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the counter-cyclical strength needed to offset negative forces acting on the other. In addition, the <br />mining industry provides jobs for workers with a different mix of skills than that required by the <br />gaming industry. As the U.S. and Colorado economy begin to feel the effects of an emergent <br />recession in 2008, the existence of the mine will serve as a strong buffer for the local economy. <br />Average wage levels are another important consideration. The average wage levels of the gaming <br />industry are much lower than the mining wage levels. In the early 2000's, cashiers are reported <br />to make between $7-9 per hour, while slot technicians, dealers and other higher skill level jobs <br />pay $8-11 per hour. A $10 per hour job equates to about $27,000 per year, assuming a 31% <br />benefit package. The median wage in Teller County for all jobs was $28,351 in 2005. This <br />compares to the $62,000 average 2006 wage and benefits of CC&V. The higher wage levels of <br />CC&V offer important social and economic benefits to the residents of the county through higher <br />per capita expenditures and lower per capita demand for many government services. <br />Table 16 also shows that the direct and induced earnings that result from CC&V's activities will <br />total $24.3 million in Teller County alone, and about $64.9 million statewide. The most recent <br />figure for total income from all sources for Teller County, dated 2005, was $729.7 million (U.S. <br />Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Personal Income Series). Assuming a <br />3% per year increase, a rough estimate of 2007 total county personal income would be $774 mil- <br />lion. Total current earnings of $24.3 million due to the mining activities of CC&V would repre- <br />sent about 3.2% of the total personal income in the county. <br />• <br /> <br />25 <br />