TRR photo by David Hulse Rusty Pomeroy (D-3), right, listens to a Tuesday investment pitch on Sullivan's tobacco payments. (Click for larger image)

By DAVID HULSE

MONTICELLO - Financial markets have long been called the rich man's betting parlor and Sullivan County legislators this week must decide whether they will gamble on a $38 million pot or scoop up a sure $13 million.

The county is considering joining a group of about 18 New York counties who are not going to gamble on the future of the tobacco industry, or the company's long-term payments toward a fulfillment of the multi-billion dollar damage award in a national settlement negotiated with 46 states.

If they do nothing, Sullivan is scheduled to receive some $38 million as its share of those payments over the next 30 years. That amount is based on projected "flat" sales of tobacco products, but could fall if "domestic delivery" of cigarettes falls below projected levels.