NATCHEZ — The rising Mississippi River has caused officials to close the Isle of Capri Casino at 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

The decision, made by Isle of Capri, City of Natchez and Mississippi Gaming Commission officials, will impact the jobs of 259 gaming employees and cost the city a projected loss of $135,000 in gaming revenue.

“Access to our property is expected to be compromised, and the casino will close to ensure the safety of our guests,” said Tony Scudiero, Isle of Capri Casino’s vice president and general manager.

The casino’s 23 hotel employees will not be affected.

“Our hotel actually sits on the bluff and will remain open,” Scudiero said.

City Clerk Donnie Holloway said the city has budgeted a projected loss of $135,000.

In 2008 when the Isle of Capri closed for just under one month, Holloway said the city lost as much as $80,000 in gaming revenues.

Holloway said the casino will likely be closed longer than it was closed 2008, since a higher crest means more time for floodwaters to rise and recede.

The city receives 3.2 percent of the casino’s gross income, Holloway said. He said in 2008 when the casino was closed part of the month of May, the casino’s gross income in was $958,000. The same month in 2007 the casino earned $2.77 million and $3.18 million in 2009.

Gaming commission deputy director Allen Godfrey said the commission worked with Isle of Capri and City of Natchez officials to determine a closure date.

The casino will be opened with the all normal functions can proceed.

“When (the casino has) all their ability to function with normal business, water and sewer, and it is OK for patrons to come in … (the Isle of Capri) will open back up,” Godfrey said.

Godfrey said the commission has looked at Natchez and other cities’ situations relating to water gages and communicating with local officials to determine closures.

Isle of Capri announced the Thursday closure in a press release Tuesday, but Jill Haynes, the senior director of corporate communications, said while the decision is a joint decision between local and state authorities, the commission has the final say.

The boat was moved north to allow patrons to use the ramp, which was previously entered near the lowest dip on Silver Street, until the casino closes.

Gardner said the goal of moving the boat north was to make the ramp even with the street.

The boat was moved just south of the Isle of Capri office.