Jasper County Casino: Plan needs no taxpayer funds, just positive referendum vote

Supporters for the proposed casino in Newton said Monday the project wouldn’t need taxpayer money to become a reality. Jamie Myers of West Des Moines-based Regency, the company interested in developing a 70,000 square foot casino and hotel just north of the Iowa Speedway, told Newton City Council at the group’s Monday meeting that Regency would not need city financing for the project. “We’re not asking for any city help,” Myers said, later adding, “At this time, we feel that the future feasibility of this project will not need any of the city’s help relative to the development cost.” While the project would not need taxpayers’ money, it will need taxpayers’ support to move forward. Former Newton council member Dennis Julius addressed coun