The Lovelock City Council approved a new police labor agreement that includes a 15% pay raise for officers during Wednesday’s meeting, while also discussing property storage challenges faced by Pershing County Public Administrator Jeff Kearns, affordable housing, economic development projects and several other city matters.
The council approved a new two-year collective bargaining agreement with the Lovelock Police Officers Association. The contract provides a 15% wage increase effective July 1, 2026, followed by a 6% increase in the second year.
The agreement also establishes a longevity pay schedule providing officers with 2% annual step increases for up to 10 years of service, for a maximum longevity increase of 20%. Other changes expand specialty-duty pay, update uniform allowance provisions and provide holiday pay based on the actual number of hours worked.
During the discussion, Mayor Rodney Wilcox acknowledged the city’s pay still trails that of the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office but said the agreement represents another step toward improving recruitment and retention.
Questions about a nuisance notice issued for property at 615 and 655 Cornell Ave. owned by Pershing County Public Administrator Jeff Kearns generated one of the evening’s longest discussions.
Kearns explained that, as part of his duties, he is legally required to take custody of and store property belonging to estates until probate cases are completed, a process that can sometimes take years.
He said the county does not provide storage space or funding for estate assets, leaving him to store vehicles, equipment and other property from probate cases on his personal property.
Council members discussed possible solutions, including whether the county could provide secure storage space for estate property, while Kearns said he would continue cleaning up the site where possible. County Manager Kristin Gonzalez said she would contact Kearns to gather more information and work toward a solution.
The council approved transferring the city’s unused private activity bond allocation to Nevada Rural Housing, a routine annual action that helps fund affordable housing programs throughout rural Nevada.
Beth Dunning, director of community development for Nevada Rural Housing, updated the council on the proposed Tule Meadows affordable housing development planned for the corner of Franklin Avenue and Eighth Street. The 22-unit project has been resubmitted for state low-income housing tax credit funding, with award announcements expected in August.
If funding is approved, construction could begin as early as next spring. Dunning said Nevada Rural Housing has begun discussions with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada regarding space within the project and plans to discuss relocating the city’s recycling center if the development moves forward.
Earlier in the meeting, Tony Stacey, who oversees the Big Meadows Recycling Center, told the council the facility is expected to close after July 30 for at least two weeks and possibly three.
Council members also introduced a proposed ordinance that would establish clearer regulations governing long-term occupancy of recreational vehicles within city limits. The proposal will return at a future meeting for a public hearing and possible action.
The council unanimously forgave nearly $2,000 in delinquent sewer charges after determining the balance had been incurred by a previous occupant rather than the resident seeking to establish utility service. The action allows the resident to establish utility service after paying the required deposit.
County Manager Kristin Gonzalez also updated the council on several economic development projects discussed at the Pershing County Economic Development Authority meeting the previous evening.
She said PCEDA plans to form a committee to research the Dunlieh project from multiple perspectives and is developing an email address where residents can submit questions and concerns if they are uncomfortable speaking during public meetings.
During departmental reports, city officials announced Lovelock has been awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for sewer system improvements. They also reported submitting a letter of interest for a $300,000 grant to renovate Strip Park.
Potential improvements include new playground equipment, landscaping, irrigation, restroom upgrades and other park improvements if the grant is awarded.
Wilcox reported that the city’s new pickleball courts have been completed. He also said discussions with the Nevada Department of Transportation focused on beautifying Interstate 80 off-ramps, improving pedestrian crossings and exploring public art opportunities at Lovelock’s entrances.
The council also approved a temporary liquor license and waived the fee for the Pershing General Hospital Foundation’s annual Basque Dinner and Auction, scheduled for Aug. 8 at the Pershing County Community Center.
The Lovelock City Council meets at City Hall on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
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