The Central Nevada Health District Board approved a series of grants, contracts, and staffing actions at its Nov. 13 meeting, while also reviewing Burning Man public health operations and outlining next steps to recruit a new administrator/physician health officer to oversee expanding jail medical services.
The meeting opened with the appointment of Dr. James Zubernis as the district’s physician representative. Interim Administrator Shannon Ernst said outgoing representative Dr. Heath chose not to renew. Clerk Treasurer Pam Moore administered the oath.
Burning Man Review – Ernst presented a report prepared by member Maria Menjavar on this year’s Burning Man operations. Of 457 issued permits, 416 inspections were completed. Ernst said the district met its goal of daily coordination meetings with event staff and relied on contracted inspectors so local inspectors could remain available to their communities.
Communications proved challenging once attendance exceeded 60,000. “We lost communications across the playa and to home,” Ernst said, adding that CNHD is evaluating alternatives for next year.
She said new or first-time permit holders often present a higher risk, particularly with pumper truck compliance. CNHD plans to expand pre-event education, require more permit information in advance, and develop a Burning Man–specific “What You Need to Know” link.
Board members asked about the fiscal impact. Ernst said direct costs totaled $67,125, with another $15,840 in in-kind support. Revenues reached $61,253, with four unpaid permits and one unpaid pumper service accounting for about $3,000. If all had paid, the event would have ended with a $2,847 deficit. “The goal is not to make money,” Ernst said, “but to cover our costs.”
Grants and Agreements – The board unanimously ratified several subawards, including a $160,107 preparedness grant and a two-year Fund for a Healthy Nevada award meant to cover service gaps that fees cannot fund. Members also approved a $3,360 Verizon contract to unify phone service across four counties after discovering calls were not reaching all offices. Ernst credited Grants and Accounting Specialist Shasta Garrison for resolving the previous provider issue and said Verizon supplied equipment at no cost.
Additional approvals included a $94,008 agreement for foodborne illness testing and a $89,997 award supporting Nevada’s Influenza A/H5N1 response. Ernst said the H5N1 grant expires in December, but CNHD requested an extension because “that particular flu generally happens in the spring.”
The board also approved soliciting proposals for a $95,000 Community Health Needs Assessment required for accreditation, a $7,000 annual contract with Unite Us for electronic referral and case.
Administrator/Physician Health Officer – The board moved forward on increasing the salary range for the vacant administrator/health officer position, setting a cap not to exceed $380,000. Ernst said CNHD began recruiting in August, posting the job nationally, but has not found a qualified candidate. The district wants a physician who can oversee public health programs and expand jail medical services.
Because the position is ultimately a Churchill County post, Ernst said the salary must align with county pay scales and be approved by the Churchill County Board of County Commissioners. Cost-sharing among counties would be based on jail operations. “We don’t want the impact for CNHD to be extreme,” she said, “but we need to meet the needs of the communities.”
Inmate Medical Protocols – The board approved extending Dr. Ted McDonald’s contract through Jan. 31, not to exceed $15,000, to develop correctional facility medical protocols. Ernst said the work was initially planned for January but stalled because CNHD has no permanent administrator or health officer. Completing the protocols now ensures they are ready when that person is hired.
She said McDonald agreed to $100 per hour and expects the work to stay within 150 hours. If not, CNHD will return in mid-January. Ernst noted the district is pursuing opioid settlement dollars as a funding source but would use the general fund until then.
Staff Reports – Clinical Services Manager Kathleen Patterson reported contraception services, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, TB monitoring, and seven flu pods conducted in October. CNHD is adding a rapid HIV/syphilis finger-stick test that provides results in about 20 minutes. A brief discussion followed on pneumonia vaccines; Ernst said CNHD does not stock private vaccines due to high costs and waste risks.
Epidemiologist Victoria Sepcic reported low early-season respiratory virus activity, stable STI counts, and no measles or pertussis cases in district counties. She said CNHD is preparing for another H5N1 season and plans to launch chronic disease prevention classes in February. She also noted the Paiute Shoshone Tribe of Fallon has paused collaboration with CNHD, complicating disease reporting.
Finance and Public Comment – Garrison reported FY26 revenue to be just over $700,000, about 26% of the budget, and expenses of $428,000, or 17.3%. The board approved the financial report and set its next meeting for Jan. 15.
Burning Man Associate Director of Government Affairs Marnee Benson and Agency Relations Manager Katie Hoffman spoke during public comment, thanking CNHD for its work. Benson added that they look forward to the 2026 planning season. Chairman Ken Tedford said ongoing communication will make each year smoother.
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