BLACK HAWK — Black Hawk and Central City may soon be playing their own version of Monopoly, with land, half a million dollars, and the “Red Bus” all on the table. The “Red Bus” refers to the passenger shuttle that operates between Black Hawk and Central City casinos. 

Central City notified Black Hawk on June 25 that it intended to end the transportation agreement, putting the future of the Red Bus service between the two cities in question. 

Central decided to end the costly agreement after local casino owners protested the increase in gaming device fees which helps pay for the service. But at its August 18 meeting, Central City Council showed interest in reconsidering its decision to end the Red Bus service, with members suggesting the City reopen talks with Black Hawk and look for a different way to share the cost.

However, on Wednesday, August 26, the Black Hawk City Council exited their executive session with an offer aimed at keeping the shuttle between the two cities running.

The council voted unanimously to have City Manager Lance Hillis contact Central City with the proposal. Central City has not yet agreed to it.

Under the offer, Black Hawk would allow Central City to withdraw its June 25 notice ending the transportation agreement. The Red Bus could then continue running without interruption.

In return, Central City would remove the Briggs Lot from its municipal boundaries and agree not to oppose its annexation into Black Hawk. Black Hawk would pay Central City $500,000 for the disconnection.

Black Hawk would also give Central City 11.77 acres near the Gold Mountain Apartments off Lake Gulch Road at no cost. The property includes Central City’s preferred location for a one-million-gallon treated water storage tank.

The proposal echoes a similar offer from Black Hawk when it sought to annex the Briggs Lot in May 2024, proposing $500,000 toward restoration of the Belvidere Theatre in exchange for the Briggs Lot. Central City did not accept that offer.

After reconvening in open session at 3:50 p.m. Alderman Jim Johnson moved the proposal, Alderman Benito Torres seconded it, and it passed unanimously.

The proposal now goes to Central City, which will have to decide whether the property, money, and water-tank site are enough to keep the Red Bus agreement in place.

Earlier in the meeting, the council approved more funds, in the amount of $447,460, for the Bobtail Mine Improvements Phase 2 project. The change brings the City’s contract with Black Fox Mining to about $7.78 million.

The new work includes clearing debris from the Gregory Diggings, installing timbers, extending the underground walking tour, adding lighting, and restoring an ore car cage at the No. 5 shaft. The project’s substantial completion date was moved from September 1 to October 31.

The council also ended an agreement covering a regional emergency command vehicle. Gilpin County is now the only agency regularly using and maintaining the 2015 Ford F-750. Black Hawk plans to transfer the vehicle to the county if it is desired.

Council members also approved the $90,000 sale of vacant City-owned land in the Four Mile Gulch area to the Wesley Frederick Arends and Shirley Ann Arends Joint Revocable Trust. The agreement includes a waiver allowing Black Hawk to pursue a nearby city well.

The council also approved a license allowing Alderman Cynthia Linker and her husband, Larry Linker, to use City-owned land west of their home at 311 Chase Street for beekeeping. The agreement does not list a rental payment and may be ended by either party with 30 days’ notice.

The council also accepted an updated survey of Black Hawk’s historic resources and a five-year plan for the City’s Historic Preservation Commission.

The Black Hawk City Council will meet again at 3 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, at 211 Church Street in Black Hawk.