City council approves agreement with tribe

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – The city of Taunton is one step closer to bringing a casino to its community.

Last week, the City Council approved a host community agreement with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.
    
The tribe hopes to build a $500 million gambling resort. Under the agreement, the tribe would make about $33 million in upfront payments to the city, followed by at least $13 million annually.
    
Residents will vote on the issue Saturday. If it passes, the tribe then must reach a compact with the state by July 31.

Meanwhile, in nearby Lakeville, voters there have overwhelmingly voted against a proposed casino from the Wampanoag tribe of Aquinnah. This follows a similar rejection in neighboring Freetown.
    
The votes are non-binding and a spokesperson for the tribe says they will continue to peruse a casino and are exploring "all options."

Cox Media Group