The Churchill County Board of Commissioners worked through compensation study updates, code revisions, budget adjustments, and several new business items during its April 2 meeting, while also issuing two proclamations recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and Occupational Therapy Month.
Commissioners received an update on the countywide compensation study conducted by Baker Tilly, which is reviewing pay levels to ensure wages are fair, competitive, and consistent across departments. Early estimates showed one option costing about $813,000, with potential adjustments pushing that figure closer to $850,000 and a total impact of roughly $1.2 million. Some departments requested additional changes, but those can be handled separately without altering the overall study. No action was taken, and final recommendations are expected at the April 15 meeting.
The board also held the first reading of Bill 2026-A, which proposes updates and cleanup changes to several sections of the Churchill County Code. The revisions aim to improve clarity, update building and development standards, and move technical design standards into a separate manual. A second reading was set for April 15.
Commissioners reviewed the tentative budget for fiscal year 2026–27, which must be submitted to the state by April 15. Updates since February include about $714,000 in additional personnel costs, roughly $1 million tied to the compensation study, an increase of approximately $871,000 for services and supplies, and a $2,850 increase in community support funding.
A behavioral health task force report highlighted 2025 accomplishments and ongoing efforts. With Nevada ranking high in suicide rates, 400 school staff have been trained in suicide prevention. New programs include the Unites Us platform, crisis response planning, and expanded school partnerships, with continued focus on access to care, housing, and food insecurity.
In other business, commissioners ratified a county letter supporting the City of Fallon’s funding request for a water storage tank project. They approved $4,800 to cover burial costs for public administrator cases and granted $8,000 to the Churchill Arts Council. The board also approved an agreement with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) for the construction of Sand Canyon Road, a project funded through federal and Navy sources, with the county overseeing construction and being reimbursed through NDOT.
Commissioners authorized hiring an office specialist instead of a permit technician in the Public Works Planning and Building Department. They also formalized the Central Nevada Health District administrator position at pay grade 85 and approved reclassifying a Justice Court Clerk Trainee to a full Justice Court Clerk after completion of the two-year training period.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for April 15.
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