In the wake of Senate Bill 56 which proposes redirected tax dollars generated from recreational marijuana sales back to Ohio's general fund.

Leaders in Austintown say tax revenue was the big selling point to approve dispensaries last year, and if this bill were to pass, it would be comparable to what the community faced when the racino came to the township.

"There was supposed to be some funding coming to the hosting communities which the state nixed and they are keeping at their level now.", said Austintown Township Trustee Robert Santos, clarifying that Hollywood Gaming has been a big asset to the community.

Austintown received an initial six-figure lumpsum, which was to be followed by $500,000 yearly payments as long as the racino, operated by Penn National Gaming was operating in that district.

"They were going to utilize that obviously for our security forces and any type of improvements for the infrastructure. That only lasted about two yeas and it was taken away.", Santos added.

From December 31, 2016-December 31, 2024, the township missed out on $4 million, money that could've alleviated issues like the failure of the recent police levy, and alleviated some of the burden on taxpayers.

Former State Senator Joe Schiavoni, who fought to make sure these host communities at the time, were made at-least somewhat whole on these promises said, "

"Whenever there are big changes with promised revenue to help local communities, they need to make sure all the fine print is read, all of the details are planned out, and you have a long term plan in place."

Current State Senator Al Cutrona tells 21 News he wasn't around at that time but advocates for keeping some tax dollars local.

"I am advocating that these dollars be sent back to the district, but there needs to be guardrails on how these dollars can be allocated and spent. The first is property tax deductions, as well as dollars being spent for law enforcement and essential services."

Cutrona adds that those guardrails make sure these governments aren't wasting it on unnecessary expenditures like splash pads, and that taxpayers have a right to get some of this money back in meaningful ways.

He also mentioned that SB 56 is in the very early stages and would have to get through the Senate Committee.

In the meantime, Santos says he and the other trustees are in dialogue with state legislators with the hopes of getting tax revenue from the casino back in the community.