Commissioners Approve Funding, Recruitment, and Continued Assessment for VFD

By Leanna Lehman

The Churchill County Commission moved through a full agenda on Wednesday, March 18, including employee recognition, budget planning, project funding, fire protection, and a leadership transition in social services.

The meeting opened on a positive note, with commissioners recognizing employees for years of service to the county. Honorees included Jason Santiago of the Sheriff’s Office and Trevor Fulgham of Juvenile Detention for five years; Christopher Burton of the Sheriff’s Office for 10 years; Michael Hardin of the Sheriff’s Office, Amy Lawry of the Recorder’s Office, and Judge Benjamin Trotter of Justice Court for 15 years; Brenda Mahan of the District Attorney’s Office for 20 years; and Jorge Guerrero of Community Activities, Parks and Recreation for 25 years.

Churchill County Comptroller Sherry Wideman said work on the fiscal year 2027 budget is still very much in progress, with roughly $2.7 million in requested additions under review. A final workshop is set for April 2. At the same time, the county’s compensation study continues to move forward, with consultants expected to meet with departments and commissioners in early April.

Commissioners approved an additional $90,000 for the New Pass House and Day Center Project to cover costs that surfaced during construction. New Pass is a transitional and permanent supportive housing and day-use center, slated to open in mid-2026.

Public Works, Planning & Building Department Director Randy Hines explained that the project, originally awarded at just over $764,000 with a $100,000 contingency, encountered several issues once work got underway, including a structural problem in one unit and the need to bring the kitchens into ADA compliance.

The extra funding will allow the county to complete the project, including security systems, internet, and furnishings. “The total is going to be a little close to a million,” said Hines, who reported that change orders are currently at about 15 percent of the project.

Commissioners also approved moving forward with a ballot question asking voters in November whether to continue an existing property tax used to fund fire equipment.

The tax, set at three cents per $100 of assessed value, has been in place since 2008 and renewed twice since. It is scheduled to expire in June 2027. If voters approve the measure, it will continue at the current rate, with no increase.

Fire Chief Jared Dooley told commissioners that the funding has been a key piece of maintaining readiness in a largely volunteer-based system. Dooley said that the department has used the funds over the years to upgrade engines, improve safety equipment, and keep aging apparatus in service. At the same time, demand continues to grow, with calls for service increasing from around 400 annually in 2020 to more than 500 today.

Looking ahead, Dooley said the department needs to replace two fire trucks that are more than 30 years old, with costs estimated at about $1.8 million each. “I would like to assure the taxpayers of this county that the funds entrusted to the fire department are being used responsibly and to great effect,” Dooley said.

Commissioners approved the immediate recruitment of a social services director following the resignation of Shannon Ernst, who is stepping in as administrator for the Central Nevada Health District.

County Manager Chris Spross noted that the social services director now oversees multiple programs, such as CART and the Life Center, which serve some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

“I think it's imperative to have someone in place prior to Ms. Ernst … prior to her leaving,” Spross said. “I think there's so much institutional knowledge there that it would really harm the department if we did not have somebody there.”

Commissioners approved a $2,000 monthly stipend for Ernst to remain in a limited role for 60 days. The position was set at Grade 81 under the current pay scale as the broader county compensation study continues.

In other business, the commission approved an agreement with the state to continue funding a child support judicial officer and renewed a professional services contract with attorney Charles B. Woodman for indigent defense and juvenile cases.

During the discussion, Alexis Robinson, executive assistant to County Manager Spross, said, “I've talked to the public defenders about this, and he's considered sort of crucial to their Department of Indigent Defense Services team. He's called the 'heavy hitter.’ They say he's absolutely necessary to, even if they weren't short-staffed.” Robinson also noted that Woodman’s services are fully reimbursable through the state.

The meeting wrapped up with routine reports from commissioners and staff, including updates on community meetings, volunteer efforts, and county operations. The next meeting is on April 2 at 8:15 a.m.