In addition, tribes also pay a one-time $50,000 startup assessment “to assist the state in initiating its administrative and oversight responsibilities,” according to the compact.

The balance in the fund is nearly $2.1 million, according to a spokesman for the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

Donelle Harder, a Stitt spokeswoman, said the law firm is being paid up to $300,000 using funds from that account.

The figure could rise.

Stephen Greetham is senior counsel for the Chickasaw Nation, one of the three tribes that sued the state.

He said use of the funds to defend the suit seems “well outside any purpose authorized by that very same compact.”

The Chickasaw counsel also pointed out that Stitt contends the compact has expired.

“Given that Gov. Stitt believes the compact expired with the New Year, it is unclear what he thinks the state’s ongoing compact oversight responsibilities are,” Greetham said.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, also has questions about the use of the fund to pay legal fees.

“Is this part of the compliance?” he asked.