Jan. 6 County Commission Meeting Actions and Approvals

The Churchill County Board of Commissioners approved a full slate of zoning, funding, personnel, and contract items during its Jan. 6, 2026, meeting, while declining to overturn a Planning Commission decision involving a temporary use permit for a resident living in an RV while attempting to finance construction of a home.

The board voted to retain its current leadership structure for 2026. Under the approved motion, Miles Getto will continue as chair of the Board of County Commissioners, with Eric Blakey serving as vice chair. Matt Hyde was confirmed as chair of the CC Communications Board, with Blakey as vice chair. For the Highway Commission, Blakey will serve as chair and Hyde as vice chair. Hyde also agreed to serve on the Central Nevada Health District board.

Two zone change applications to I-3 Heavy Industrial were approved. The first involved a 640-acre parcel near Trinity Junction owned by Amborski Family LLC Trinity Series 2. Senior Planner Dean Patterson of the Public Works, Planning & Building Department said the location is intended for explosives storage and a distribution facility, with two acres allocated for the operation and the remainder serving as a safety buffer.

Commissioners also approved a zone change for more than 3,000 acres off Interstate 80 for a future solar project filed by SEUS Development LLC for 40 Mile Desert LLC. Patterson noted that while solar energy is already allowed in RR20 zoning, the change would streamline permitting. He cautioned that large I-3 areas can strain infrastructure, but said the Planning Commission recommended approval based on the specific project.

The board accepted the county’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, following a presentation by auditor Kelly Jones. Jones reported no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were identified and that all funds operated within approved budgets. Comptroller Sherry Weidman highlighted capital activity at CC Communications and noted the county received its 20th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

Commissioners approved several land use items, including two parcel maps on Boundary Road, creating six lots, and a parcel map on Rice Road, dividing a farmstead from farmland.

Funding of $2,180 was approved for the Fallon Community Theatre following a reduced request. Board member Jessica Huckaby said the funds would support movie licensing. “It will just help the theater continue to offer these free services to the community,” she said.

The board also issued a notice of award to SB Builders LLC for $322,322 for tenant improvements at the Churchill County Annex Building, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, and approved a three-year, $100,800 contract with EagleView for aerial imagery flights.

The most extensive discussion centered on an appeal by Eric Madrigal, who sought an extension of a temporary-use permit that would allow him to live in an RV while building a home at 8893 Helens Way. The Planning Commission previously denied the extension after determining required progress milestones had not been met.

Public Works, Planning & Building Director Randy Hines explained that although the driveway requirement was met, financing was not secured within the first year, a condition of the permit.

“It’s making it a lot harder for you guys to restrict me and to kick me off my own property, to have to pay for another place while I’m trying to accommodate you and build my home,” Madrigal said. “I can’t pay two mortgages or two rents.”

Madrigal said he has struggled to secure financing. “I can’t get a loan any higher than $200,000, and it’s kind of hard to build a home under that amount,” he said, adding that he has continued downsizing floor plans and needs more time. He said his current approved amount would cover only a fraction of the house. “To custom build a home … it’s half a million plus at least. And we’re a long way off from there.”

Commissioners expressed sympathy but emphasized adherence to the county code. Blakey told Madrigal, “We can’t make decisions because you’re hoping something happens.”

No motion was made to approve, deny, or extend the permit, leaving the Planning Commission’s denial in effect.

The meeting concluded with routine reports, including a report from Churchill County Clerk-Treasurer Linda Rothery that candidate filing opened Jan. 5 and will remain open for two weeks. One filing has been received. Rothery also reported that 1,100 delinquent property tax notices were mailed Jan. 5.

Other items of note included authorization to hire Kenneth Henke as an IT professional at an advanced step placement due to recruitment challenges, continued vacancies in the District Attorney’s and Sheriff’s offices, preliminary discussion of a Public Works, Planning and Building fee schedule, and a request to review agenda posting timelines to allow commissioners more time to review agenda packet materials.