Dear Editor,

When the Gilpin County commissioners back in the 90s approved the building of the Community Center, they did not have a crystal ball that would tell them of the ongoing costs of maintenance, personnel, volatile economies, and a pandemic. As much as they wanted to “gift” the Center to residents of the county who approved limited stakes gaming, it wouldn’t be sustainable within the general fund without additional funding.

Fast forward to 2023 when we, the Gilpin County residents and other property owners, are being asked to approve a small mill levy of 2.57% to support the Community Center’s ongoing services and needs. Gilpin County receives 12% of Colorado’s gaming tax revenues. Central City and Black Hawk each receive 10% of the state gaming tax revenues generated within their home-rule municipalities. Gilpin County government is charged to use its share of the gaming revenue taxes to support the county’s services impacted by gaming, the majority of which goes to the Sheriff’s Office, courts, victim services, ambulance, and mental health services. The commissioners of yore could not have foreseen the needs of our county 27 years in the future.

I support the 2.57% mill levy for the Community Center as it is the hub of our county where people come together for meetings, exercise, childcare, senior lunches and so much more. I urge you to join me in voting Yes on your November ballot. Thank you.

Linda Isenhart

Gilpin County