During the recent Pershing County Commission meeting, Kevin Machado, road superintendent, provided a department update, explaining that the roads have been bladed, the department’s new employee successfully obtained his CDL, and the new employees at the landfill are busy and enjoying their positions.
A discussion followed regarding the concept of hauling solid human waste from the prison to the landfill. However, the Pershing County Landfill does not accept human solid waste and is not equipped to do so.
It was reported that a company is considering locating a lithium plant in Dixie Valley, Churchill County. If this happens, the issue will need to be monitored for impacts on Pershing County roads.
Commissioners approved a lease/purchase agreement between Zions Bancorporation, N.A., and Pershing County in the amount of $253,306.50 for one 2024 Dragon/Ranco L21-40 belly dump and one 2025 Peterbilt 589-day cab. Annual payments will be $58,312.32 over a five-year loan term.
They also approved a request to use McDougal Field from Feb. 13–16, 2025, for the annual Lover’s Aloft hot air balloon event, which brings tourism to Lovelock over Valentine’s Day weekend.
Sean Burke of the Grass Valley Volunteer Fire Department provided an end-of-year summary, explaining that the department responded to a record 116 calls in 2024—49 fire-related and 67 medical. (See story below.)
Burke also reported on the Pershing County Emergency Operations Management. On Jan. 7, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will meet to approve and ensure compliance with SERC grant requirements for the year. Work continues on the county's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and Wildfire Plans.
Cheryl Hass, administrative clerk of the cemetery, provided department updates. Commissioners approved a survey quote from Battle Born Ventures for $2,500 and the purchase of a 2020 Caterpillar 3017-05 excavator for $19,848.
Justin Abbott provided an IT department update regarding the fiber project for county offices in the Main Street area. The boring and vault installation have been completed, and conduit will now be pulled to the buildings and fiber placed inside before final connections are made. The estimated completion date for the project is the end of January 2025.
Heidi Lusby-Angvick, economic development director, gave her department update, explaining that she recently participated in a University Cooperative Extension/Guinn Center webinar on housing data collection, which has been ongoing statewide for the past year. She is also coordinating details for the Western Nevada Development District’s annual summit, to be held in Lovelock on April 21–22, 2025.
Linda Workman and Dennis Savard presented the Grass Valley Advisory Board update. The board held its annual Turkey Bingo in November and is discussing allowing a flock of sheep to graze the community center property. NV Energy is expected to speak at the January advisory board meeting. Planning for the 2025 Chili Cookoff will begin in February.
Commissioners held a public hearing on a notice of intention to authorize medium-term financing and approved resolutions authorizing:
- A medium-term obligation of $375,680 to purchase one John Deere 624P wheel loader for the Pershing County Landfill, to be repaid from the landfill fund.
- A medium-term obligation of $381,780 to purchase one John Deere 670G motor grader for the Pershing County Road Department, to be repaid from the public safety option tax.
The Pershing County Hospital Board of Trustees has two vacancies. These are elected positions with unexpired terms. As of the meeting, no letters of interest had been received from individuals willing to fill the positions.
Commissioners approved a contract with Schroeder Law Offices to prepare an amicus brief related to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals case Baker Ranches, Inc. et al. v. Deb Haaland et al. The case addresses federal government involvement in Nevada water rights. Schroeder Law Offices will represent Pershing County along with the Humboldt River Water Basin Authority and other counties. The contract, not to exceed $10,000, was authorized for signature by District Attorney Bryce Shields.
Years of Service Certificates and pins were presented to the following: Robert Abernathy and John Rogers (five years each), Juanita Montes (15 years).
A retirement ceremony was held for Judge Karen Stephens, who received a gold watch in recognition of 34.3 years of service to the Justice Court. Commissioner Larry Rackley was honored for eight years of service, and Commissioner Shayla Hudson was recognized for four years of service.
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