BLACK HAWK – The year 2024 was eventful for Black Hawk, with the City Council facing a range of significant topics, from intergovernmental agreements to wildfire mitigation and infrastructure projects. Discussions about the “Community Center Contribution Intergovernmental Agreement” (IGA) dominated much of the year. 

The agreement proposed $1 million annually to subsidize the Gilpin County Community Center, contingent on voter approval and specific tax restrictions. Early in the year, concerns surfaced regarding the county’s ability to meet the IGA’s stipulations, particularly restrictions on increasing tax rates for special districts.

In May, the council extended an offer of $500,000 to Central City for the restoration of the historic Belvidere Theater, in exchange for the town disconnecting from the Briggs Lot, a property at the edge of Black Hawk's boundaries. Central City did not accept the offer. 

This was also a month of approvals for infrastructure projects, including easements for sewer upgrades and the start of significant investments in city facilities.

June brought a focus on wildfire prevention, with the cancellation of Black Hawk’s annual fireworks display due to heightened fire risks. 

The council approved the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which outlined strategies for long-term wildfire mitigation, including forest management and fuel reduction. 

The group also moved forward with the Bobtail Mine Improvements Project, a multi-million-dollar effort to transform the historic site into a public attraction.

BHCC’s activities in July emphasized infrastructure and community improvements. Several projects, including curb and gutter repairs and water system updates, were greenlit. 

They passed ordinances to reinstate residential water rate exemptions and prohibit private water wells within city limits, ensuring consistency in the municipal water supply.

August saw renewed attention to the Community Center IGA, as the council reaffirmed its terms and potential benefits. 

The council focused on economic growth, approving leasing agreements to support new businesses in the Gregory Street district. 

In a move reflecting broader governance concerns, the council passed resolutions clarifying the incompatibility of holding dual offices, a response to Central City Mayor Jeremy Fey’s simultaneous candidacy for Gilpin County commissioner.

Housing regulations and ongoing infrastructure projects took center stage in September. The council passed an ordinance reaffirming Black Hawk’s local authority to regulate occupancy limits, challenging a new state law. 

Major projects, including further developments at the Bobtail Mine and the Gregory Street business district, advanced during this period. 

Tensions also surfaced over criticisms of the IGA, with Mayor David Spellman strongly defending the agreement’s benefits for both Black Hawk and Gilpin County residents.

October was marked by the council’s approval of its 2025 budget, which projected $39.5 million in revenue and allocated funding for key infrastructure projects like the expansion of the Hidden Valley Water Treatment Plant and improvements to Gregory Hill. 

However, relations between the council and county commissioners grew strained, particularly over differing interpretations of the IGA and the Mountain Rail Project.

In November, City of Black Hawk voters approved the Community Center IGA, but the Gilpin County commissioners announced they could not meet its requirements due to restrictions on special district tax rates. 

The election further complicated the IGA’s future, with Republican supporters of the agreement, including Commissioner Marie Mornis and candidate Corey Marshall, losing to Democrats Jeff Aiken and Sandy Hollingsworth. With a Democratic majority set to take office in 2025, the agreement is unlikely to be accepted before its expiration in March.

The year concluded in December with the council finalizing its 2025 budget and advancing major infrastructure initiatives. 

Investments in wildfire prevention, including the distribution of reusable fire blankets to residents, showed the city’s commitment to safety. 

Economic development remained a priority as the council supported new businesses and approved additional funding for Gregory Street’s business district.

As 2024 comes to a close, it is clear that the Black Hawk City Council remains focused on balancing growth, community needs, and fiscal responsibility while navigating complex relationships with regional partners.