WINNEMUCCA - Humboldt County Commissioners are in the process of finalizing the discussion list for this year's commission retreat. The date has been set for Jan. 27 and the place will be the exhibit hall at the events complex (fairgrounds). Commissioners briefly considered whether to hold the retreat in one of the outlying communities in the county as they've done occasionally in the past, but ultimately decided to hold it in Winnemucca.
The retreat is open to the public, with opportunity for public comment at the beginning and end of the meeting. However, unlike regular commission meetings, subjects on the agenda will not be attached to specific times.
One of the general topics Commissioner Jim French wants to discuss is the budgeting process. French asked that Andree Rose, who is involved in the county's audit each year, share with the commissioners an idea she proposed to him of forming an audit team. French has said repeatedly that he'd like to understand budget formation, adoption and implementation more completely, and Rose suggested an audit team which would include at least 1 commissioner, the comptroller and administrator.
Commissioners also typically set a general framework for the upcoming year's budget decisions as well as specific fiscal concerns or problems during their retreat.
Commissioner Marlene Brissenden specifically asked for more explanation from Treasurer Gina Rackley of the printed treasurer's report they receive regularly. French agreed, saying he'd like to a better understanding of county investments as well. Commissioner Dan Cassinelli said at one time the county had an investment committee, but that it hasn't met for a long time. County Administrator Bill Deist suggested that they invite Rackley to make a general explanatory presentation at the retreat and then perhaps attend commission meetings periodically to give specific information or field questions on the report.
French also wanted to continue discussion on the subject of groundwater quality, specifically parcel splits and development in areas where septic tank density is, or could become an issue.
French said the Regional Planning Commission has asked the commissioners to address conditional use permits and proposed that perhaps a workshop was "something we need to do."
Deist suggested they include discussion of the specific comments the county will give on the Sage Grouse environmental impact statement.
Brissenden wanted to include discussion of a water plan for Humboldt County, (they discussed this last year, but haven't yet moved forward with developing a plan). French said he believes Humboldt County's master plan needs a reference to a water plan and the retreat would be a good opportunity to work on it.
Commissioner Garley Amos wanted discussion of construction projects or possible capital improvement projects for the coming year. Commissioner Dan Cassinelli said, "Like the boys and girls club that's been talked about."
Commissioners will consider retreat topics until the next commission meting on January 20, and then will finalize the agenda.
Last year's agenda also included amending the county's personnel policies (which has been completed), a review of legislative action (since the Legislature was in session in 2013). planning issues surrounding large parcel maps and access issues, impact of projected growth (growth is no longer projected), and road matters (always a hot topic).
The agendas for commission retreats are intentionally less detailed than regular commission agendas to allow for more general discussion of a range of topics. The commissioners develop general direction at their retreat. Specific retreat recommendations or action items are formally voted on at a commission meeting.
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