Between 2008 and 2013, 10 million fewer gamblers visited casinos in Tunica, Mississippi. Combined with the closure of Harrah’s Tunica and minimal property tax rates, Tunica County officials have proposed a 2015 budget that would decrease by more than million. As a result, dozens of county employees showed up at a recent county council meeting, concerned that their jobs were in jeopardy. The county is one of the largest employers in the Tunica area.
County leaders said the airport and stadium will have less money allocated. But, they assured employees, no one will lose their jobs and their salaries will not decline. However, a hiring freeze is likely. The Tunica County Sheriff’s Department said the freeze would affect street patrols, but the department would minimize the impact.
