The Pershing County Commission worked through a full agenda last week, hearing updates from county departments, addressing landfill concerns, and moving forward on several equipment and maintenance requests across departments. Commissioner Chuck Sayles and Chairman Joe Crim were present; Commissioner Connie Gottschalk was absent.
Road Supervisor Kevin Machado reported that crews have been repairing recent washouts near Dry Lake, Rabbit Hole, and Rollers B. With fresh moisture, grading has resumed on roads around Ragged Top and the 7 Troughs route toward Rocky Canyon. New tracks were installed on the county dozer, and a new mechanic, John Allen, joined the department this week.
Machado added that metal has been cleaned up at landfill transfer sites and that excess soil from the Brinkerhoff Ranch ditch project is being hauled for use as cover dirt at the landfill. He also noted increased traffic and maintenance needs in Grass Valley and Unionville as those areas continue to grow.
The board approved transferring a 2011 Ford Taurus from the IT Department to the Road Department to replace a vehicle recently lost at the landfill.
The landfill continues to see increased use, particularly from growing outlying communities. Machado cautioned that the current two-person staff may soon be insufficient to keep up with compaction, cover dirt, and day-to-day operations if the growth trend continues. More litter has been reported around Lone Mountain Road during high winds; Garrison explained the county’s limited ability to close the landfill and noted the absence of past prison work crews who used to help clean blown trash.
Recycling operator Tony Stacy reported growing volumes at the Recycling Center, requiring additional time to manage.
Buildings & Grounds Supervisor Brian Ruddle said his team is preparing for holiday decorations and the Parade of Lights. Cemetery weed-prevention spraying is underway, though the main sprayer is temporarily out of service due to a blown engine.
The commission approved Ruddle’s request to purchase a 2024 Billy Goat leaf vacuum for $3,273.80. The new equipment is expected to reduce labor hours significantly during leaf-cleanup season and allow staff to reach areas inaccessible to larger mowers.
Rye Patch Fire reported three calls since last month and is now conducting search-and-rescue training, including extended hikes into the Humboldt Range. The department will soon launch a fitness program.
Grass Valley Fire reported 64 calls year-to-date, below last year’s pace but consistent with rapid population growth in the area. The department will travel to Minnesota in December to pick up its new water tender.
Emergency Operations Manager Sean Burke briefed the board on major statewide FEMA-related uncertainties that could affect local funding. Because the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant process has stalled, the county may have to update its mitigation plan internally or consider operating without one, an option that could affect future federal disaster eligibility.
Burke also reported ongoing updates to the evacuation annex, progress on mapping emergency water sources, and work to clarify inter-department fire response areas, especially along I-80. A future statewide hazmat training program focused on lithium-ion batteries is expected to launch in 2026.
Safety/Cemetery Coordinator reported upcoming board action regarding repairs at Lone Mountain Cemetery, including road work and replacing the aging post-and-beam display of interments. She also outlined new procedures requiring all new county hires to complete safety training within three days.
IT Manager Amanda Burrows reported the county is close to completing its switch away from AT&T, reducing annual network costs from $44,000 to roughly $17,000. She addressed cybersecurity concerns following the State of Nevada data breach and warned departments to be alert for phishing, QR-code attacks, and other threats.
Phones remain unstable until the new network is fully cut over. Burrows is also exploring cloud-hosting options for Tyler Technologies systems and an automated payroll module.
Assessor Laureen Basso-Cerini informed the board that tax roll closure is approaching on December 18. With one staff member on leave, she will be managing the deadline with assistance from trainers. She also clarified procedures for handling special assessments, noting that her office processes forms but does not approve or deny landfill or TV tax exemptions, those decisions originate with their governing boards.
The commission granted Robert Walker’s request to remove landfill fees from a vacant property at 13005 Amherst, consistent with county policy that properties not producing waste are exempt.
The commission approved the museum’s new volunteer vetting process and gave permission for the museum subcommittee to begin stabilizing and securing the historic Mark Twain building in Unionville, as well as a second adjacent structure. The work will focus first on preventing structural failure of the roof and securing doors and windows.
Derby Field sold 750 gallons of aviation fuel over the past two weeks. Fuel sales remain down approximately 45% from last year, including a one-month shutdown during runway improvements.
The commission approved reducing AVGAS to $5.50 per gallon to align with regional airports and encourage more pilots to stop in Lovelock.
The board also moved the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) to the top of the airport’s long-term capital improvement priorities. The ALP was last updated 13 years ago and is required for federal funding and will guide development for the next 20 years.
Linda Workman reported for the Grass Valley Advisory Board has lost two members to resignation, leaving only two remaining. Because the board lacks a quorum, all upcoming meetings are canceled until new members are appointed.
Comment
Comments