderman Steve Winkleman, a staunch no voter on all liquor licenses acquiesced gave his approval.
In other business, the council approved a pay request for Brown and Roberts at the Carmi Municipal Airport. Alderman Mike Knight says the project to repair the entrance and parking lot there is state mandated and the city will be reimbursed for 95% of the expenditure.
Also, council approved moving forward with the annual purchase of a new Dodge Ram for the Carmi PD. Alderman Doug Hays says Chief Carter has budgeted $25,000 toward that purchase and a bid from White County Ford came in at $29,790. The additional money needed for the purchase and to equip it as a Police vehicle will come from PD Special Funds we’re told.
Mayor Pollard says the city is planning an Electronics Recycling Event for Carmi and White County residents. The event is planned for March 28th from 9am to noon and will be held at 520 North 3rd Street.
Council adjourned at 5:49pm and will next meet in regular session on March 3rd.
