The Pershing County Recreation Board approved more than $65,000 in funding requests during its June 11 meeting, but much of the discussion focused on accountability and future spending priorities.
The discussion involved all board members and several members of the public, making for an extensive conversation.
Board member Lee Ann Gallagher said the board should require organizations receiving Recreation Board funding to provide more financial information, including receipts, invoices and details about other sources of revenue.
"There's room for abuse here when we're just giving money away, and we have no documentation," she said.
The other board members generally agreed. Connie Gottschalk volunteered to draft a new reporting form and policy requiring more detailed documentation. The board expects to begin using the revised reporting requirements with the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
The discussion broadened into a conversation about how the board should use Recreation Board funds in the future. Members discussed setting aside a portion of annual revenue for park improvements, recreational equipment and other capital projects rather than dedicating all available funds to annual events and organizations.
The longest discussion centered on a funding request from the Lovelock Speedway.
Brett Wilkins appeared on behalf of the Speedway, which received $20,250 for driver payouts, advertising, television commercials, Frontier Days activities and championship buckles.
Chairman Mike Mancebo explained that the board traditionally splits Speedway funding between fiscal years. The first installment covers the remainder of the current racing season, and the board approved an additional $9,750 for the Speedway's 2027 season. The board plans to distribute those funds in February to help cover early-season expenses before racing resumes.
The board will release the second installment after the Speedway submits receipts and after-action reports.
Several board members said residents had questioned why the Speedway receives more funding than other organizations. Wilkins responded that the Speedway hosts events throughout the season.
"If we give them $30,000 and they have 13 events a year, that's about $2,300 per event," board member Jordan McKinney said. "When you compare that to some one- or two-day events, it's not astronomical."
The board approved the Speedway request, with Gallagher casting the lone dissenting vote.
Gallagher questioned whether organizations with significant sponsorship and event revenue should receive the same level of Recreation Board funding. She cited concerns about accountability, outside revenue sources and the board's long-term funding priorities.
The Speedway request was the board's only split vote. All other funding requests received unanimous approval.
The board approved $10,000 for Frontier Days. Christopher Moepono Wood sought funding for advertising, entertainment, T-shirts and promotional materials for the annual event scheduled July 31 through Aug. 2.
David Skoglie represented the Silver Mountain Sidewinders Horseshoe Club, which received $4,500 for tournament prize purses, advertising and maintenance costs.
The Flying Saucer Trap Club received $500 for clay targets, buckles and awards.
Bonnie Skoglie represented Friends of the Marzen House, which received $30,000 for tourism advertising, including billboards designed to encourage travelers to stop in Lovelock and visit local attractions.
Other Business
Joseph and Jamie Saint Pierre of Imlay attended the meeting to discuss recreation needs in their community. Joseph Saint Pierre, chairman of the Imlay Town Board, spoke about replacing dirt at local baseball fields and future projects, including the possibility of installing a playground zip line.
County Manager Kristen Gonzalez encouraged the board to consider recreation needs throughout Pershing County, including Imlay, Grass Valley, Rye Patch and Unionville.
Mancebo also reported that the Lovelock swimming pool experienced several mechanical problems at the start of the season, including issues with water circulation and water quality. He credited pool manager Marti Nolan and volunteers with restoring normal operations.
"The pool is up and going, and kids are in it," he said.
The board also discussed maintenance needs at McDougal Field, recent improvements to the pickleball courts and the possibility of purchasing a portable restroom trailer for recreation facilities and community events.
Board members also announced that the Marzen House Museum has received a $25,000 Travel Nevada grant for promotional materials, a tourism video and additional visitor information displays.
The Pershing County Recreation Board meets at City Hall on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
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