The Central Nevada Health District Board approved a $51,302 fee for Burning Man's 2026 mass gathering permit during its June 10 meeting, applying the district's new fee schedule as it continues assuming responsibilities previously handled by the state.
Burning Man had requested to maintain the previous $2,000 fee structure, but the board approved the permit under CNHD's new fee schedule. Agency Relations Manager Ben Challinor noted that Burning Man had previously been informed that no additional application requirements would be needed. CNHD Board Chair Ken Tedford acknowledged that the district is still working through challenges associated with taking over responsibilities from the state. The board approved the permit with conditions and a fee of $51,302.
The board also unanimously ratified a $535,134 grant agreement supporting reproductive health services in Churchill, Eureka, Mineral, and Pershing counties. CNHD Administrator Shannon Ernst said services have already begun, allowing the district to seek reimbursement for work already completed.
Board members approved an agreement with the Nevada Department of Agriculture to provide temporary environmental health oversight while CNHD works to fill its vacant Environmental Health Manager position. The agreement authorizes up to $1,700 per week for temporary support.
The board also ratified an interlocal agreement with the Nevada Department of Agriculture to provide additional environmental health inspectors during Burning Man 2026, with costs not to exceed $11,000.
Additionally, the board approved an extension of the Juvenile Detention Medical Oversight Agreement with Churchill County Juvenile Detention and Dr. Tedd McDonald through June 30.
Ernst also presented a nonmonetary memorandum of understanding with the Division of Public and Behavioral Health's (DPBH) 318 Program. The agreement provides access to the federal 340B program, allowing CNHD to obtain medications and vaccines at reduced cost. The agreement was ratified unanimously.
The board also ratified a letter of support for the University of Nevada, Reno's Rural Health Transformation Program WRAPP initiative, which focuses on strengthening rural health care systems through workforce development incentives.
Board members approved a strategic brief for a redesigned CNHD website intended to improve navigation, accessibility, and information for rural communities.
The board also approved the reclassification of Olivia Diaz from Environmental Health Specialist I to Environmental Health Specialist II after she earned her Registered Environmental Health Inspector certification on April 21. The promotion includes a pay increase retroactive to that date.
Churchill County Assistant County Manager, Joe Sanford, presented results of Churchill County's compensation study. The board approved new salary tables that include a 2% cost-of-living adjustment and 3% annual merit increases, effective July 6.
Grants and Fiscal Specialist Shasta Garrison reported approximately $1.2 million in revenue and about $1.5 million in expenditures through the fiscal year to date. Fiscal year 2026 financial reports were approved unanimously.
Epidemiology Program Manager Victoria Sepcic reported that the 2025-26 respiratory virus season ended in May, with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 activity declining to expected seasonal levels. No measles cases were identified within the district, and communicable disease activity remained relatively low.
During the District Health Officer's report, Dr. Tedd McDonald reviewed county vaccination report cards, highlighting Eureka County's 100% kindergarten vaccination rate and noting the data helps identify communities that may be more vulnerable to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Administrator Ernst reported that CNHD was unsuccessful in securing funding through three Rural Health Transformation Fund applications, though all proposals received positive feedback. One application will be resubmitted later this month, while the remaining two are planned for submission in early 2027. She also announced that a new Public Health Preparedness Planner will begin work June 22.
In other business, the board approved CNHD's 2026-27 Nevada Public Agency Insurance Pool renewal proposal, maintaining existing coverage while reducing annual costs by 4.51% to $16,815.31. The board also approved the final fiscal year 2027 budget and accepted the resignation of Dr. James Zuberness, authorizing Ernst to solicit applications for a new physician board member.
The next board meeting will be held at 485 W. B St. in Fallon.
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