County Commission Wrap up - July 16 meeting included reports from fire districts, and the BLM

The Pershing County Commissioners covered a wide-ranging agenda at their July 16 regular meeting, held in the lower-level Round Room of the Courthouse. Highlights included a formal agreement to develop a county water plan, updates from local fire departments, and a workforce development presentation from Nevadaworks.

Concerns Raised Over Water Leaks at Big Meadow Cemetery
A member of the public, Denise Monk-Davis brought forward her concern about water leakage at the Big Meadow Cemetery in Lovelock, reporting that she and her mother noticed on July 2 that irrigation runoff had begun to run into the grave of her aunt and there was a hole in the grave. “And then last Monday we stopped by the cemetery and found that another hose had broken on the northern-most driveway and the water was running down the driveway and into several graves. There were a lot more graves that were flooded.” Cheryl Haas, Cemetery Director, confirmed that the cemetery is experiencing issues with broken and leaking irrigation lines. She explained that water is being shut off when possible, but persistent line failures and outdated infrastructure are making the situation difficult to manage. Commissioners acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and indicated that it may be time to consider a broader upgrade of the cemetery’s irrigation system. Staff will continue investigating the water source and exploring potential solutions.

Wildland Fire Preparedness & Local Fire Reports
The commission approved a new two-year contract with the Nevada Division of Forestry as part of the state’s Wildland Fire Protection Program, securing services through 2027. Fire chiefs from Lovelock, Grass Valley, Rye Patch, and Imlay provided brief updates on activity levels, volunteer coverage, and equipment status. Discussions included ongoing needs for training and inter-agency coordination.

BLM Update: Sam Burton of the Winnemucca District Office provided a brief update on federal land issues affecting Pershing County. He reported that fire conditions remain a top concern across the region, especially with the dry summer pattern settling in. He shared that while fire activity has been relatively quiet so far, the BLM remains in a high-alert posture and is coordinating closely with local volunteer departments, the Nevada Division of Forestry, and county emergency management. He also noted that several grazing permit renewals and allotment assessments are currently in process, and encouraged ranchers and permittees to stay in communication with their field offices. Commissioners took the opportunity to voice ongoing concerns about communication gaps between federal agencies and rural counties when it comes to land use decisions, fire fuel management, and access. Burton acknowledged the challenges and reiterated BLM’s willingness to work closely with the county: “We know how important it is to keep our local partners in the loop, especially as we head into the peak of fire season and continue land planning work,” he said.

Buildings & Grounds: The county approved two equipment-related expenditures, including a $9,965 purchase of a 7’x14’ dump trailer and a final $19,000 payment for a bucket truck from Newmans Dirt Work.

Emergency Management: Commissioners accepted the donation of a Mass Casualty Incident trailer from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.

IT & Recycling: Both departments gave brief operational updates with no action taken.

District Attorney: Approval was granted to advertise and hire for a vacant legal secretary or admin clerk position in anticipation of upcoming staffing changes.

Routine Business
The Commission approved prior meeting minutes and reviewed expenditures. Reports were also received from Clerk-Treasurer Lacey Donaldson, Auditor Melanie Hamilton, and Assessor Laureen Basso-Cerini. The Commission also reviewed a bond cap transfer request from Nevada Rural Housing, heard from the Imlay Town Board on mosquito abatement services, and approved the removal of a 2011 Ford Taurus from county inventory.

The county commission meets the first and third Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. at the Pershing County Courthouse.