NATCHEZ — Campaign finance reports due last week caused some residents to have concerns about Magnolia Bluffs Casino’s large donation to a mayoral candidate.

Casino attorney Tommy Shepherd said Mississippi Code 97-13-15 — which restricts the amount of donations a corporation may give — does not apply the casino’s $10,000 donation to Ernest “Tony” Fields’ campaign.

The statute states that corporations, incorporated companies and incorporated associations are forbidden from donating more than $1,000 to any political party or candidate in a calendar year.

The statute says that corporations who violate the limit on the donations could be fined a maximum of $5,000 if convicted.

The casino’s official name under the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office is Natchez Casino Opco LLC, Shepherd said. LLC stands for limited liability company, which is a form of business separate from a corporation.

“They’re formed under different statutes,” Shepherd said. “The statute with a limit on the donations is specific … it’s limited solely to corporations.”

Fields said he was very careful to make sure his donations were legal.

“I don’t have rich uncles and cousins to finance my campaign,” he said.

Magnolia Bluffs Casino also donated $1,000 to incumbent Ward 6 Alderman Dan Dillard.