County Commission Update Public Lands and the Legislature

Representatives from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) provided an update on various projects affecting Churchill County.

Among the key topics discussed:

• Sand Canyon Road Realignment – BLM and the Bureau of Reclamation are working together on the next steps for this project, including maintenance plans.
• Grazing Permit Amendments – Meetings continue between BLM, the Nevada Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Navy, and grazing permit holders regarding how federal land withdrawals may affect grazing permits.
• Wild Horse and Burro Management – BLM is currently conducting census flights for wild horse herds in Mineral County, Pine Nuts, Garfield Flat, and other areas. A new management plan is also in the works for the Montgomery Pass herd, co-managed with the U.S. Forest Service.
• Geothermal and Mining Projects – Updates were provided on the Dixie Meadows and Diamond Flat geothermal projects, as well as the Bell Mountain Mine, which recently changed ownership and is now working with the state and BLM on its final design and pre-construction phase.

County officials reviewed several bills currently under consideration in the Nevada Legislature and determined their positions on them. Among the most notable:

Supported Bills:

• AB 70 – Requires the Director of the Office of Energy and the Governor’s Office to consider written comments from county commissioners regarding tax abatement applications.
• AB 226 – Requires a community benefit plan from companies seeking tax abatements, ensuring local contributions beyond zoning and planning requirements.
• SB 116 – Addresses compensation for elected county officials, which is expected to result in a pay increase across most county positions.

Opposed Bills:

• SB 355 – Would allow for expanded tax abatements for energy projects, potentially reducing county tax revenue.
• AB 307 – Proposes eliminating excise taxes on wholesale cannabis sales, removing a potential revenue source for the county.
• SB 93 – Would require prevailing wage standards for federally funded broadband projects, potentially increasing costs.
• SB 71 – Mandates additional county website transparency requirements, adding regulatory burdens.
• SB 120 – Addresses court payment plans and was initially expected to have a substantial fiscal impact on the county.

Commissioners emphasized the importance of staying vigilant as bills move through the legislative process, noting that last-minute amendments could significantly alter their impact on the county.

The Commission approved a professional services agreement between Churchill County and Sanborn for aerial imagery projects totaling $120,179.72. The Assessor’s Office and other county departments rely on aerial photography for property assessments and planning. Commissioners voted to move forward with the agreement to ensure timely data collection.

Additionally, the Commission approved a resolution authorizing the sale of tax-delinquent properties held in trust by the Churchill County Clerk-Treasurer. Five properties are currently eligible for sale due to unpaid taxes, though county officials expect that number to decrease before the final sale.

Commissioners also selected Hinton Burdick CPAs & Advisors to continue as the independent auditor for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, exercising a two-year contract extension. The 2025 audit will cost $93,300, while the 2026 audit will cost $100,764.

Before adjourning, commissioners and staff provided updates on various activities:

• Commissioner Myles Getto attended a library strategic planning meeting and a Central Nevada Regional Water Authority meeting. He also highlighted an ongoing tree sale partnership between the Conservation District and Churchill County FFA, with orders due by April 4 and pickup scheduled for May 3.
• Commissioner Eric Blakey reported on a Stillwater Conservation meeting and the Churchill County Museum’s ongoing spring lecture series. He also noted that the county’s fire board had completed interviews for a new fire marshal, with a recommendation expected soon.
• County Manager Jim Barbee reminded the Commission that staff would be closely monitoring legislative developments to ensure Churchill County’s interests were represented.