2.__Procedure for assessments.__On or before August 1st, annually, starting with the first such date following the commencement of gaming operations under this subchapter, the State shall render to the tribal gaming agency a statement of the total cost of regulation and law enforcement for the preceding fiscal year ending June 30th, together with proposed assessments for the forthcoming fiscal year based on the preceding fiscal year cost, except that in the first year of the effective date of this subchapter the assessment must be prospective and based upon a pro rata allocation of costs if this subchapter becomes operative in the course of a fiscal year and must be established following consultation with the tribal gaming agency.__On September 1st annually, the State, after receiving any objections to the proposed assessments and making such changes or adjustments as may be indicated, shall provide a written notice that assesses the tribal gaming operator for the costs of regulation and law enforcement.__ Annually, the tribal gaming operator shall pay 1/3 of the assessment within 20 days of the receipt of the written notice and shall pay the remaining 2/3 of the assessment in 2 equal payments on January 1st and April 1st.__Such payments must be deposited with the State Treasurer.__The money deposited must be credited to the General Fund and must be accounted for as the State considers appropriate.

3.__Procedure for appeal of assessments.__If the Tribes are aggrieved because of any assessment levied pursuant to this subchapter, either or both of the Tribes or the tribal gaming operator may, not later than one month from the time provided for the payment of such assessment, appeal an assessment to the Superior Court for Kennebec County.

4.__Adjustment of excess assessments.__In the event that the total assessment paid by the tribal gaming operator during any fiscal year of the State exceeds the reasonable and necessary costs of regulating gaming operations and conducting law enforcement investigations pursuant to this subchapter during that fiscal year, the State shall adjust the assessment for the succeeding fiscal year in the amount necessary to offset such excess assessment.__If the Tribes are aggrieved because of any failure by the State to make such an adjustment, any claim for such an adjustment must be presented in the appeal of the assessment as provided in subsection 3.