During the Feb. 19 County Commissioner budget hearings, Social Services Director Shannon Ernst provided updates and budget needs for CART – Churchill Area Regional Transport, which operates under Social Services, and for the William N. Pennington Life Center.
CART provides public transportation services throughout Churchill County and includes rides to medical appointments, employment, senior services, and other essential destinations.
Previously operating as a non-profit organization with its own governing board, CART was brought under the umbrella of Churchill County Social Services and combined with Aging & Disability Services last October. At the time of the transition, the estimated cost to the county was around $394,000.
The program is funded through a mix of local revenue and grants, including state and federal transportation funding streams. CART vehicles operate on scheduled routes and demand-response service, particularly serving seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents without reliable personal transportation. CART also plays a role in emergency response and community coordination during major events.
Social Services is budgeting for a new CART vehicle this fiscal year. Commissioners raised questions about why vehicle repairs were included in the CART budget and whether maintenance is handled by the county’s fleet department. Ernst explained that while most CART expenses are covered by grants, a required local match must still be shown, including a portion of vehicle repairs, to meet grant compliance requirements.
Ernst also gave a brief update on the Pennington Life Center, often referred to as the Senior Center, which operates under the direction of Social Services. The Life Center provides assistance and resources to residents of Churchill County, primarily senior citizens.
Located at 952 S. Maine Street in Fallon, the building opened in June 2017 as a multi-generational facility. Churchill County, the City of Fallon, and the Coalition for Senior Citizens Board all contribute resources to help ensure the facility’s continued operation.
The Life Center offers a homemaking service that includes light housekeeping, medication pickup, rides to medical appointments, and household chores for those who cannot complete these tasks themselves. Meals on Wheels is a key function of the Life Center and provides a hot daily meal for homebound residents aged 60 and older on a pay-as-you-can fee schedule. Additionally, the center offers weekday lunches, a telehealth room, and a beauty salon.
Activities are also a core component of the Life Center. These include fitness opportunities, crafts, games, workshops, counseling on life changes and grief and loss, bingo, and a gardening club. It also offers technology support and other programming.
During her presentation, Ernst noted that Social Services has budgeted for the last two years to upgrade the beauty salon. The upgrade, which will cost about $24,000, will ensure the salon is properly maintained and complies with state requirements. The Life Center currently has one beautician renting space, with plans to rent a second station once upgrades are complete.
Commissioners noted that the $24,000 request has not yet been included in the budget because it was not part of the formal wish list. To move forward, the board would need to formally add the item to the budget for approval. Ernst encouraged commissioners to do so, stating, “I'm hoping it's done this fiscal year because if they get inspected, we probably will not have a beauty shop at this point.”
Together, the Life Center and CART provide services beyond those offered by traditional government offices. The Life Center focuses on senior stabilization and service coordination, while CART ensures residents can physically access those services. As commissioners continue reviewing budget priorities, both programs remain central to supporting residents throughout Churchill County.
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