Commission Approves Road Agreements, Groundwater Testing, and Legislative Tracking

During their April 16 meeting, county commissioners unanimously approved two agreements to proceed with the reconstruction of Lone Tree Road, a key improvement tied to the Navy modernization project at the Fallon Range Training Complex. The agreements include a Local Public Agency (LPA) agreement with NDOT and a Defense Access Road (DAR) agreement with the U.S. Navy.

Deputy District Attorney Joe Sanford described the process as "a round peg in a square hole," citing the complexity of coordinating funding through multiple federal and state agencies. He noted that the agreements were months in the making but now cover the necessary conditions for the county to act as the project coordinator.

Sanford provided a legislative update, stating that the recent bill deadline eliminated nearly half the tracked legislation. Among the casualties was a road construction bill sponsored by Assemblyman Koenig and several public records-related bills. Sanford said a more refined list of active legislation would be presented at the next meeting, noting that roughly 300 to 400 bills remain in play, including property tax-related measures and a bill concerning elected officials' pay.

Clerk-Treasurer Linda Rothery presented requests to levy special assessments for groundwater management in several local basins. The board approved the following:

• A $10,000 assessment across more than 12,000 parcels in the Carson Desert Groundwater Basin, averaging about $0.60 per parcel.
• A combined set of assessments for water right holders in:
  • Lovelock Valley: $143.08
  • Dixie Valley: $4,570.55
  • Brady Hot Springs Area: $5,685.54

Rothery said the Carson Desert assessment is lower than last year’s.

In a move aimed at getting ahead of potential environmental concerns tied to new industrial development, the Churchill County Commission approved a five-year interlocal agreement with the Nevada Division of Agriculture to conduct annual groundwater testing.

The agreement, which runs from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2030, will not exceed $30,000, averaging just under $5,000 per year. It allows state staff to collect water samples from wells already managed by the Department of Agriculture, with results expected within two weeks of each collection.

Human Resources Director Chris Spross presented the item, noting that the county is targeting 12 wells for initial testing and plans to screen for a range of potential contaminants, including pesticides, arsenic, barium, lithium, and boron.

"With some industry coming into the area and some public objections being raised, we felt it was prudent to begin gathering baseline data," Spross said. He added that the testing can be expanded if needed and that Churchill County may also request sampling from other wells on a case-by-case basis.

During the discussion, commissioners raised the possibility of doubling the testing frequency in future years—especially if large-scale industry moves forward in the region. Commissioners supported beginning with annual testing, with plans to reassess after reviewing the initial results.

Public comment came from Michelle Anderson, who suggested testing occur twice a year, particularly to compare groundwater conditions during wet and dry seasons. Staff agreed the idea had merit and confirmed that the agreement is easily amended if future expansion is needed.

The agreement offers flexibility in test types, locations, and frequency. If Churchill County tests additional wells outside the NDA's current network, costs may be adjusted based on lab fees and labor hours. Staff also confirmed that maps of the test well locations—from both the state and county—will be made available to the public in the near future.

With no objections, the commission unanimously approved the agreement, calling it a proactive measure for future water quality and growth planning.

The board approved the creation of a rangemaster position at pay grade 42 to oversee the HR 218 firearms certification program for retired law enforcement officers. The part-time role replaces the duties previously performed by an auxiliary deputy who is retiring.

The new classification reflects a shift away from civil process responsibilities, with Spross noting that range work for active law enforcement will continue to be handled separately.

The commission approved an advanced step placement for a new deputy district attorney, filling a position that had been vacant for three months. The candidate, who was one of only three applicants, according to District Attorney Arthur Mallory, and the only one to complete the interview process, was described as having superior qualifications, local roots, and prior prosecutorial experience in Nevada.

DA Art Mallory and Chief Deputy Lane Mills requested Step 7 placement for the new hire, citing recruitment challenges and legislative mandates increasing the office's workload.

During commissioner and staff reports, Commissioner Matt Hyde noted the Fallon Youth Club will host a golf tournament and dinner auction on July 12, asking for leads on potential auction items. Commissioner Myles Getto highlighted the Child Abuse Prevention Month campaign, encouraging residents to wear blue on Fridays.

Commissioner Eric Blakey shared updates from recent local events, including the CC Communications employee appreciation dinner.

County Clerk Linda Rothery also reported that her office has mailed more than 1,000 delinquent tax letters and 2,400 voter list maintenance letters and continues tracking 38 active bills affecting elections and county governance.