In yet another sign of a thaw in relationships between formerly bitter foes, Shakopee will get $250,000 from the casino-rich Shakopee tribe in exchange for heightened police service.
The immense wealth of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and its purported failure at times to support nearby governments offering it service have long been a sore point in Scott County.
One striking sign of how sensitive the subject is: Grants offered by the tribe to surrounding cities are still the top item on the home page of the tribe's website, months after they were announced and despite millions being given to others in the meantime.
The latest agreement is described by city officials as a sharp turnabout, given that the tribe and city do not, and have never had, a cost-sharing agreement tied to services the city must by law provide.
The deal enables the city to beef up its investigative forces while also promising the tribe a consistent liaison that should help build relationships.
David Peterson
dapeterson@startribune.com
