The Central Nevada Health District (CNHD) held an online meeting on March 4, where board members reviewed administrative updates, approved several contracts, and discussed budget and program planning for the district.
During the meeting, Shannon Ernst was appointed to the administrator position. Ernst previously served as the interim administrator for about one year and has 25 years of experience with Churchill County Social Services. Board members highlighted her strong professional reputation, stating, “She's developed many wonderful contacts with state agencies, the legislature, and health districts, many who wrote letters of recommendation on her behalf.” The board approved the appointment of Shannon Ernst as administrator, effective March 20.
Members also reviewed a proposed revised fee schedule. CNHD has been reviewing its fee schedule since the district launched, and staff found that some fees did not align with the required work and others were missing entirely. The proposed structure includes an initial increase now, with gradual adjustments over three years. These changes are designed to avoid large immediate cost increases for the public and permit holders. The board scheduled a public hearing for April 16 at 1:30 p.m. to consider this proposal.
A contract ratification with VillageReach for the completion of a Community Health Assessment was also discussed. The $71,403 contract will fund an assessment intended to evaluate health needs across the district and help guide development of the Community Health Improvement Plan. CNHD received 26 proposals during the bidding process, which were evaluated based on cost, experience conducting assessments, and knowledge of rural Nevada communities. The board ultimately voted to ratify the contract with VillageReach.
Board members discussed a temporary contract with Churchill County Juvenile Detention to provide medical oversight services. Ernst explained that the county is currently without a physician to oversee detention medical care, and the agreement would allow CNHD to provide oversight until the county establishes its own jail medical program. Services would include physician oversight, prescription review, and medical record review. The proposed rates are $187.50 per hour for physician services and $80 per hour for registered nurse services. The board approved the contract, which would run from March 9 through June 30, 2026.
Board members also approved an expanded contract with Dr. McDonald to provide family planning and clinical services. Ernst stated, “Dr. McDonald has agreed to support the family planning program until we fill the clinical manager/APRN position.” Under the agreement, Dr. McDonald will be paid $1,200 per clinical service day, with an additional rate of $150 per hour for specialized projects, such as providing medical oversight for juvenile probation services.
The board also reviewed the draft fiscal year 2027 budget for the Central Nevada Health District. According to Ernst, the draft budget was prepared in coordination with Churchill County and is balanced based on current funding allocations. The board approved the draft budget, with a final version expected to be submitted before the end of May.
A fiscal update as of Feb. 23 was provided by Shasta Garrison. The report showed that the district has collected about 41% of its projected revenue and has spent approximately 46% of its budgeted expenses. Garrison noted that some grant reimbursements are still pending and that current grant-funded programs remain on track to spend their funding as planned.
During the staff report, board members heard updates on several ongoing district activities. Staff is currently working on multiple grant applications and discussing plans with Churchill County’s IT department to move the Central Nevada Health District’s computer systems to its own network. Plans are also being made for upcoming community outreach efforts, including prevention and public health awareness events. The district is continuing recruitment for several open positions, including a resource liaison in Eureka, a public health preparedness planner, and a clinical manager/APRN position.
The next meeting will be held on April 16 at 1:30 p.m.
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