As readers may recall, there had been quite the debate in 2023 at city council meetings in regards to whether or not it was in the city’s best interest to change an ordinance wording from MAY TO SHALL in respect to hotel rooms and slot machines. But, “talks” went way beyond just the wording when trying to come up with a solution to appease those who were against new businesses wanting slot machines, but no hotel rooms.
This all came about when Jim and Mimi Ramsey wanted to sell their Great Basin Quick Mart & Inn, located on Aultman St. and Great Basin Hwy., to Pine West Development. According to the Ramseys’, the buildings are 80+ years old, and thus are an “eye-sore” to the community and passerbyers who travel those highways. Also, Jim states the fact that they are too old to keep up with running the Mart and Inn. In reality, the Ramseys don’t have to give any reasons for why they wish to sell! Isn’t it the “American Dream” to buy, own, sell, and make a profit?
Enter Pine West Development who has a plan, and that plan is to demolish the buildings, clear the land, and lease it to Terrible’s, whose headquarters are in Las Vegas. It is certain that many reading this article have stopped at Terrible’s along your travels, and noticed all they have to offer: convenience and retail store, restaurant, slot machines, etc. Please log on to terribles.com for all info.
Now, one would think that everyone would be happy to see new businesses being brought to Ely along with the pleasantry of viewing shiny new buildings and storefronts. But, that is not the case when it comes to WPC Tour & Rec, local hotel/casino owners, and a select few who voiced their opinions at city council meetings. Tour & Rec receives a percentage of room tax for each room rented in every hotel, and if you own a hotel/casino…who wants competition right? With that being said, the Terrible’s in this instance would not have a hotel (which would mean no taxes collected by Tour & Rec), but they would have slot machines (which means competition for casinos.)
In the Ely City Council Meeting minutes dated Dec. 14, 2023, Councilman Alworth – Discussion/For Possible Action – Approval of Second Reading of Ordinance 751, Bill No. 2023-05, an ordinance amending Title 3, Chapter 5 of the Ely City Code requiring gaming license applicants who intend to operate between 16-40 slot machines to have a restaurant and bar OR at least 30 hotel rooms, and applicants who intend to operate more than 40 slot machines must have at least 30 hotel rooms. Please go to cityofelynv.gov to read the entirety of the meeting along with public comment.
Councilman Elliot moved to approve The Second Reading of Ordinance 751, Bill No. 2023-05. An ordinance amending Title 3, Chapter 5 of the City of Ely requiring gaming license applicants who intend to operate in between 16-40 slot machines to have a restaurant and bar OR at least 30 hotel rooms, and applicants who intend to operate more than 40 slot machines must have at least 30 hotel rooms. Councilman Alworth seconded the motion. The motion carried 4 to 3 with Councilman Trask voting nay.
If all goes as planned, Jim and Mimi Ramsey will sell their property to Pine West Development, who in turn will lease it to Terrible’s. There will be new businesses which will create job opportunities, there will be more variety for the consumer to choose from, and of course there will be competition…that of which the opposition hasn’t seen since the opening of LOVES truck stop in 2017.
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