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Wisconsin: County delays vote on casino offer

Wednesday, March 1, 2000 | 11:15 a.m.

DARLINGTON, Wis. - Lafayette County's Board of Supervisors has put aside a suggestion for a referendum on whether to authorize a gambling casino in Darlington.

Businessman Frank McKenzie of nearby Rockton, Ill., has offered to develop a casino-hotel complex in the southern Wisconsin community but has not identified the Indian tribe with which he says he is working.

Rep. Stephen Freese of Dodgeville has cautioned the county to avoid a formal response to the offer until more facts are known.

The board decided 10-3 Tuesday to table a resolution on scheduling an advisory referendum April 4.

District Attorney Charlotte Doherty advised against moving too rapidly toward a referendum that would cost $4,000.

McKenzie proposes a $100 million development on a 100-acre site.

The board referred the matter to its economic development committee.

Tuesday was the last day for municipalities to authorize referendums in time for the state's April 4 general election ballots.

Even if the county approves McKenzie's plan, a casino would still need the approval of the state.

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