Maximizing the opportunities available to the community is a big part of what the Humboldt County Board of Commissioners does. Each year, money is earmarked for donations and contributions and distributed for different projects in the community.
The Humboldt County Board of Commissioners met for its regular meeting on Dec. 12 and with all members present (Commissioner Ron Cerri present via web-call), the Board allotted $35,200 in donations to multiple community organizations.
Among these organizations and projects that received portions of the total donation were: the Drug Free Grad Party for Lowry High School seniors, the Humboldt County High School Rodeo Club, the Paradise Valley Volunteer Fire Department, the Lowry Senior’s Graduation Night event, Nevada Outdoor School, the Silver State International Rodeo, Winnemucca Motocross Association, the McDermitt Rodeo Board, the Denio Community Club, the Boys & Girls Club of Winnemucca, and the Paradise Valley Community Inc.
The total amount of money requested by the organizations/projects was $46,200 (over the annually budgeted amount by $6,200) thus the Commissioners did make adjustments to the amounts that were dispersed in order to stay close to their $35,000 budget.
Adjustments were made based on those present to represent the organizations and projects, as well as other funding sources, which were disclosed in applications to the County requesting the donations.
“It says a lot to us when people show up,” explained Commissioner Jesse Hill.
The Board was in full agreement that providing the donations was of great benefit to the community, but were also conscious of the County’s Budget.
Commission Chair, Jim French, identified inflation as a possible factor in the increase of donation requests and suggested that the budgeted amount be evaluated at a later Board workshop.
In other County Commission news—
• Several County employees and fellow Commissioners bid French farewell as it was his last meeting serving on the Board after 12 years of service to the County.
French termed out after 3 full terms and will be replaced by Vice Chair, Ken Tipton. Humboldt County’s latest Commission elect, Mark Evatz, will fill the vacant spot in Jan. 2023.
The Board agreed that they would still consult French on many different issues, as his experience and knowledge is invaluable.
• The Board reappointed John Arant, Brain Stone, and Terry Boyle to the Winnemucca Convention & Visitors Authority Board and reappointed Ella Hight, Bronwyn Schofield, and Darron Birgenheier to the Golconda General Improvement District.
• The Board heard a presentation by the United States Forest Service in regards to projects for the Santa Rosa District.
According to USFS officials, there are continuous projects underway regarding Shared Stewardship, Joints Chiefs Projects, Targeted Grazing Project, Buttermilk Mine
Exploration, Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) Projects, Herbicide Application (Aerial), Nevada Environmental Protection Agency, and more.
The updates from the USFS help to keep the Commissioners informed of important developments that influence the County’s Public Land Use Management Plan.
• Humboldt County Comptroller, Gina Rackley, presented an update to the Board regarding current financial conditions.
According to Rackley, Humboldt County’s Consolidated Tax Revenue from September is up 19 percent month over month. Categories such as utilities and mining were up, showing promising gains for the County.
Rackley also explained an unanticipated increase in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) for Humboldt County employees, which will cost the County approximately 1.3 millions dollars.
• The Board approved a request by the Humboldt County Assessor, Andy Heiser, to prepare and publish a list of taxpayers for the secured tax roll by Jan. 1.
• A request by the Humboldt County Library to waive the attrition policy for a Library Assistant position at their McDermitt branch was approved.
• The Public Works Department Director, Don Kalkoske, presented an update to the Board regarding current road projects, which largely involve added maintenance due to the weather conditions.
• The Board approved a request by the Treasurer’s Office to grant a County Issued credit card to the Humboldt County’s Emergency Manager, Carol Lynn.
• A request by the Building & Safety Department for a County issued credit card was tabled until a later meeting.
• A request by the Technology Services Department to enter into a joint agreement with the Nevada Department of Transportation for a cost share in order to improve the Double H Public Safety Communication Site was unanimously approved.
Tech. Services also requested that the Commission review a protest in regards to a bid accepted by the County for the McDermitt Telecommunications Improvement Project. The Board voted unanimously to reject the protest and affirmed their bid award to Premier Wireless Services.
After discussion with the District Attorney’s Office (DA) and other County officials, it was determined that the protest was based on an informality that was easily resolved and the Board could still award the bid as was previously decided.
• A motion to amend a resolution for the consolidation of the Gold Country Water (GCW) System and the Star City Water System was approved unanimously.
The resolution allows the County to enter into an agreement with GCW and perform the transaction necessary to consolidate the water systems in order to address rising nitrate levels in the Grass Valley area.
• A motion to enter into a purchase agreement with GCW in order to purchase water rights, currently owned by GCW, passed in a split-vote, with Commissioner Tom Hoss in opposition.
• The Commissioner approved an amended agreement with Humboldt County Health Officer, Dr. Charles Stringham, for professional services, in an amount not to exceed $90,000.
Dr. Stringham’s services are compensated on a needs-based basis and his position was made necessary by the State during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Board unanimously approved a motion to amend an agreement with Nicole Maher of Creative Communications to remain Humboldt County’s Public Information Officer (PIO) for another term, beginning the first of the year.
According to County Officials the PIO operates on a needs-based basis and cost is determinant on the County’s use of services.
Commissioners discussed whether the position was still necessary to the County, as it was filled as a result of the 2020 pandemic, and Emergency Manager Lynn assured the Board that it is best to keep the position and that it is of great benefit that the PIO works on a needs-based basis.
• A request for a resolution that requires federal agencies to coordinate with Humboldt County regarding issues such as: roads (accessibility and travel management), noxious weeds, mining and mineral resources, and other public land management issues, in accordance with the County’s Public Land Use Management Plan, was approved unanimously.
The resolution will allow the Commission to represent the interest of the Humboldt County communities and to have open communication with federal agencies.
County Manager, Dave Mendiola, explained that the improvement of communication between agencies could help the County save money and utilize partnerships that could provide access to unbeknownst resources.
• The Commissioners authorized Humboldt County Adult Detention Center officials to solicit a local contractor in order to repair collapsed plumbing within the facility.
The Commissioners had to decide whether or not the situation warranted declaring an emergency. Based on consultation from the DA’s Office, the Commission decided the situation did not call for an emergency declaration from a legal standpoint, but was still extremely urgent for the safety of both inmates and officers.
• Humboldt County DA, Mike Macdonald, presented an update to the Board regarding restitution and fees and fines accumulated over the past years in the DA’s Office, which must be identified and dispersed.
According to MacDonald the slow but steady progress should come to a head by the end of the fiscal year.
• The Board sang Mendiola many praises during review of the County Manager’s priorities, goals and expectations in regards to his employment agreement and a motion to continue Mendiola’s contract was unanimously approved.
“We are extremely lucky to have Dave as our County Manager,” said French.