Commissioners Focus on Seniors and Community Mental Health Needs

The Churchill County Commission focused on senior services and community health during its Sept. 4 meeting, approving a plan to fold the Churchill Area Regional Transportation (CART) program into Social Services and accepting a $100,000 state grant for mental health and independent living support.

The CART transition has been in the works since March, when commissioners agreed to bring the service under county oversight. Rather than creating a new department, CART will now operate within Social Services. CART has served county residents since 2000, prioritizing seniors as its main ridership base.

The newly awarded $100,000 grant from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services will fund two initiatives through June 2026. First, Social Services will coordinate help for residents in vulnerable populations facing mental health emergencies. The department aims to connect at least 75% of those in crisis with services and provide group sessions for at least 50 residents.

Second, the grant supports residents who want to live independently by providing transportation to medical appointments, shopping, or social gatherings like Life Center activities. It will also expand Meals on Wheels deliveries to residents outside the current service area, reducing food insecurity. Eighty-eight percent of the grant funds will cover personnel costs.

Social Services Director Shannon Ernst also presented findings from a food waste and cost study conducted at the Life Center. The ServWell study claimed a $26,000-a-year loss from food waste. Ernst disputed the figure, noting “pan waste” food is actually packaged, frozen, and offered to those in need.

The study calculated meals at $6.18 each, while the average contribution from diners is just $2. Commissioners and Ernst agreed to shift away from “suggested donation” language and instead promote a “give what you can, when you can” approach. Ernst will continue working with Life Center staff to refine menus and raise awareness of meal costs.

Other commission actions:

• Transfer of 93 Development Rights to Marc Simoncini for property on Beach Road.
• First reading of an ordinance to establish I-1, I-2, and I-3 industrial zoning districts.
• Joint proclamations with the city recognizing September as Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month and Library Sign-Up Month.
• Granting $1,307.49 for the Fallon Community Theatre’s Maine Street Spooktacular.

Commission actions Aug. 20:

• A $5,000 agreement between Social Services and Unite Us for a resource directory website, funded with the city and Churchill Community Coalition.
• A five-year, $10,750 annual lease with Preferred Packaging for OmniSeal equipment at the Life Center.
• Amended Southwest Gas agreement redirecting 2% of net profits to the State Education Fund.
• Updated job descriptions and salaries at the Central Nevada Health District
• Side Letter Agreement with the Sheriff’s Office Deputies Association clarifying overtime and leave policies.
• Revised FY25-26 pay tables, correcting the Election Technician’s pay grade to 47 while leaving all other grades unchanged.

Commissioners’ next scheduled meeting is Sept. 17.