WESTBROOK (AP) – Residents will have the final say on a racino in a dramatic, 11th-hour conclusion to Scarborough Downs’ scramble to find another community willing to accept slot machines.

The City Council pulled an all-nighter with more than six hours of debate before voting early Tuesday to put the issue to referendum on Dec. 30, one day before the statutory deadline for a decision.

Many residents at the meeting opposed a racino, but the City Council voted 4-1 for the referendum at 1:30 a.m.

Scarborough Downs is racing to find a community willing to accept a harness-racing track with slot machines.

That’s because Scarborough voters rejected a racino on Nov. 4 even as voters across the state granted permission for slot machines at the state’s two existing tracks: Bangor Raceway and Scarborough Downs.

The new law allows the racino to be located within a five-mile radius of the racetrack’s location in 2002, but the local decision must be made by Dec. 31.

Sharon Terry, owner of Scarborough Downs, said she hasn’t found land for the proposed racino. But she urged voters to give her the chance to continue.

“Allow us a chance to explore our plans, our ideas and our hopes,” she said.

Most opposed the track, saying there were too many unanswered questions. They also had concerns the city would not get its fair share of slot revenues and that the racino would create traffic problems and gambling addiction.

“This, while very promising, is something in my opinion that is shortsighted in terms of the consequences,” said Christopher Parr, a resident.

Those who favor the racino said it was an opportunity to bring people and money into the city, and that residents should be allowed to make the decision.

Westbrook’s decision is crucial for the Downs, which is running out of time and municipalities within the 5-mile radius to approach.

Some Old Orchard Beach property owners have been approached, but town councilors have expressed no interest in meeting with track officials.

Officials in Portland, South Portland and Cape Elizabeth have not been approached.

In Saco, the City Council decided last week not to hold a vote on a racino. On Monday, Saco city councilors again considered – and again rejected – a proposal to hold a vote. Both votes were 6-1.

Kathryn Rolston, a track spokeswoman, said that if Westbrook decides against a referendum, the track will continue to discuss the issue with Saco.

Saco Councilor Eric Cote, who joined the majority opposing a referendum, said afterward that he expects there will be a citywide vote.

In Westbrook, Rolston said Scarborough Downs also will look to the Legislature to extend the Dec. 31 deadline for local approval.

AP-ES-11-25-03 0852EST