Storey County commissioners advance Justice Center, approve community projects and address data center legislation
The Storey County Board of Commissioners advanced several major county initiatives during its Oct. 6 and Oct. 20 meetings, including approving a $7.25 million design contract for the proposed Justice Center, awarding community project funding, and they continued discussions on proposed state legislation affecting data centers.
Commissioners also received updates on road improvements, public safety operations, infrastructure projects and preparations for winter weather.
Commissioners also approved moving the Dec. 1 Board of County Commissioners meeting to Storey County Justice Court, 800 S. C St., Virginia City.
Justice Center project moves into design phase
At its Oct. 6 meeting, the board approved a contract with Hoefer AE Services for architectural and engineering design services and project administration for the Storey County Justice Center.
The contract, effective Oct. 6, is not to exceed $7,251,000 and has an anticipated duration of 36 months.
The proposed facility would replace the county's aging jail and Sheriff's Office facilities while bringing together law enforcement, court and related public safety functions in Virginia City.
The project is currently in the discovery and design phase, with county staff working alongside the architectural team to evaluate facility needs and operational requirements.
The county is also preparing updates to its Capital Improvement Plan as the project moves forward.
Commissioners continue work on data center tax abatement legislation
During the Oct. 20 meeting, commissioners discussed Storey County's proposed legislation for the 2027 Nevada legislative session, which seeks to change how data centers qualify for tax abatements and how long those abatements remain in effect.
Commissioner Clay Mitchell will further evaluate how the county's proposal compares with proposals related to Gov. Joe Lombardo's executive order on data centers.
The review will consider potential impacts on county revenue, local school funding and smaller communities affected by industrial development.
While the board continues gathering information before making additional decisions, commissioners voted to continue advocating for local involvement, early notification of proposed developments and preservation of local land use and planning authority.
Mitchell will also host a public town hall on data centers and industrial development from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Piper's Opera House, 12 N. B St., Virginia City.
Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions and learn more about the issues facing Storey County.
Community improvement projects receive funding
Commissioners approved funding for two community improvement projects during the Oct. 20 meeting.
The Virginia City Highlands' "Connecting & Protecting Our Community" project received approval for up to $20,000 in improvements and equipment.
The project includes heating and cooling systems and a ceiling fan for the county-owned Virginia City Highlands Community Center, along with exterior lighting, trash receptacles, storage and kitchen equipment.
Funding will also support the purchase of a trailer for the Storey County Fire Protection District's "You Call, We Haul" wildfire mitigation program.
In Lockwood, commissioners approved up to $20,000 to install a gazebo at Louise Peri Park.
The board did not approve funding for VC Landsculpted, a proposed project in the Virginia City and Gold Hill area. Commissioners determined that portions of the proposal, including improvements on private property and a future phase involving the independently operated Storey County School District, fell outside the scope of the county's Community Project Funding Program.
Road improvements and winter preparations continue
Public Works reported continued progress on the Mark Twain Road Rehabilitation Project, with final paving scheduled for October and project completion anticipated around Nevada Day.
Crews have also been preparing drainage systems throughout the county for winter storms.
Work includes clearing drainage areas along Prospector Road, Sam Clemens Avenue and Sutro Springs Road, as well as improvements in Six Mile Canyon.
In Lockwood, crews removed approximately 500 cubic yards of sediment and debris from Long Valley Creek to restore drainage capacity following previous storm activity.
County crews are also preparing snow removal and other winter equipment for the upcoming season.
Additional infrastructure projects remain underway, including the Mark Twain Vehicle Storage Building, design work for repairs to the B Street retaining wall and the Gold Hill Sewer Collection System.
The Gold Hill sewer project continues through permitting and historic preservation reviews. The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection approved a water pollution control permit Oct. 19.
The project is tentatively scheduled to go out to bid this winter, with construction anticipated to begin in spring 2027.
Public safety agencies report progress
The Storey County Sheriff's Office reported progress from a coordinated traffic enforcement operation involving regional law enforcement agencies in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center.
Deputies reported a decrease in reckless and aggressive driving in the industrial area as enforcement efforts continued.
The Sheriff's Office also conducted an active assailant training exercise with a local business. Other TRI-Center businesses interested in similar training are encouraged to contact the department.
Investigators also reported identifying a suspect in the Oct. 11 fatal hit-and-run crash on Electric Avenue, with an arrest warrant issued by Oct. 14.
The Storey County Fire Protection District introduced Shawn Watkins as its new assistant fire chief. Watkins brings 33 years of fire service experience and more than 25 years of experience as a general contractor. The assistant chief position had been vacant for more than a year.
The district also reported progress on several facility projects, including design work for Fire Station 71, planning for Fire Station 72 and preparations for construction at Fire Station 75.
Commissioners approved an additional Fire Inspector II position to help the district meet increasing demands associated with existing and future development.
Virginia City Highlands utility upgrades underway
NV Energy is undertaking infrastructure improvements in the Virginia City Highlands through its Natural Disaster Protection Program.
Wilson Utility Construction Co., working on behalf of NV Energy, is replacing approximately 180 existing wooden utility poles with steel poles and upgrading primary electrical conductors.
The project is intended to improve infrastructure resilience and reduce wildfire-related risks.
Work is expected to continue through January 2027, weather permitting.
Additional county actions
During the two October meetings, commissioners approved several other items affecting county operations and regional planning.
The board approved advancing RTC Washoe’s Northeast Connector Project, a road potentially running from USA Parkway to an area north of Sparks, into the National Environmental Policy Act review process for further evaluation.
Commissioners also approved changes to county business licensing, liquor licensing and special event regulations. The revisions clarify application requirements and enforcement procedures and allow short-term vacation rental owners or operators to establish a minimum renter age of 25, subject to certain requirements.
The board approved a financial report for the TRI Public-Private Partnership that included an $11.7 million payment to Tahoe Reno Industrial Center LLC toward the county's infrastructure liability.
Commissioners also approved a three-year on-call as-needed contract with the Investigative Offices of Gladding & Michael-Reno, with annual spending capped at $75,000, and a $200,000 contract with Sam Shad Productions for a Nevada Newsmakers outreach program in 2027.
At the Oct. 20 meeting, the board authorized Storey County's participation in the Albertsons opioid settlement, which is expected to provide approximately $13,502.
The board also approved rezoning county-owned property adjacent to Fire Station 72 in the Virginia City Highlands from Estates to Public to provide greater flexibility for future public service uses.
Community programs and upcoming meetings
Storey County is accepting applications for its Nonprofit Program Support funding. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Dec. 21 and are available at storeycounty.org/729/Nonprofit-Program-Support.
County staff also continue working on the Strategic Plan, trail planning initiatives and potential flood mitigation projects in the Mark Twain area.
Residents can review meeting agendas, supporting documents and additional information through the county's official website at storeycounty.org.
