Commission Appoints Sanford as Permanent County Manager

Churchill County commissioners unanimously appointed Joe Sanford as county manager Aug. 6, opting to promote the interim manager rather than hire an outside firm to conduct a recruitment.

Commissioners had previously received proposals from several recruiting firms but postponed a decision in July. Commissioner Matt Hyde said he did not see a significant difference among the proposals. He noted that counties can spend money on a recruitment only to ultimately select the person already doing the job.

Commission Chairman Myles Getto said Sanford had done “an excellent job as interim county manager.”

“Personally, I would just like to appoint Joe as county manager,” Getto said before asking Sanford whether he wanted the job.

“I appreciate the consideration, and I would accept the position if you were to offer it to me, yes,” Sanford replied.

Commissioners unanimously appointed Sanford effective immediately. Sanford thanked commissioners and county employees, saying their work during his years with the county had made his job possible.

In other business:

Nevada Rural Housing: Commissioners approved transferring the county's unused private activity bond volume cap to Nevada Rural Housing. Communications Director Katie Coleman reported that the agency has helped 354 Churchill County borrowers obtain about $70.5 million in mortgages and $1.9 million in down payment assistance since 2006.

Mental health and substance-use programs: Commissioners approved $20,200 for Churchill County School District and $19,500 for Churchill Community Coalition to support mental health and substance-use education.

Suicide prevention: Commissioners approved continuing an agreement with Emma White to help coordinate the county's suicide-prevention initiative.

Land use: Commissioners approved Thaine and Kari Ernst's conservation easement on 40 acres, including 34.2 acres of irrigated water rights, and 50 transferable development rights. They also approved combining Gloria Frey and Rhys McDonald's two River Village Drive lots into one 2.13-acre parcel.

Public Works and Planning: Commissioners awarded A&K Earthmovers a $310,000 contract for the Public Works parking lot. The amount includes contingencies that may not be needed.

Commissioners accepted Lumos & Associates' $2.758 million proposal for engineering services on the Coleman Road-Moody Lane Connector. Full story on page one or online.

The Public Works Department also presented potential ways to reduce costs for new development, including the amount of water rights developers must dedicate and fees charged to connect to county water and sewer systems. No action was taken.

Fallon Junior Rodeo: Commissioners approved $2,000 for the Fallon Junior Rodeo, which has been held annually since 1969.

Appointments and personnel: Susan Smith-Ansotegui was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees through Oct. 31, and Rochelle Tisdale was appointed to the Planning Commission through May 31, 2027. Commissioners also approved advanced-step placement for Lisa Gallo Swan as social services director and a temporary $500 monthly stipend for Shannon Ernst while remaining public guardian responsibilities are transferred.

Three attorney positions within the District Attorney’s Office were deemed critical needs positions.

Federal land payment: Commissioners accepted $3.15 million in federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes funds. Comptroller Sherry Wideman said $404,383 was above the budgeted amount and recommended directing it to Parks and Recreation, which is currently over budget.

New Pass Fire: Bureau of Land Management staff were unable to attend because of the New Pass Fire east of Fallon on U.S. Highway 50 near the Churchill-Lander county line. At press time, the fire had burned 37,899 acres and was reported 81% contained; however, continued heat and expected winds could affect containment efforts.