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Iowa County Budget Gap Closed with Casino Money

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "Polk County will use gambling revenue to cover about $9 million in unexpected expenses under a plan unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors.

"Several department heads reported cost overruns for the budget year that ends June 30, but the greatest share goes to a special project related to the sheriff department's struggle with jail overcrowding. An additional $3 million is needed to cover jail costs.

"The county's jail complex in downtown Des Moines has space for 500, but on any given day, Polk County has about 900 inmates. Officials say the problem is driven by Iowa's meth epidemic.

"…County revenue will be $2.8 million higher than projected, mostly due to such things as the county attorney's collecting more than expected in fines. That added income, coupled with $6.3 million in profit from the county-owned Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, will be used to cover the year's unforeseen expenses, according to Deb Anderson, the supervisors' fiscal adviser…"

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