Lafayette board OKs bid for casino

Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000 | 8:48 a.m.

The resolution passed 15-1 on the strength of arguments that a casino would create jobs and stimulate the local economy,

"We've got a chance to get out of a hole," Supervisor Kenneth Taylor said. "Let's think of the kids. What debt are we leaving, or are we bailing them out?"

The county anticipates losing $500,000 in property tax revenue next year due to a change in the way the state assesses farmland. Agricultural land is now being taxed on the value for its current use rather than what it might be worth if developed.

County officials said the tribe would pay the county $4 million annually for 20 years. The payments would be in lieu of taxes, which the tribe is exempt from paying because of its sovereign nation status.

But not all the 75 residents in attendance supported the casino as a way to make up the budget shortfall.

"I think we're panicking," said Sup. Alton Martin, calling for a referendum to gauge public support.

But board chairman Jack Sauer said there is no time for a referendum because other communities such as Kaukauna in Outagamie County and the town of Lawrence in Brown County also also talking with the tribe.

Earlier Monday, tribal spokesman Dick Matty said the tribe has not committed to any location for the casino project, which includes a hotel and is expected to employ 1,000 people.

"We have three to four, all coming down to the finish line," Matty said. "We're not looking at one over the other right now."

Sauer said he hopes the vote will make Lafayette County the front-runner.

The casino also would need state and federal approval.