Christy Lattin
Churchill County has reached a settlement with a developer that clears the way for its Moody Lane–Coleman Road Connector Project (MLCRC). The project includes construction of a new bridge over the Carson River and an extension of Moody Lane south to Coleman Road, terminating east of the Onde Verde subdivision. The plan requires rights-of-way through several properties, including more than 155 acres owned by River Homes In Fallon, LLC (RHF).
The property is located east of the golf course and spans from the Carson River north to Rice Road. River Homes In Fallon, LLC is owned by the River Homes In Fallon Management Trust from Las Vegas. The settlement document lists Steve Mack and Sherri Hughes as signators; both are listed online as leaders of Bravo Store Systems, a 40-year-old company that creates business management software for retailers like pawn shops and gun stores.
In the settlement agreement, RHF maintains it has several potential legal claims against the county “for inverse condemnation of real property, including water rights, pre-condemnation damages, and breach of a Water Banking and Dedication Agreement dated April 18, 2012 (“RHF Claims”) and the County contests the RHF Claims.”
RHF began its Fallon project in 2005 with a planned unit development (PUD) for two parcels totaling 155.25 acres. The company was unable to continue development due to financing issues, and the county extended the PUD for 15 years. Assistant County Manager Joe Sanford said the county declined to renew the PUD in 2020 because the development was based on outdated land-use maps.
Under the new agreement, the county will receive a right-of-way through RHF’s property in exchange for a release of potential legal claims. RHF plans to rezone its property for residential and commercial uses. The deal resolves potential claims, secures the right-of-way for the MLCRC project, and provides zoning needed for future development.
The county’s cost totals $125,188.30, including $114,855 in abated wastewater operations and maintenance (O&M) fees over five years and $10,333.30 in waived outstanding wastewater O&M fees and finance charges.
The settlement grants RHF R-3 zoning, allowing up to 661 residential units, including a maximum of 330 apartment units, and 15 acres of commercial development. Although the PUD has expired, the new zoning will guide future land use. Commissioners approved the agreement unanimously.
In other business, commissioners authorized the Human Resources Department to begin a salary compensation study to ensure county wages remain competitive. Previous studies were completed in 2015, 2018, and 2022. Sanford presented two options: conducting the study internally or hiring an outside vendor. Quotes from vendors ranged from $52,750 to $92,000. Commissioners early on indicated a preference for using an external firm to avoid any appearance of bias.
District Attorney Art Mallory and Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills urged the commission to include a private-sector comparison in the study, noting that both the District Attorney’s and Public Defender’s offices have struggled to retain and recruit attorneys due to pay disparities.
Commissioners voted to use an outside vendor and directed Sanford to organize a workshop for vendors to present their proposals.
Commissioners also approved $450 per day in holiday standby pay for district attorneys, public defenders, and the Justice of the Peace. State law requires arrestees to receive a bail hearing within 48 hours, including weekends and holidays. The new rate takes effect Oct. 15, 2025, with one-time retroactive payments for work performed on July 4 and Sept. 1, 2025. Funding will come from the Department of Indigent Defense Services and will cover nine holidays in fiscal year 2025–2026.
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