During the May 1 County Commission meeting, Joe Sanford, Deputy Civil District Attorney, reported on the comments submitted to the BLM by the county regarding the upcoming Wild Horse Gather in the Lahontan Herd Management Area. According to Sanford, the BLM estimates approximately 518 horses are currently on that HMA, well above the Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 7 to 10 horses. The BLM is still accepting public comments on the plan through May 12.
County Manager Jim Barbee delivered a brief history of the Nevada Lands Council effort regarding the Nevada Counties' Land Transfer Proposal to pursue federal land transfers under a revived "Common Sense Lands Act." Although Churchill County supports Elko's autonomy in advocating for its own needs, Barbee expressed concern that formally aligning with the statewide proposal might hinder Churchill's own federally approved lands bill, which is currently awaiting implementation.
Jeremy Drew of Resource Concepts, Inc. provided a quarterly update on public lands and natural resource issues. He noted slow progress on federal land surveys, especially around the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC) expansion. He also flagged administrative delays at the BLM due to staff shortages and incoming federal leadership changes. Drew confirmed that Churchill County is in better shape than many Nevada counties regarding wild horse AML compliance.
Commissioners approved the abandonment of a 30-foot road easement from 1993 on Eugene Way following a request from adjacent landowners. Applicants cited a setback that interfered with planned structures. The request and had no objections.
A proposed split of a 20-acre parcel on Testolin Road into two 10-acre parcels raised access concerns. A neighboring landowner stated that the bridge providing access to the southern lot is on her property, and she does not intend to grant an easement. The commission approved the map with a condition requiring the applicant to either secure access rights or construct a new bridge that meets safety standards.
Arthur Malloey, District Attorney, presented a four-year renewal of its agreement with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services for child support services. According to Mallory, the program brought in $1.8 million in collections last fiscal year and $1.3 million this year. Reimbursement through federal and state funds covers a significant portion of staff costs. The commission unanimously approved the agreement.
Social Services Director Shannon Ernst approved funding agreements that support Meals on Wheels and cover Churchill County's share of Medicaid long-term care costs, aligns with statewide updates, and corrects a prior error in funding limits.
Sanford provided a legislative update, saying this session has been divisive and stands to cause some potential impacts to the county. Bills that the county supports include rural hospital funding, land access, and public health district grants. Of concern to commissioners is AB 388, a paid family leave bill that could cost the county over $800,000 annually. Sanford noted that the bill expands eligibility beyond existing federal requirements and offers no funding mechanism for counties.
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