Churchill County commissioners approved several land-use applications, adopted annual tax resolutions, and tabled selection of a county manager recruitment firm during their July 2 meeting.
The board approved a request to divide a 221.21-acre parcel on Cadet Road into four parcels of more than 40 acres each. Commission Chair Myles Getto abstained because the applicant is his grandfather.
Board members also approved a parcel map for a previously approved cluster development on Lima Lane, creating 15 new parcels while recording a conservation easement on the remaining agricultural parcel. They also approved a request to divide a 16.23-acre parcel on McLean Road into two 5-acre parcels with one remaining 6.23-acre parcel.
The board heard an appeal from George Pomeroy of GP Global LLC after the Planning Commission denied his request for variances that would allow five billboard signs along one railroad corridor parcel and two signs along another near U.S. Highway 50.
Pomeroy argued the unusual shape of the parcels created practical difficulty under county code and that a series of evenly spaced signs would be more visually appealing than one billboard or several smaller signs. Board members questioned whether the request met the legal standard for a variance, citing concerns about traffic safety, nearby property owners, utility easements, and setting a precedent for future billboard requests.
Attorney John Gezelin, representing neighboring property owner Michael Casey, urged the board during public comment to uphold the Planning Commission's decision.
No action was taken, leaving the Planning Commission's denial in place.
The board also ratified the annual interlocal agreement between Churchill County Social Services and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services for the Energy Assistance Program. Under the agreement, the county will receive a $15 reimbursement for each completed application submitted to the state, up to $4,300 annually.
Board members adopted two annual budget resolutions required under Nevada law. One certified Churchill County's property tax rate for fiscal year 2026-27 as approved during the budget process. The second approved an additional 1-cent ad valorem tax levy for Cooperative Extension, bringing the total levy to 2 cents.
The board postponed selecting a county manager recruitment firm until its first meeting in August to allow more time to compare proposals.
The board also received an update from Ormat Technologies Inc., which operates several geothermal power plants in Churchill County. Scott Nichols said the company is exploring seven additional geothermal projects throughout the county and that developing a new geothermal resource typically takes three to five years. The presentation was informational only, and no action was taken.
During staff reports, District Attorney Wade Mallory said his office has received no applications for its vacant attorney position and is exploring additional recruitment strategies.
Clerk-Treasurer Linda Rothery reported that about 13,000 property tax bills will be mailed next week and are already available online.
Sheriff Lee Orozco reported that the Sheriff's Office is preparing for Fourth of July events, plans to swear in two new deputies this month, and is nearly fully staffed until additional positions are added in October.
The board will meet again Aug. 6.
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