Eureka County Commission reviews solar storage proposal, hears property dispute

During its Oct. 20 meeting, the Eureka County Commission reviewed a utility-scale solar and battery storage proposal for Diamond Valley, heard a resident’s complaint regarding retaining wall damage and received updates on administrative operations.

Chairman Rich McKay and Vice Chair Marty Plaskett conducted the meeting from the courthouse commission chambers, while Commissioner Mike Schoenwald was absent.

Balanced Rock Power Senior Development Manager Katarina Bagri and Development Director Sam Mate presented the proposed Eureka Solar and Storage project planned for Diamond Valley. The facility would pair a 300-megawatt solar photovoltaic array with a 300-megawatt battery energy storage system across approximately 1,500 acres of private land northwest of Eureka. Developers highlighted the site’s proximity to an existing NV Energy transmission line and projected 350 temporary construction jobs and $97 million in local tax revenues over a 40-year lifespan. Construction remains contingent on securing a power purchase agreement with NV Energy in 2027 and obtaining state regulatory approvals.

Natural Resource Board member Chad Bliss raised concerns regarding weed and rodent infestations on retired agricultural acreage, emphasizing that unmanaged pests could spread to neighboring farms. Company representatives pledged close cooperation with county departments on pest mitigation, and Mate noted, “Rats are bad for cables” and “interests are shared on proactive management on that front.” 

Regarding battery safety and disposal, Bagri assured the board that modern storage units do not leave lasting contamination or toxic waste and explained that comprehensive decommissioning plans require the complete removal of equipment at the end of the facility’s operating life.

During public comment on the project, Diamond Valley resident Elden Allred urged commissioners to consider protective zoning setbacks similar to rules adopted in Nye County, stating that “One mile may not be necessarily the requirement to give us some consideration to those of us that live in the vicinity.”

During public comment, resident David Clark reported damage to his residential retaining wall following county drainage construction. Clark said excavation crews removed foundational soil supporting the wall’s footing and fastened drainage pipes directly to the gutter drain.

Citing an assessment from Loomis Engineering that documented pre-existing settlement cracks alongside newly marked structural fissures, Clark questioned the county’s handling of the project and called for an investigation into the use of public funds for the structure.

Clark said he was never consulted prior to the work, expressing concern over potential liability and property disclosure issues if he chooses to sell the home, adding that “it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission, but in this case I’m not forgiving.”

When Plaskett asked if he had a preferred remedy in mind, Clark stated he had not settled on a solution and planned to consult an attorney while hiring an independent engineering firm to assess the damage. McKay stated that the absence of the district attorney prevented commissioners from taking immediate action, noting that county leadership would confer with legal counsel before responding further.

County Assessor and Webmaster Michael Mears brought forward an administrative proposal regarding commission meeting recordings. Mears explained that community members frequently request the ability to download meeting audio. However, he cautioned that the county’s 50-gigabyte website storage capacity could be strained by large meeting files. Under the policy approved by commissioners, audio recordings will be posted to the commission minutes webpage for a rolling two-week window between meetings before being removed. Permanent archives will remain available on flash drives through the recorder’s office for a $7 fee, with Mears noting that the file size is too large to email.

Senior Centers Director Linda Gordon reported that county dining facilities served 661 meals in Eureka and 605 in Crescent Valley while depositing $2,523 in revenue. Gordon noted that senior housing complexes are operating at full capacity, drawing new residents from Fernley and Fallon, which prompted Plaskett to joke that while the food is good, he did not expect people to move to Eureka just to eat.

Victoria Sepcic, epidemiology program manager for the Central Nevada Health District, briefed the board on a $273,950.89 Rural Health Transformation grant awarded to enhance resource liaison training and Medicaid billing. Sepcic reported elevated respiratory illness rates statewide and recommended local vaccinations. She also noted the district recorded two adult lead poisoning cases in September.

