VIRGINIA CITY — Historic concessionaires in Virginia City are grappling with proposed lease agreements that would increase their rent from 3-4% to 15% of gross revenue, threatening the viability of businesses that help bring the old west mining town's history to life.

The Montana Heritage Commission, part of the Montana Department of Commerce, terminated existing lease agreements without notice several weeks ago and issued new contracts with significantly higher rates for restaurant owners, theater operators, and hotel proprietors operating out of state-owned historic properties.

"If they put this 15% on our business, we'll be in the negative $20,000," said Bill Koch, who operates the Virginia City Players and Opera House with his wife, Christina. "We won't even be able to ... it's not e

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