Maine State Harness Racing Commission Public Hearing

Division / Program: Maine Harness Racing Commission
Date: August 25, 2022
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Room 101, Deering Building, Augusta, Maine OR Microsoft Teams
Event Type: Public Meeting/Hearing

On August 25, 2022, at 8:00 A.M. in Room 101 of the Deering Building, 90 Blossom Lane, Augusta, Maine, and via video conference (Join the meeting on Microsoft Teams), the Maine State Harness Racing Commission will conduct a hearing and receive testimony relative to potential revisions to the 2022-2023 biennial budget, including expenditures for discretionary activities, pursuant to 8 M.R.S. 267 and Commission Rules, Chapters 19 and 21. The specific request involves a budgetary supplement of $55,000 to provide operational support to Maine's pari-mutuel fairs. Each fair would receive $1,000 per race day, except Topsham and Union, which would receive $2,000 per race day.

Also on August 25, 2022, at 8:00 a.m., in Room 101 of the Deering Building, 90 Blossom Lane, Augusta, Maine, and via video conference, the Maine State Harness Racing Commission will conduct a hearing and receive testimony relative to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's recommended operating account established in section 267-A for the Commission covering the "All Other" account expenses for the 2024-2025 biennium. The recommended budget must provide for the conduct of the Commission's core activities necessary to carry out the provisions of the Maine Harness Racing law and requirements. The budget for the account may allow for expenditures for discretionary activities, provided those activities are consistent with the purposes of this chapter.

At both hearings, all parties may be represented by counsel and will be allowed to present evidence; call and examine witnesses; and, present arguments to the Commission.

Persons desiring to intervene may apply by filing a request to intervene with the Commission in accordance with 5 M.R.S. 9054 and Commission rule, Chapter 21, Section 7. Applications for intervention will be accepted until the commencement of the hearing. Applications to intervene presented after the commencement of the hearing will be denied.

Also on August 25, The Maine State Harness Racing Commission("Commission") will conduct a hearing under the authority of 8 M.R.S. 263-A, 268, and 271(7) to determine whether the horse supply in the State of Maine has been adequate for the number of dashes conducted on assigned race dates.

In addition, under the authority of 8 M.R.S. 271(2) and Chapter 19, Section 4.10 of the Maine State Harness Racing Commission Rules, the Commission will hear a request from First Track (Cumberland) to reopen the Race Date Assignment Hearing. The request is for the Commission to finalize November and December days to those awarded at the Licensing and Race Date Assignment Hearing that was held on November 19, 2021. In the event the Commission votes to reopen the Race Date Assignment Proceedings, a hearing will be consolidated with the hearing on the horse supply. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in the Deering Building, Room 101 located at 90 Blossom Lane, Augusta, Maine.

The hearing on the Race Date Assignment will concern First Track's request for Race dates in November (6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27) and December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24).

The hearing will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, 5 M.R.S. 9051-9064, and Chapter 21 of the Maine State Harness Racing Commission rules. All parties have the right to be represented by counsel and will be allowed to present evidence, call witnesses, and present oral or written testimony and arguments to the Commission. Applications for intervention pursuant to 5 M.R.S. 9054 will be accepted until the commencement of the hearing. Applications for intervention presented after the commencement of the hearing will be denied. Any questions or inquiries should be directed to: Shane Bacon, Executive Director, Maine State Harness Racing Commission, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0028 or call (207) 287-3221.

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Call in: (207) 209-4724
Meeting ID: 242 804 235 176 #
One tap mobile: +1 207-209-4724,,438605423# United States, Portland

Contact Name: Carol Gauthier
Contact Phone: (207) 287-3221
Contact Email: carol.gauthier@maine.gov
Website: http://maine.gov/dacf/harnessracing/

Related Documents

Agenda (PDF)

Minutes (PDF)