CENTRAL CITY – A Central City Council work session on October 15, 2024, kicked off a discussion about the 2025 budget, with City Manager Daniel Miera outlining key points such as the General Fund balances, revenues, and expenditures. Miera emphasized that this was an introductory overview, with additional sessions planned to dive deeper into the details.

The City projects around $300,000 in growth in the General Fund by the end of 2025. In addition, the Historic Preservation Fund will repay the General Fund for a loan taken in 2022 for the Belvidere Theatre restoration, which has cost about $4.2 million so far. 

The session also discussed the impact of the pandemic on gaming devices, which decreased from 2,040 to 1,750. However, revenue per device has increased, cushioning the financial hit. The projected State Gaming Tax revenue for 2025 is budgeted at $1,018,000.

Alderman Todd Williams questioned a projected $30,000 reduction in planning and legal expenses, to which Miera optimistically responded that matters concerning the Boodle Mine survey and Sexually-Oriented Business have been largely resolved.

Trash services costs continue to rise, now nearly $98,000, despite the number of homes remaining constant. 

On the bright side, $200,000 has been set aside for historic building improvements, likely benefiting the Gilpin Arts Association as it seeks to repair Washington Hall’s roof, elevator, and foundation.

The regular council meeting began at 7:12 p.m., with Mayor Pro-tem Kara Tinucci moving to accept the Consent Agenda, which included approval of regular bills, minutes from the September 17 meeting, and Resolution No. 24-31, which involved joining the Colorado Firefighter Heart, Cancer, and Behavioral Health Benefits Trust. The motion passed unanimously.

Public forum discussions followed, centering on Ordinance No. 24-06, which proposed raising the City's Annual Transportation Fee on gaming devices from $150 to $200. 

Resident Eric Langan suggested the City explore alternative revenue sources instead of increasing costs for casinos. Joe Behm, a member of the I-70 Coalition and Floyd Hill Project, agreed, suggesting that an expected increase in the number of gaming devices could offset the fee hike. 

Mayor Jeremy Fey quipped that Behm "must know something they do not."

Miera explained that the cost of the shuttle contract with Black Hawk will rise to $300,000, and the current casino fee is insufficient to cover that. Williams suggested increasing the fee to $180 per device instead of $200, reflecting the 20% rise in shuttle costs. Fey concurred, saying that $200 might be too high.

Tinucci said the ordinance will require more work before the second reading.

The ordinance was passed unanimously on first reading. Further discussions and the second reading are scheduled for November 5, 2024, when the council will evaluate potential additional gaming devices and casino preferences.

Alderman Jeff Aiken questioned the contract duration for Resolution No. 24-32, which approves a hauling agreement with Kraemer North America, LLC. 

Miera stated that the contract, involving dirt transport from the I-70/Floyd Hill Project to Young Ranch, would last through 2025. Aiken expressed concerns about the wear and tear on the parkway.

Fey stressed that the agreement can always be terminated or renegotiated if the City sees fit. 

Williams noted that the contract would generate around $187,000 in revenue. The resolution passed, 4 to 1, with Aiken dissenting.

The council welcomed new Planning & Community Services Director Jeffrey Noffsinger and heard updates on the Central City Urban Renewal Authority’s plans for a condition survey of the Gregory Gulch Area.

Water quality at Gold Mountain Village Apartments was discussed following the death of a cat. No issues were found. 

Public comments encouraged investment in downhill biking trails and a connection to Idaho Springs.

In closing remarks, Aiken commemorated the passing of a friend, local surveyor and filmmaker Greg Markle. 

Fey invited residents to upcoming Halloween events, including a Halloween party at the Elks Lodge on October 26 in addition to the Spooktacular on October 19, 26, and 31. 

Williams warned of fire danger due to current dry conditions.

The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Central City Council is scheduled for October 29, 2024, and will be held at Central City Hall, 141 Nevada Street, second floor; or online via Zoom. Information can be found on the City website, centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.