County Commission June 18 Meeting Wrap Up

The June 18 Churchill County Board of Commissioners meeting began with a presentation of service awards for employees and recognition of the champions and reserve champions from the Churchill County Junior Livestock Show & Sale held in April. They presented the students with gifts, including backpacks, jackets and belt buckles.

District Attorney Art Mallory asked commissioners to create a grant and fiscal specialist position within his office to aid several county departments. Historically, the grant specialist position was under the Social Services department. The position is currently held by Louise Spross, the spouse of newly hired County Manager Chris Spross. County code prohibits the county manager from indirectly supervising his spouse.

The District Attorney’s Office is situated as an elected department, and moving the specialist to that office eliminates the appearance of "patronage" or favoritism, Mallory said. Mrs. Spross has been in her position for more than three years. Commissioners approved moving the grant specialist to the DA’s office.

Bureau of Land Management field manager Zach Reichold updated commissioners about projects associated with the National Defense Authorization Act. He also gave updates on geothermal projects, wild horse herd numbers, ongoing geothermal projects, the recent geothermal lease sale, minerals projects, special recreation permits, and lands and realty.

The collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local #3 - Churchill County Dispatchers and Dispatchers Supervisor Units was approved. Those employees will receive wage increases of 6.625%, 2%, and 1% over the next three years. The cost will run $27,552.35 in wages and $10,525 in benefits.

Commissioners approved an amendment to the collective bargaining agreement between the county and the Churchill County Sergeants and Deputies Association for fiscal years 2026-2028. The amendment simply modified the start date and termination date to reflect the pay period dates. Union employees will receive a 5% salary increase in fiscal year 2026, 2% in 2027, and an increase equal to one-half of the 2027 PERS increase.

Commissioners also approved $13,000 for annual behavioral health wellness visits for law enforcement personnel. The county is required by NRS to adopt regulations establishing minimum standards for peace officers, which include annual behavioral wellness visits. The county will contract with The Ridge, PLLC to provide the services intended to preserve the officers’ mental health.

Other business included:

• Renewal of a three-year contract with Mahannah & Associates for $180,000 for water resource consulting services.
• Social Services received $15,000 from the Pet Charities to support the Pet Program at the Life Center for seniors and disabled individuals.
• Social Services also received funding from the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra for the Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies (SAFE).
• Approval of the interlocal contract between the Nevada Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, and the Churchill County District Attorney’s Office, Child Support Division. This four-year contract will give the Child Support Division $3,284,663 to provide child support enforcement services through June 30, 2029.
• Deputy District Attorney Jeff Weed provided commissioners with a brief legislative update on bills pertaining to Churchill County.
• Approval of a joint funding agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to monitor water levels of the underground aquifers. Churchill County will provide $9,750 in fiscal year 2026, with additional funds coming from the Carson Water Subconservancy District and USGS.
• Approval of a contract with the Secretary of State’s Office for a top-down voter database, known as KNOWiNK. The county will be responsible for half the costs and the state the other half. The county’s cost will be $22,784.25 in fiscal year 2026.
• Approval of the interlocal cooperative agreements between the Lahontan Conservation District and the Stillwater Conservation District and the county, ending June 30, 2026.
• Adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, which covers the county, the city of Fallon and the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe. The plan provides risk assessments and capabilities for responding to "acts of God" such as earthquakes, floods, terrorist attacks and wildfires.
• Ratification of a public comment letter regarding the Department of the Navy's Draft Environmental Assessment for the Fallon Range Training Complex-Modernization Range B-16 Improvements.

Supporting materials for all agenda items can be found on the county’s website under Meetings & Agendas; nv-churchillcounty.civicplus.com/.