Hendrix Sues Churchill County Over Hiring Process

Fallon resident and Nevada attorney, R. Clay Hendrix, former Churchill County School Board member, has filed a federal lawsuit against Churchill County alleging the county’s recent process to hire a new county manager was unfairly handled and violated state and federal law.

Represented by the firm of Johnson & Gubler, P.C.R. of Las Vegas, Hendrix filed the complaint for declaratory relief and damages in U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada in Reno. He is seeking a jury trial, monetary damages, attorney’s fees, and a declaration that the county’s hiring process was improper.

The lawsuit stems from Churchill County’s recruitment earlier this year to replace former County Manager Jim Barbee. Hendrix, who applied for the position, claims he was denied a fair opportunity because the process was designed to benefit then Assistant County Manager Chris Spross, who was later selected as county manager. 

According to commission agenda documents, there were 31 applications received for the County Manager position. Thirteen of those met the minimum qualifications and were transmitted to the review panel. The review panel was to submit up to five candidates to the board for final interviews and selection at the June Commission meeting. Ultimately, four of those candidates accepted and went before the commissioners in a public meeting for the interview process. 

The review panel initially was made up of Barbee, and Mayor Ken Tedford, and former commissioner Pete Olsen. According to the lawsuit however, Olsen did not participate and was replaced by former commissioner Justin Heath. 

The complaint names multiple defendants in both their individual and official capacities, including Commissioners Myles Getto, Matt Hyde, and Eric Blakey; Barbee, who previously served as county manager; Spross; Deputy District Attorney Joseph Sanford; District Attorney Art Mallory; and the Churchill County District Attorney’s Office. Also named is Mayor Ken Tedford, along with ten defendants that Hendrix believes may be involved or liable but are not yet named.

Hendrix alleges violations of due process, equal protection, and state hiring standards. 

Churchill County has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit. Officials named in the complaint, including commissioners and attorneys, have also not publicly commented.

The lawsuit is now pending before the federal court in Reno. No hearing date has yet been set.