Wisconsin county board set to decide on casino

Monday, July 31, 2000 | 10:56 a.m.

DARLINGTON, Wis. -- Facing a drop in tax revenue and a budget deficit, Lafayette County officials vote today on whether to invite the Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa to build a casino.

The Lac du Flambeau have been shopping around for a casino site in southern Wisconsin with little success. Proposals have run up against roadblocks in communities including Ashwaubenon, Belgium, Johnson Creek, Sheboygan and the Milwaukee suburbs.

Lafayette County Supervisor Jack Alexander said a "yes" vote today would put the county first in line for the casino.

"(The tribe) told us we'd be the front-runner" if we pass this resolution, Alexander said.

The casino proposal, which includes a hotel and is expected to employ 1,000 people, would still need state and federal approval.

The project appeals to county officials because they anticipate losing about $500,000 in property tax revenue next year due to a change in the way the state is assessing farmland.

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