Holding checks distributed from bingo proceeds in the month of May are L-R Brenda Burke, representing Greene County Commission Chair Nick Underwood; Mayor James Gaines of Union, Sheriff Joe Benison, Mayor Bonnie Olayiwola of Boligee and Mayor Eddie Woods of Forkland.

On July 5, 2011, Sheriff Joe Benison announced there would be a distribution of bingo funds from the May  receipts to the Greene County Commission, the Greene County Sheriff’’s Office and the cities of Eutaw, Boligee, Forkland and Union.

Benison said, “Section 4 of the Greene County Bingo Rules of regulating that I, Jonathan M. Benison, as Sheriff of Greene County adopted, requires certain payments be made on a monthly basis to certain governmental entities.

“Nevertheless, as a result of the June 1, 2011 raid on Greenetrack, Inc. by the Attorney General, this shall be the last payment issued from my office from Bingo Machine Revenue until further notice.

“In accordance with my Bingo Rules and Regulations and Constitutional Amendment 743, the following allocated funds shall be distributed.”

Greene County Commission – 308.9 machines  @ $95 per machine – $29,345.50

Greene County Sheriff’s Department – 308.9 machines @ $35 per machine – $10,811.50

City of Eutaw – 308.9 machines @ $20 per machine – $6,178.00

City of Forkland – 308.9 machines @ $10 per machine – $3,089.00

City of Boligee – 308.9 machines @ $10 per machine – $3,089.00.

City of Union – 308.9 machines @ $10 per machine – $3,089.00.

Total funds for the month of May, 2011 – $55,602.00.

“The total amount collected from bingo in the months of April and May 2011 is $189,082.00,” said Benison.