The Eureka County Board of Commissioners convened for a regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18, addressing rural emergency response, proposed state water legislation, local healthcare services and critical law enforcement staffing shortages.

Chairman Rich McKay and Commissioner Marty Plaskett attended in person in the Commission Chamber in Eureka, while Commissioner Mike Schoenwald joined via telelink from the Crescent Valley Town Center.

Gratitude for emergency response after devastating barn fire

During opening public comment, County Comptroller Kim Todd delivered an emotional statement on behalf of the Todd family to express gratitude to local emergency responders and neighbors following a destructive fire at the Todd Farm on Sunday morning, Aug. 16.

Todd recounted how a lightning strike reportedly ignited a hay barn, destroying approximately 400 tons of stored hay. She extended special thanks to Clara Bundy, Undersheriff Hicks, Deputy Nicholas Harris, Public Works Director Jeb Rowley, the Eureka and Diamond Valley fire departments, the county road crew, Etcheverry Farms, MedEx and Eureka County EMS for their rapid response.

“We are very fortunate to live in a community where neighbors step up to help one another in times of need,” Todd said, noting that without their swift action, the family would have lost significantly more than equipment, hay and barn siding. “All the individuals had better things to do on their Sunday morning, but they chose to sacrifice their time to help a neighbor in need.”

Proposed legislative water reform and decision on Mount Hope mine appeal

Natural Resource Manager Jake Tibbitts presented proposed language for Eureka County’s allocated Bill Draft Request (BDR) for the upcoming 2027 Nevada Legislature. The proposal seeks to amend NRS 533.027 to allow counties to use up to 2 acre-feet of water annually for remote road maintenance as a de minimis use that would not require formal water rights.

Tibbitts explained that acquiring municipal water rights and installing infrastructure for sparse, periodic road work in remote areas is cost-prohibitive. The commission approved submitting the BDR, scheduling a formal public hearing for 10 a.m. on Sept. 1.

The commissioners also evaluated whether to file a formal appeal with the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) regarding the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) State Director’s approval of the Record of Decision for the Mount Hope molybdenum mine project. Both Tibbitts and District Attorney Ted Beutel advised against an appeal, noting that principals at New Moly LLC had not responded to outreach and that the administrative process would be lengthy and cumbersome.

“To be blunt about it, I wouldn’t do it, because there’s no indication that these changes aren’t going to come to roost in any event,” Beutel said, describing the IBLA process as an arcane administrative procedure. The commission unanimously agreed not to pursue an appeal.

Healthcare contract renewals and debates over local dental facility upgrades

The commission met with William Bee Ririe CEO Matt Walker and COO Beth Humphries to review medical clinic operations in Eureka and Crescent Valley. Humphries reported that while medical provider Tamisha Pena is departing at the end of October, backup coverage will be provided from Ely to maintain full 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekday operations. The board approved renewing the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 contract with William Bee Ririe, which includes an 8% increase to $457,000.

In contrast, a proposal by Dr. Morris Gallagher, DDS, to renew and expand the county dental contract sparked debate. Gallagher requested an increase in the annual county subsidy from $120,000 to $300,000, citing rising operational costs and significant demand for care. He also requested building modifications, including floor-to-ceiling privacy walls, x-ray shielding and a third operatory to meet HIPAA, OSHA and state standards necessary to attract long-term dental graduates.

Public Works Director Jeb Rowley cautioned against rushing into structural building modifications, explaining that altered HVAC intakes, building code triggers and facility assessments costing $30,000 to $40,000 would displace other ongoing capital projects. Commissioners Schoenwald and Plaskett voiced concerns over the sharp cost increase and noted that northern residents in Crescent Valley receive little direct benefit from the Eureka facility. The commission voted to table the dental contract to allow for further evaluation during future budget planning.

Additionally, the commission approved renewing the county’s home health contract with Genesis Home Health at the standing rate of $45,000.

Sheriff reports achievements alongside critical staffing and housing shortages

Eureka County Sheriff Miles Umina presented departmental updates, highlighting that Deputy Nicholas Harris earned his POST Advanced Certificate in just over four years of service—an achievement that typically takes up to 15 years. Umina also acknowledged a donation from Reno resident Leonard Kyle, who provided 18 LifeVac anti-choking devices for patrol vehicles.

Umina warned that the department is reaching “critical mass” regarding personnel shortages. The agency is currently seeking to fill seven positions, including a sergeant, three patrol deputies, two detention officers and an officer in Crescent Valley. Umina stated that the primary barrier to recruitment is a severe lack of local housing and available RV pads for incoming officers.

“We’re getting by. We’re doing what we need to,” Umina told the board, requesting an aggressive outreach campaign while exploring potential short-term housing infrastructure solutions, such as county-provided RV pads equipped with utilities.

Public works projects, natural resource developments and formal board approvals

In other county business, Public Works Director Jeb Rowley reported on extensive electrical and HVAC repairs across county facilities, utility hookup supervision at the Eureka Canyon subdivision and ongoing water conservation planning. He noted that the Eureka public pool will remain offline while necessary repairs continue.

In natural resource updates, Tibbitts reported that the BLM issued its Record of Decision for the South Railroad Project without a draft environmental impact statement or public comment period, drawing frustration from local stakeholders. He also announced that contractors will soon begin pinyon-juniper and wildlife restoration work across 2,500 acres on Roberts Mountain.

The Eureka County Commissioners formally approved several administrative and financial measures. The board approved expenditures totaling $1,855,279.69, which included $148,022.81 in state pass-through funds. Commissioners authorized immediate recruitment and job postings for vacant Public Works Administrative Assistant I and Mechanic positions. In capital purchases, the board approved acquiring three Life Pak 35 defibrillator units for EMS at a cost of $162,453.90. They also accepted architectural assessment proposals from Paul Cavin Architect LLC for the Eureka Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $29,800 and the Public Works Annex for $39,300. Finally, the commission directed Natural Resource Manager Jake Tibbitts to collaborate with the Natural Resource Advisory Commission to draft a formal response regarding the Greenlink North Transmission Line Project.