LOUISVILLE — Churchill Downs reached a labor agreement with union officials on the track's $100 million planned renovation, clearing an obstacle in its pursuit of $7.5 million in tax breaks.

        Both sides declined to disclose details of the tentative agreement, which was reached after several hours of negotiations Saturday.

        Aldermanic President Denise Bentley said the labor agreement addresses union participation and representation — the major sticking point in last week's failed negotiations.

        Both sides also agreed to set up a labor management committee of union and track representatives to work on the $100 million track renovation, as well as future track projects, she said.

        “Churchill Downs had to be willing to come back to the table and compromise, and that is what happened today,” Ms. Bentley said Saturday. “It was a good meeting, and I'm glad there was resolution.”

        The aldermen are expected to vote on a tax-abatement deal in which Louisville would take title to the Downs, appraised at $20.3 million, for 30 years, removing it from the property-tax rolls. The city would lease back the property to Churchill Downs for $1 a year.

        Aldermen had proclaimed that tax break dead Friday, after track officials refused to accept the labor concessions the aldermen and unions demanded for the Downs' planned renovation.

        All sides were eager to reach an agreement before today, when a state law takes effect requiring the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority to also approve any local tax-abatement deals.

        By removing the Downs from the tax rolls, the track will save about $500,000 a year, although $250,000 of that would go toward a special annual payment to the Jefferson County Public Schools.

        Mayor Dave Armstrong will review the agreement — and any added union provisions — and will likely sign it, said spokeswoman Vicki Glass.

        Churchill has already begun a $27 million initial renovation — including adding 66 corporate suites, space for catered events and a renovated Jockey Club and grandstand.

        The tax break would help pay for a second, more extensive renovation that would include a dozen more corporate suites, a satellite wagering facility to seat 1,700 people, extensive new lighting, new premium box seats and a new press box, and a new Eclipse Room and Turf Club.

        The aldermen last month approved the creation of a special tax district surrounding Churchill Downs that will give the track 80 percent of new revenue generated from sales and occupational taxes, or as much as $150,000 a year.

        The union proposal included a guarantee that any non-union workers on the project would be paid full union-level benefits while on the job.

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