Vernon Downs files WARN notice: When the casino is scheduled to close

Vernon Downs Hotel Casino has filed a WARN notice with the New York State Department of Labor detailing plans to close by the end of the year and lay off all 249 of its employees.

The casino, along with its Champions Buffet, Ring Eyed Pete's and Triple 777 Café dining options is scheduled to close Aug. 7, according to the WARN notice, with the racetrack and other dining options to follow in September and the the rest of the casino and hotel Dec. 31.

In a statement, Vernon Downs' president and CEO, Jeff Gural, called on state lawmakers to offer relief.

“Last year, Vernon provided jobs for 250 community members, $13 million in tax revenue for New York State, but lost $2 million dollars,” said Jeff Gural, president and CEO of Vernon Downs, in a statement. “COVID decimated our business and without modest tax relief we can no longer operate. We all care deeply about this community, and I am hopeful we can work with the Governor and Legislature to keep these jobs and Vernon as an economic engine for Oneida County.”

Workers United Upstate New York, the labor union representing Vernon Downs Casino Hotel employees, said Thursday in a statement the racino requires an increase in agent commission — the portion of net win paid to casino operators as compensation for running a gaming facility — to remain open.

Workers United is calling for the state to grant Vernon Downs $2 million in tax relief by reconsidering its request to restore the previous 6.4% agent commission fee.

When Vernon Downs is scheduled to close

The expected closing date for the casino, along with Champions Buffet, Ring Eyed Pete's and Triple 777 Café is Aug. 7, according to the WARN notice.

The expected date of the plant closing for the racetrack, Trackside Deli and Miracle Mile is Sept. 18.

The expected date of the plant closing is Dec. 31 for the hotel, Mr. G's Food & Spirits, banquet events and the remainder of the casino.

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Vernon officials fear economic impact

Both village of Vernon Mayor Joe D’Agostino and Vernon Town Supervisor Randy Watson spoke in August 2020 at a rally to reopen Vernon Downs during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both stated how the possibility of Vernon Downs closing would have a dire effect on the community.

The casino and race track is among Vernon’s largest employers, and Watson said roughly half the people that work there come from the town. In addition to the potential job loss, Watson said Vernon also would lose out on gaming money if the casino were to close.

Watson said Vernon Downs accounts for about 15% of the town’s budget, and, as of August 202, D’Agostino said the casino makes up about 18% of the village’s budget.

An email seeking comment from the Vernon mayor and Watson were not immediately returned Thursday.

Vernon Downs is a member of the Greater Oneida Chamber, but officials with the chamber said they were not aware of the possible closing until notified about it through the media.

Politicians pledge to help Vernon Downs avoid closure

Workers United said the New York State Gaming Commission had previously stepped in to increase its agent commission fee by 6.4% of lottery net win if Vernon maintained 90% of full-time equivalent employees in place in 2016, but the commission later revoked the additional fee.

Vernon Downs claims the COVID-19 pandemic severely hampered its ability to meet the required percentage of employees, citing closures in several areas of Vernon Downs' hotel and its buffet.

“I’ve been at Vernon for just over 13 years now, I basically worked my way up - I started as a dishwasher, and now I’m one of the lead line cooks, the fine dining venue at Vernon,” said Dale Nicholas, a lead line cook and union steward at Vernon Downs in a statement. “It’s really disheartening to feel that all that work, all that success, is being thrown away. My family and I need the State to help us out so I can keep my job.”

On Tuesday, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon pledged her support.

“I have worked endlessly with my colleagues in the legislature in the past and will continue to do so to assist Vernon Downs to remain open," Buttenschon said in a statement. "My number one priority remains the employees and their families.”

State Senator Joseph Griffo, who has led efforts to keep Vernon Downs open in the past, also released a statement in support of the casino.

“I understand the challenges facing Vernon Downs and initially and successfully led efforts to provide relief for the venue in the past," Griffo said. "I will continue to work with my colleagues at all levels of government to keep the facility open and operational, support employees and ownership and push for action to be taken in Albany again to ensure that Vernon Downs is given every opportunity to be successful and thrive.”

The legislative session ends on June 8.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. also commented on the potential closing, urging the sate to provide assistance to keep Vernon Downs open.

“Vernon Downs is a major employer and tourism attraction in Oneida County and its closing would be a huge loss to our economy,” Picente said. “Its success is a key to our success and I implore New York State to provide whatever assistance is possible to keep the horses running.”

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Vernon Downs files WARN notice announcing layoffs of 249 employees