The Grow Greene County support group for the casino points out a few benefits for a casino and entertainment facility in the county.

Guy Richardson, one of the leaders with Grow Greene County, says on property tax alone, the gaming facility would generate between $750,000-$900,000 and on top of that, the Local Option Sales and Service Tax would increase making it about $1 million per year.

Advocate Peg Raney points out that Wild Rose Entertainment, Iowa-based gaming and entertainment company, has promised 4.1% of charitable donations back to the county.

She also talks about comparing Emmetsburg and Palo Alto County, where Wild Rose Entertainment has one of its locations.  She spoke with Emmetsburg Police Chief, Palo Alto County Sheriff and Department of Criminal Investigation personnel and all agreed that the crime rate did not increase with the addition of a casino.

“All concerns have been dispelled.  That they have really felt like, this has been a wonderful opportunity for Palo Alto County and all of the negative things that they thought were going to happen have not materialized whatsoever.”

One of the final benefits, notes Richardson, is at the Emmetsburg location, Wild Rose has kept about two-thirds of its 278 employee positions since the casino opened seven years ago which means plenty of people have found job security and continue to make a living.

The casino referendum vote for Greene County is Tuesday.