Vitality Unlimited Outreach Coordinator Marianne McKown updated commissioners on the organization’s mobile clinic van, which delivers behavioral health and addiction treatment across Eureka and Crescent Valley twice monthly. McKown reported an increase in local teenagers seeking treatment for opioid issues and noted that therapists can treat patients as young as 8 years old with parental consent. Emergency Medical Services Coordinator Nichole Cooley commended the program, noting that county responders actively promote the mobile clinic.

Sam Brown, community engagement and development specialist for Nevada Gold Mines, highlighted the company’s statewide contributions, which exceeded $3 billion in 2025 through $1.3 billion in payroll, $1.2 billion in vendor procurement and more than $500 million in taxes. Brown pointed to ongoing community investments, including a renewed $10,000 educational grant to the Eureka County School District and small-business financing through the regional I-80 Fund, which has disbursed over $14 million to 126 enterprises across Northern Nevada.

Sharing Crescent Valley Town Advisory Board business with the Commissioners, Crescent Valley Town Advisory Board Chair Diana Kersey reported on plans for the community Christmas dinner on Dec. 12, discussed park beautification efforts with public works and requested commission assistance in clarifying state sign brightness standards with transportation officials. Kersey noted the board is monitoring Nevada Gold Mines’ proposed workforce camp at Dean Ranch, with Brown confirming an update will be delivered to the advisory board in November. Crescent Valley Medical Services Advisory Committee Chair Kim Sewell reported smooth clinic operations and praised Vitality Unlimited for expanding on-site visits to full-day appointments.

Television District Board Chair Randy Klatt reported that technicians reinforced the mountaintop ice shield, replaced two lightning-damaged cameras and leased equipment rack space to McEwen Mining for $250 monthly. Klatt also previewed upcoming ATSC 3.0 broadcast advancements that will enable residents to view broadcasts in mobile equipment and vehicles.

Human Resources Director Stacy Collette reported progress on county compensation studies and job description reviews, noting that three active personnel investigations are underway.

In public safety reports, Cooley stated that ambulance crews handled 36 runs in September, generating $18,740.28 while noting an increase in local mental health calls. Cooley said emergency medical personnel have initiated discussions with the sheriff’s office to explore establishing a joint mental health crisis intervention team.

Sheriff Miles Umina reported that his agency is nearing completion of updating operational policy, with eight policies remaining for final review. Following national alerts regarding suspicious mailings sent to public offices, Umina stated deputies implemented federal handling protocols and distributed Narcan packs to all county departments and across all fire and emergency apparatus. Umina added that updating wage scales on NeoGov has helped streamline deputy recruitment.

Public Works Director Jeb Rowley reported that utility crews are transitioning municipal customers to winter water billing rates and completing winterization on county facilities and parks. Presenting the Local Emergency Planning Committee quarterly review, Rowley stressed the need for community self-reliance during regional emergencies, cautioning that local authorities were advised to act as if state mobilization cannot be assumed during major events and must plan locally for potential fuel disruptions and extended power outages.

Natural Resources Manager Jake Tibbitts updated the board on public land issues, reporting that the county weed abatement program completed extensive spraying on federal rangeland without receiving reimbursement from the Bureau of Land Management’s Battle Mountain office. Tibbitts also noted that the Humboldt River Basin Water Authority is challenging private vested water claims in Paradise Valley while pursuing funds to retire groundwater rights in the Humboldt region through voluntary acquisitions.

Commissioners approved expenditures totaling $3,119,359.12, including $2,294,324.05 in statutory state pass-throughs for school taxes, room taxes and crime lab services. The board also authorized a legislative lobbying agreement with Arc Dome Strategies for the 2027 session, approved a three-year cybersecurity subscription with Quest for $80,775.03, finalized telecommunications contracts with FirstDigital Communications, ratified facility HVAC upgrades with Snyder Mechanical and Quantum Electric totaling $37,543.40, renewed clinic residential leases with William Bee Ririe Hospital and approved employee health insurance renewals carrying a 15.95 percent premium increase.