Commissioners delay 100-room rule debate

Douglas County commissioners tabled a discussion concerning an ordinance that would require casinos with unrestricted gaming licenses to build 100 hotel rooms. Some wanted more information and others wanted to see the issue debated in Carson Valley, where it was most pertinent.

"I want to be fair to both sides and make a decision on as much information as I can get," said commissioner Tim Smith. "I welcome a short hearing here for people to re-state their positions, but gaming at the Lake is controlled by the TRPA (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.) We won't see any new casinos here. This issue is in Carson Valley."

Thursday's meeting was held at the Douglas County Administration Building in Stateline.

Marketing Director Bill Henderson of the Carson Valley Inn said businesses started thinking about this proposal in 2003, right after Carson City enacted its ordinance.

Casinos without rooms will divide the local market, making it harder for bigger establishments that are investing more in the community to survive, they say.

"The pie is only so big and when someone takes easy gaming dollars, it hurts those that have invested in the community for the long run," said attorney David Wasick, representing local casino interests. "This ordinance would level the playing field for those who have invested in the market over the long term."

Commissioner Kelly Kite said he didn't like the ordinance as written, but he would like the opportunity to develop an ordinance that works.

"I don't like the 100-room restriction. There should be considerations for areas like historic downtown Minden," he said. "But I don't want a Slot World in the middle of the north county's redevelopment project."

County officials have tried to balance the budget, but in recent years tourist-driven taxes, like room and food and beverage taxes, have declined, Kite said.

"We need to rely on those things for revenue if we're not going to tax people out of their homes," he said.

Attorney Jim Caviglia represents C.O.D. Garage owners Robb and Marlena Hellwinkel, and Slot World, a company that would like to put slot machines in the historic Minden garage.

"Don't tie your hands and those of future commissions," he said. "This ordinance may preclude quality growth. A gaming project may come forward without rooms that you want. It's important to judge each project on its own merits."

Proponents and county staff will take another look at the ordinance before commissioners meet 1 p.m. July 6 at the Douglas County Administrative Building, 1616 Eighth St. in Minden.

In other business:

n Douglas County's utilities division is converting to a radio-read meter system, a move that is expected to save money by reducing staffing. Commissioners approved an increase in lateral connection and installation fees to cover costs of the new system.

"This helps us maintain lower operation costs over time," said Community Development Director Mitch Dion. "Right now, costs are being absorbed by other ratepayers."

Meter and installation charges will total $325 for a 5Ú8- or 3Ú4-inch line, $410 for a one-inch line and $640 for a 11Ú2-inch line.

n Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.