CENTRAL CITY — Election season is officially underway in Central City, and if the first day of candidate petitions is any indication, voters will have choices this November.

During the August 4, 2026, City Council meeting, officials announced that petitions are now available for the November 3 coordinated mail ballot election, which will decide the mayor's seat and two alderman positions. Petitions must be submitted by 5 p.m. on August 24.

The two alderman seats that are also on the ballot are currently held by Marcia Enloe and Kathy Walker. Both were mentioned during public comment as running again. Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Spencer is running for mayor.

Mayor Jeremy Fey said he was encouraged to already see "five or six" people circulating petitions on Main Street.

"The first year I got here, in 2017, we were struggling just to get candidates for the open position," Fey said. "The fact that we have that much interest means everyone in this room is doing something right."

Whether people are running because they like the council's direction or want to change it, Fey said, the level of interest is healthy for the city.

"I look forward to helping facilitate whatever debate or discussion needs to happen so the best candidates rise," he said.

Earlier in the meeting, resident Peter Droege also praised the candidates already known to be running, saying the city is fortunate to have experienced people willing to serve.

Public works director says goodbye

City Manager Daniel Miera announced that Public Works Director Marc Johns is leaving the city after two years. His final day will be August 7.

Newly promoted Water Supervisor Alex Skladanowski, left, stands with departing Public Works Director Marc Johns following the August 4 Central City Council meeting. Johns' last day with the City is August 7 after two years leading the department.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Johns said he was proud of what the department accomplished during his tenure and thanked the council and staff for their support.

Miera also announced that Alex Skladanowski has been promoted to water supervisor and named the City's Operator in Responsible Charge after earning the state's highest water treatment and distribution certifications. The City will continue recruiting for both a public works director and public utilities director.

Council members took turns thanking Johns for his work.

Spencer said Johns had been a tremendous help with projects at the city campground, while Alderman Zane Plsek thanked both Johns and the entire public works crew for keeping downtown flowers alive through a hot, rainy summer.

Fey called Johns "an incredible asset" who helped steady the department during a period of turnover and invited the audience to give him a round of applause.

Council approves changes to sexually oriented business ordinance

The group unanimously approved a second reading of an ordinance updating the City's definitions related to sexually oriented businesses.

The changes remove gender-specific language from the municipal code so definitions of nudity and semi-nudity apply equally regardless of gender. City Attorney Marcus McCaskin said the goal is to clarify that businesses featuring live nudity remain subject to the City's sexually oriented business licensing regulations.

Before the vote, however, Fey questioned whether the wording could unintentionally apply to all commercial businesses.

Using the example of a future hotel swimming pool, he said the ordinance appeared to suggest men could not be shirtless anywhere in a commercial establishment.

"I know that's not the intent," Fey said.

McCaskin agreed to review the language and determine whether additional clarification is needed, but advised the council to approve the ordinance as written for now. The measure passed unanimously.

City receives clean audit

Council also accepted the city's 2025 financial audit, which found Central City remains in a strong financial position.

Auditor Uli Kili issued an unmodified, or clean, opinion with no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses identified in the City's financial controls. She described the City's cash position as healthy and noted the audit required only one minor accounting correction involving water tap revenues recorded several years ago.

The City's total net position stood at about $38.4 million at the end of 2025. But governmental activities declined by about $450,000 during the year, largely because of depreciation on City assets. Gaming-related taxes and fees continued to make up more than 42% of governmental revenue.

Spencer said the report also serves as a reminder that only a small portion of residents' property taxes actually reaches the City.

"People say, 'My property taxes went up so you've got more money than you know what to do with,'" Spencer said. "That's not how it trickles down."

Tourism campaign continues gaining momentum

Before the regular meeting, council members heard an update on the City's tourism marketing campaign.

Consultants with Pizza Cake Media reported adding more than 4,200 new social media followers since February while reaching more than 82,000 accounts during the past month. Videos promoting local businesses, events, and attractions have generated hundreds of thousands of views, while online promotion contributed to increased attendance at events such as Madam Lou Bunch Day and Stills in the Hills.

The revamped Visit Central City tourism website is expected to launch this week, featuring expanded itineraries, business listings, and seasonal trip-planning resources.

Resident criticizes council member

During public comment, Central City resident Neil Cowles told council he was frustrated by repeated comments from one council member about the future of the grocery store where he works.

Cowles said that each time they spoke, the alderman would ask how business was doing before saying, "You better enjoy the money while you're making it."

He said the comments had been made four times and left him feeling that his job was being threatened.

Cowles said he believes the remarks stem from the alderman's disagreement with the owner of the sexually oriented business across the street, who also owns the grocery store.

"We have nothing to do with the SOB businesses," Cowles told council. "Our business has been a cornerstone since 1992. It employs eight people."

Council did not respond directly during the public forum, consistent with its public comment policy.

Bob Young remembered, opera celebrated

Council members also reflected on several recent community events.

Spencer and Enloe spoke about attending the dedication of the Bob Young Sr. Memorial Bridge on the Central City Parkway earlier that day. 

Enloe said members of the Young family attended the ceremony, while Fey described the ranching family as longtime supporters of the city.

"It's never, 'What can the city do for the Young Ranch?'" Fey said. "It's always, 'How can we support the City of Central?'"

Fey also celebrated the Central City Opera's successful season, noting the organization surpassed $1 million in ticket sales for the first time in more than a decade.

He reminded local residents that discounted $10 tickets are often available during the final hour before performances begin, allowing people to enjoy part of a show while helping fill empty seats.

Before adjourning, Fey asked for an August 18 work session before the next regular meeting, which would include a discussion on clarifying expectations for how council members interact with City staff and the city attorney, saying clearer guidance would benefit both current and future councils.