Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. Central City Council held a virtual work session on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at 2 p.m. The purpose of the work session was to look at the effects of the economy due to the Covid19 pandemic. City Council members, city staff, casino owners, small business owners and concerned residents attended the virtual meeting.   

City Manager Daniel Miera reported the current budget with a 47% decrease compared to previous months and a loss of 1.37 million in the general fund. The city has not collected any devise fees from the casinos since they were shut down in March. Gilpin County will switch to a Safer at Home order on May 8, however casinos are not included in that order and have not been given a firm date when the can begin their operations. 

RMO dispensary inquired if the city would offer any tax break for small businesses. They are receiving a 30 day grace period from the State and requested a 3% tax break from the city due to their diminished revenue. Jeff Hentschel from Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos stated the casino industry has not received much support and they had to decrease salaries or furlough their employees. He predicted they may need financial assistance by summer and requested a reduction or waiver of fees from the city. Dodd Hanneman from Maverick Gaming who recently took over the Grand Z and Jonny Z’s casinos would like to work with all the casinos on a proposal to re-open and to determine tax guidelines. He felt the casinos should not be obligated to pay devise fees if they aren’t in operation and stated Black Hawk and Cripple Creek have waived their fees for the casinos. Century Casino also would like the devise fees waived and reported they have furloughed 98% of their employees. 

Alderman Jeff Aiken stated the city has weathered things in the past and they will get through this crisis. He felt the city should bite the bullet and waive casino fees for April and May and help the casinos until they could get back on their feet.  Alderman Judy Laratta would like to support the casinos and stated the city depends on the financial sustainability of the casinos.

Alderman Jackie Johnson spoke on behalf of the casino workers who have been furloughed and haven’t received unemployment. She would like to see some relief for the residents and not just the casinos. Alderman Jack Hidahl pointed out the city will be out of reserves in one month and would like a game plan for when the casinos could return to business. Mayor Jeremy Fey announced he would like to aim for a June 1st soft opening and to work with state guidelines for a safe environment. 

Kyle Henderson from 1st Bank offered information about Small Business Loans and stated his bank is working with customers and non-customers of the bank. They have just received more funds for the Paycheck Protection Program which covers eight weeks of assistance. He also reported there are other programs for businesses and individuals and recommended Colorado Lending Source, Colorado Enterprise Fund and Dream Spring. 

Resident Mary Laffey asked if the city would have any protection protocol when businesses open up. Alderman Laratta would like to see mandatory masks after May 8. Laffey also inquired about the Central City Opera season and Mayor Fey said no decision has been made yet from the Opera. He ended the meeting with the promise he is working to get the city open as soon as possible. 

Secondary meeting 

The Central City Council held their virtual meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at 2:01 p.m. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Jackie Johnson and Alderman Jack Hidahl.

The ratification of HPC approved HR 20-04 for a new subdivision carried 3-2.

Resolution No. 20-16 approving the Water Tap Fee Incentive Program carried 3-2.

Resolution No. 20-17 extending the Local Emergency Disaster Declaration to May 20, 2020, was approved 5-0. 

Staff Updates: Mandatory masks for government, casinos and retail business was discussed. Mayor Fey would like a decision by council on waiving devise fees for casinos by May 10. 

Public Forum: Some summer festivals have been cancelled or postponed. Central City Opera has cancelled their summer season. 

The meeting adjourned at 4:23 p.m. The next meeting will be held on May 19, 2020. Mayor Fey requested this meeting to be held at the City building. 

(Originally published in the May 7, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)