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Iowa Casino Money Helps Police, Fire Department

IOWA – As reported by the Waterloo Cedar-Falls Courier: "Waterloo City Council members voted unanimously and with little discussion Monday to spend $410,000 of a $1 million advance from Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. to fill five police officer positions and four firefighter jobs which previously had been eliminated from this year's city budget.

"…The $410,000 will come out of the $1 million check the city received from Isle of Capri, which is preparing to construct a floating casino and hotel near the intersection of highways 20, 318 and 218, near the Lost Island Adventurepark. A development agreement between the city and Biloxi, Miss.-based gaming company awards the city 1 percent of the operation's adjusted gross receipts, estimated at $1 million a year.

"The city will repay the $1 million advance by reducing future revenue received when the casino opens, likely in early 2007.

"…Waterloo Fire Rescue was often forced to run a person short on shifts last year. The potential loss of four firefighters, which was approved in the budget adopted by City Council members in March, sparked talk of temporary fire station closings this year…"

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