Churchill County commissioners revisited a long-discussed proposal to help fund a new Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) building at the Fallon Municipal Airport during their regular meeting Thursday, June 5.
No formal action was taken due to a clerical error in the agenda, but commissioners expressed support for continuing discussions about a $500,000 county contribution to the project.
County Manager Jim Barbee explained that the proposed funding would represent roughly a third of the estimated total cost of the facility, which would replace the current FBO building, constructed in the 1940s or 1950s. He noted the airport is similar to the Rafter 3C Arena in that both serve users from the city and county, and both are important to local economic development.
“I am in support of this project. It needs an update,” said Commissioner Myles Getto. “It needs a facelift, renovation — ‘atrocious’ might be the right word.”
Commissioner Eric Blakey noted he had not yet reviewed the full history of county involvement in the project but agreed an upgrade is needed. Commissioner Matt Hyde added that, from a business and communications standpoint, the outdated building is an obstacle. “I would like to see a plan. I do believe it needs to be updated and will serve the community and those who want to come here, do business, and fly directly into Fallon.”
Barbee said the county previously committed $37,000 toward architectural design work and that the project has remained on the radar since at least 2018. The city continues to work on finalized plans.
Because the item was listed as informational only, no vote could be taken. Commissioners agreed to revisit the funding commitment at a future meeting with proper notice.
Other Business
The board honored Jackie Bogdanovich for being named Ag Teacher of the Year by the Nevada FFA Foundation. Oasis Academy administrator Rochelle Tisdale praised Bogdanovich’s work over the past decade, noting she built the program from just 14 students to more than 100.
“She’s been the only ag teacher we’ve had, and the kids love her,” Tisdale said. “She’s built something truly special.”
Bogdanovich, modestly standing at the back of the room, received a warm round of applause.
Commissioners also approved two parceling proposals — one by Bart Hyatt for a six-lot residential division on Boundary Road, and another by Alex Quintana for a four-lot division on Cardinal Drive. Both projects met zoning and infrastructure requirements. Quintana’s development includes a conservation easement protecting a large wetlands pond.
The board unanimously approved a contract extension with Sevon Consulting LLC to continue administering the county’s indigent defense program. The contract includes hourly rates of $75 for fiscal year 2025–26 and $100 for fiscal year 2026–27.
Commissioners also approved updated and new job descriptions for the Recorder’s Office and Clerk/Treasurer’s Office. A new “Election Technician” role was created to help manage increasingly complex election operations, a responsibility previously divided among deputy clerks.
Three additional roles — Recordation Clerk Trainee, Recordation Clerk, and revised deputy positions — were also formalized to reflect a reorganization approved in the recent budget cycle. County staff noted that these updates will help streamline hiring and clarify job functions moving forward.
Deputy District Attorney Joe Sanford provided a detailed update on the 2025 Nevada Legislature, noting that more than 250 bills passed in the final day alone.
Key bills expected to benefit Churchill County include:
- AB104 and SB36, allowing for potential water rights buyback programs.
- AB174, lifting "provider of last resort" burdens from local telecoms such as CC Communications.
- AB241, allowing multifamily housing in commercial zones with local standards, prompting upcoming zoning code revisions.
- SB93, applying prevailing wage requirements to federally funded broadband projects, raising potential financial concerns for local grant-funded infrastructure.
Several problematic bills failed, including a proposed public records ombudsman and a controversial property tax abatement for energy-efficient buildings.
Sanford indicated that while a special session is possible, the governor has not yet signaled intent to call one.
Farmers Market Proposal
During public comment, James Fleming presented plans for a new farmers market to launch in July 2026 at the fairgrounds. He described broad community support and a $10,000 startup fund in development, with assistance from local agencies and UNR’s Cooperative Extension.
Parks and Recreation indicated that Thursdays would be available for the event, pending irrigation schedule adjustments. Fleming plans to submit a formal request for future agenda consideration.
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