By ROGER MOON, Times-Mail

FRENCH LICK - Don Renner, a member of the Historic Hotels Preservation Commission, followed through Wednesday on a step he pledged to take to get more casino money to Paoli and Orleans.

During the HHPC's regular monthly meeting, Renner introduced a motion that allows for municipal leaders in the two towns to have greater say-so over how the communities can benefit from casino funds that will be coming into the towns.

Renner's motion outlined how any portion of HHPC gaming and tax money (coming to the panel for distribution) not already committed by statute and related development documents should be divided. The motion stipulated that 50 percent should go to the towns of Paoli and Orleans based on their annual tax levies in block grants for infrastructure, historic preservation, restoration and enhancement. Uses, the motion stipulated, are “to be reviewed by the HHPC to verify that the monies have been spent totally” for the specified purposes.

In addition, the motion outlined that 45 percent of the remaining monies will be earmarked for historic preservation, restoration and enhancement in the towns of French Lick, West Baden Springs, Orleans and Paoli and in remaining parts of Orange County. Five percent will be retained by the HHPC for administrative costs.

While Wednesday's action constituted a verbal motion only, HHPC attorney David Umpleby said it could take the form of a resolution to be signed by HHPC members at their next meeting.

The action followed a public meeting that took place May 25 with elected leaders and others from Paoli and Orleans. Town council members from the two communities said at the time they favored such a plan.

Paoli Town Council member Forrest Brown had said, “From what I see, give the money to the towns ... and let them build on the infrastructure of the towns.”

Project update

HHPC members also heard an update on the hotel and casino development project from Scott Spurlock, general manager of the French Lick Springs Resort.

He reported:

  • The opening of the Donald Ross Golf Course now is scheduled for Aug. 15. Spurlock said a new golf cart storage barn is going up and work is continuing on golf cart paths. “The clubhouse itself continues to move along,” he said, adding that it will include a 65-seat restaurant.

  • The lobby restoration at the French Lick Springs Resort will be complete in about two to three weeks. “It is just simply a miraculous transformation that has taken place in the lobby,” Spurlock said. He added that window replacement is about 70 percent complete, framing on the inside is about 99 percent complete, the spa is 50 to 55 percent complete and work on the verandah is 80 percent complete

  • As for the casino itself, the exterior of the building is almost complete. Spurlock said, “The paddlewheels are being fabricated and will be installed the third week of this month.” He added that framing is complete in the casino office area.

    • © 2025 TMNews.com, Bedford, IN.