The road to Martin Creek runs right through a 28-acre parcel of land that has been in the trust of the Humboldt County Treasurer’s Office since 1967 for nonpayment of taxes.
At the regular meeting of the Humboldt County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 16, the Board approved a request for the County to take possession of the parcel and maintain it with all members of the Board present.
The Commission agreed that it is in the best interest of the public to acquire the property so access to Martin Creek can be maintained and so that the property can continue to be used for public purposes and recreation.
The parcel, APN 04-0402-02, has been accruing major tax fees and penalties since it was entrusted by the Treasurer’s Office in the 60s, according to Humboldt County Treasurer Rhona Lecumberry, and the amount is almost incalculable today.
Lecumberry explained that the parcel can now be removed from public auction, which if it was purchased privately could be closed to public access.
Notice of intent for the County to acquire the parcel was advertised and those with a potential claim to the property were given a chance to come forward, but although two individuals came forward with possible rights to the land, no claims to the land could be proven.
Lecumberry said that she was able to work with both individuals to vet their possible claims, but the amount of time that had surpassed and the lack of documentation regarding the parcel left the claims void.
Commissioner Ron Cerri said that the land has been used by locals for decades to fish and camp and for other recreation, so it is important that the County take ownership.
Commissioner Tom Hoss also strongly agreed that it is important for access to Martin Creek to remain open and the acquisition of the parcel ensures access.
In other Commission news:
• In a split vote, a motion to waive the attrition policy for the Humboldt County Technology Services Director and have the Human Resources Department hire a new director was approved with Commissioners Hoss and Cerri in opposition.
The request was also heard at the last meeting of the Board on Jan. 2, but was unanimously struck down, with Hoss and Cerri agreeing that they should uphold the decision from the last meeting and wait the full 120 days to fill the position per the policy.
Commissioners Hill, Tipton and Evatz were in support of the motion and cited the importance of the position as a driving factor in why it should be filled as soon as possible.
• The Board approved a request by the District Attorney’s Office to utilize the services of Carr Law Resolve, LLC to provide legal counsel to the Board when counsel from the DAs Office is unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts with District Court.
Deputy DA Wendy Maddox said that this happens very rarely, but it is important for the Board to have access to legal counsel during every meeting and to have counsel that understands open meeting law.
• The Board approved a contract with Haz-Tech Drilling, Inc. to do geotechnical work at the Double H Public Safety Communication Site in order to gather information for the final design of the facility that will be constructed.
• Technology Services Manager Mike DeTullio presented an update to the Board regarding a failure of the County’s server in October of 2023 which caused the loss of a significant amount of data for some county departments.
DeTullio explained that the IT Department is currently working towards using a cloud-based system to store data that would address future losses of data and the department will be using a routine maintenance calendar for the system to try to prevent future failures.
• The Commission heard the annual financial report for the County and the McDermitt General Improvement District and a financial audit performed by Drake, Rose & Associates and approved the reports and audit unanimously.
• The Commission approved the County Manager’s appointment of Daniel Ferrero to the Director of Public Works. Ferrero was the former Manager of the department.
• The Board approved a request by the Facilities and Operations Department for Artistic Fence to replace an automated gate operator at the Juvenile Detention Center.
According to Juvenile Services Director Pauline Salla, the gate operator is key in the facility’s safety operations and allows for the intake of individuals and the automation has safety measures that prevent it from closing on people and/or vehicles.
• Emergency Manager Carol Lynn’s request for the Board to accept members of the Local Emergency Planning Committee was approved unanimously.
The members of the committee include two representatives from state and local transportation, two media representatives, two utility representatives, an agricultural chemical industry representative, two mining representatives, two representatives from disaster relief services, and various representatives from the County and the City of Winnemucca.