CENTRAL CITY – The Central City Council convened its regular meeting on November 19, 2024, at 7:10 p.m. in the City Hall chambers. 

Mayor Jeremy Fey presided over the meeting, joined by Mayor Pro Tem Kara Tinucci and Council Members Jeff Aiken, Marcia Enloe, and Todd Williams. 

The evening's most anticipated agenda item was the proposed adjustment to the transportation gaming device fee, from $150 to $200. The fees serve as the primary funding source for the City's partnership with Black Hawk in operating the intercity “red bus” shuttle.

Public input illuminated the stakes for local businesses and the gaming industry. Mary Laffey, representing Golden Rose Antiques, emphasized the shuttle’s importance. 

"We have quite a few people who come up on the shuttle from Black Hawk who shop in our store," she said. "That’s probably true for all the retail outlets in Central City."

Jeff Hentschel, representing the Bonanza and Easy Street casinos, expressed gratitude for City staff’s efforts but raised concerns about repeated fee increases. 

“This pattern where we're always going back to the same well... that well isn’t going to exist forever,” he said. He called for a broader discussion about the shuttle’s value and the industry’s financial sustainability.

Planning Director Jeff Noffsinger shared data showing the shuttle’s impact. Daily passenger counts range from 1,100 to 2,200, with many riders shopping locally and contributing sales tax revenue. 

The council deliberated Ordinance No. 24-06, which would increase the transportation gaming device fee from $150 to $175 annually, instead of the proposed $200, effective January 1, 2025. 

After a spirited discussion, the ordinance passed with a 4-1 vote, with Tinucci opposing. While the increase will generate approximately $297,500 annually, the council acknowledged the need for further conversations on the shuttle’s future. A decision deadline was set for June 30, 2025.

Later, the council unanimously approved Resolution No. 24-33, awarding a contract for residential trash services to Doyle Disposal, Inc. at $82,000, representing a $6,000 savings over the current contract.

Budget matters were also addressed in Resolution No. 24-34, which proposed adopting the 2025 budget, including the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan and property tax mill levy. A public hearing was opened and continued to the December 3 meeting to allow for additional community input.

Staff extended congratulations to newly elected council members Chuck Spencer and Zane Plsek, acknowledging their contributions to the community. Candidate Dennis Denson was also thanked for his participation in the election.

The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m., with plans to reconvene on December 3, 2024.