CLINTON — Wild Rose Casino could have the option to avoid facing a referendum in November that is required to maintain their license by paying a fee, under a proposal being considered in the Iowa Senate.
As a way to fill a gaping budget hole, Iowa lawmakers are discussing a gambling expansion package that could bring in an estimated $25 million to the state.
A key part of that proposal would be eliminating the requirement that communities must vote every eight years on whether to keep a casino, and letting casinos opt out of referendums for a state fee.
In November, that issue is slated to be put forth to voters in Clinton County. The past three times that’s happened, voters overwhelmingly supported retaining the county’s gaming license.
In 2002, 71 percent of voters backed keeping the former Mississippi Belle II. In 1994, it was 85 percent and 61 percent of voters said yes in 1989.
Tim Bollman, Wild Rose General Manager, said at this point he was not in favor of paying a fee to avoid a referendum.
“Paying a fee to do away with that is not something we're interested in, but I know there are some who potentially could be,” Bollman said. “An election is always a wild card, but I don't see it as a huge hurdle here in Clinton.”
How much casinos would have to pay to opt out is still being determined, but the amount will likely be less than $500,000, according to Jack Ketterer, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission administrator.
The fee could also be correlated with what casinos spend to wage a campaign to win the referendum, Ketterer said.
If community members wanted to get rid of a casino, they would still have the opportunity to petition for a referendum.
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