Emergency Preparedness, Infrastructure Projects Lead Storey County July 21 Commission Meeting

The Storey County Board of County Commissioners received updates on emergency preparedness, public safety, infrastructure projects and economic development during its July 21 meeting, while approving several development-related permits and directing staff to continue work on major county initiatives.

Emergency preparedness was a recurring theme throughout the meeting.

Residents who rely on durable medical equipment or have disabilities were encouraged to enroll in NV Energy's Green Cross Program, a free service designed to help prioritize assistance during power outages. Call 775-834-4444 to enroll today. Officials also reminded residents to sign up for Smart911 to receive emergency notifications, including evacuation alerts.

Emergency Management also announced plans to conduct an unannounced countywide earthquake exercise in October. Participants enrolled in emergency alert systems will receive an unexpected evacuation notification with additional instructions as part of the exercise.

County officials also warned residents about ongoing scams, reminding the public that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never request money, demand payment over the phone or internet, or ask individuals to transfer money between accounts.

Fire Chief Bob Ryser provided an update on the July 17 Gold Hill Fire, which burned 19.3 acres across Storey County and Bureau of Land Management property. Eleven mutual aid agencies responded to the fire, and a Type 1 helicopter supported suppression efforts using water from the county's Public Works pond.

Chief Ryser also announced the Fire Protection District's next firefighter academy will begin Sept. 21 with an expected class of five to six cadets.

Sheriff Mike Cullen reported that the Sheriff's Office is investigating a $200,000 embezzlement case at TRI-Center. Two suspects, including an alleged money launderer, have been taken into custody, and deputies recovered approximately $100,000.

Sheriff Cullen also shared that Storey County was recognized during the Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association conference for its regional collaboration with Reno, Sparks and California law enforcement agencies in identifying suspects and recovering stolen property connected to cargo and retail theft investigations.

Public Works Director Jason Wierzbicki reported that planning continues for the Six Mile Canyon reconstruction project, which is expected to begin next year. Crews are also cleaning and repairing roadside drainage ditches damaged by recent storms to prepare for future weather events.

Commissioners approved removing the B Street Red Dog rock wall project from the county's FEMA reimbursement request, allowing approximately $156,000 in federal reimbursement for the Taylor Street repair project to move forward immediately while enabling the county to complete urgent repairs to the deteriorating Red Dog wall before winter.

Updates also continue at the Lockwood Senior Community Center, where crews are reconfiguring the facility's backup generator so it can power the entire building during outages.

County administrators reported continued progress on several long-term projects. Planning is underway for the proposed Justice Center Complex, with a consultant selected to develop 3D renderings to help refine the facility's design. Survey work on the Train Depot park property is expected to be completed in the coming weeks before a Phase I environmental assessment begins.

Storey County Emergency Management Director Adam Wilson also announced the county received a grant from the Nevada Division of Emergency Management to conduct earthquake hazard assessments at 10 critical facilities throughout the county beginning in September. The assessments will evaluate potential seismic risks and identify mitigation opportunities for facilities including water and wastewater plants, fire stations, senior centers, the dispatch center, jail and Virginia City High School.

Officials also clarified the county's policy regarding cooling centers during power outages. Cooling centers are activated in accordance with FEMA guidance when the heat index reaches 105 degrees or after prolonged outages during periods of extreme heat. Recent outages have not met those thresholds.

Commissioners approved a resolution recognizing Philip and Diane Greaves for their longtime dedication to the C Street Veteran Banners program in Virginia City.

The board also directed staff to pursue letters of support from neighboring jurisdictions for proposed ZIP code boundary changes that would place the River District within TRI-Center's 89437 ZIP code while consolidating the Virginia City Highlands and Mark Twain areas into the Virginia City and Gold Hill 89440 ZIP code.

Commissioners approved transferring the county's 2026 Private Activity Bond Volume Cap to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority to support affordable housing programs, including first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance, with no fiscal impact to the county.

The board approved multiple special use permits, including applications allowing additional height for an existing communications tower in TRI-Center, taller transmission towers south of TRI-Center and two natural gas-fueled electrical generating facilities on USA Parkway and Peru Drive. Commissioners continued discussion of a proposed special use permit for three 345-kV transmission corridors outside the county's adopted utility corridor until the Aug. 4 meeting.

Commissioners also directed staff to continue educating legislative and regional leaders about commercial and industrial development, including data centers, advanced manufacturing and energy management. The board acknowledged Colovore Reno 1 LLC's application to the Governor's Office of Economic Development for data center tax abatements and instructed staff and the county's legislative lobbyists to continue advocating for the county's positions on legislation involving local land use authority, tax abatements and regional water regulations.

The board also authorized staff to begin due diligence, design and engineering for a consolidated mailbox and package facility near the entrance to the Virginia City Highlands while continuing community outreach regarding a possible second postal facility near Lousetown Road and State Route 341.

Commissioners completed County Manager Austin Osborne's annual performance evaluation and rated his performance above satisfactory.

The Fire Protection District also received approval to hire one additional firefighter/advanced emergency medical technician or firefighter/paramedic ahead of the Fall 2026 Fire Academy to prepare for anticipated promotions and retirements.