Storey County commissioners approve budgets, infrastructure projects during May meetings
The Storey County Board of Commissioners approved final budget items, infrastructure projects and several long-term planning initiatives during meetings held May 5 and May 19.
Among the top updates announced during the meetings, county officials confirmed the June 2 Board of County Commissioners meeting has been canceled.
Commissioners recognized Virginia City High School National Honor Society students Luke Branson and Derek McCoy for completing the long-awaited “L” overlooking the Lockwood hillside.
County officials also announced that fiber internet installation has begun in the Virginia City Highlands. Due to terrain and infrastructure needs, officials said the Highlands project timeline is expected to take longer than the Virginia City and Gold Hill buildout.
In staffing updates, Joe Starnes was appointed as Storey County’s new Community Development Director.
County Clerk Jim Hindle reminded residents that early voting for the June 9 Primary Election began May 23 and continues through June 5. For more election information, residents are encouraged to visit: www.storeycounty.org/208/Election-Information
During staff reports, Storey County Fire crews reported responding to a structure fire involving an unoccupied shop in Gold Hill on May 18. Officials said the fire was successfully contained to the building with assistance from the Carson City Fire Department and Lyon County agencies through interlocal cooperation.
Health and Community Services staff announced the “Healing with Nutrition” class series began May 15 and will continue weekly through June, with the Functional Foods class moved to June 17 due to the holiday schedule.
County staff also announced the Justice Center design team request for qualifications was published on May 18.
May 5 meeting actions
During the May 5 meeting, commissioners approved a letter acknowledging support for Valeo North America Inc.’s application to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for several state tax abatements related to planned operations in Storey County.
The board approved a grant of easement allowing NV Energy electrical service to connect to the new building at the Mark Twain Community Center property.
Commissioners also approved an agreement not to exceed $95,000 with GCW, Inc. for traffic engineering services in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center.
The board directed staff to draft updates to Storey County Code Title 15 regarding buildings and construction. Proposed updates include aligning building and zoning standards, revising permitting requirements, updating fire district requirements and refining RV and camping standards. Countywide workshops are expected to gather public input.
Commissioners approved Ordinance No. 26-339, which amends parks and swimming pool fees for county residents and non-residents.
The board also approved the county’s pre-final Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. Officials said expenditures increased approximately 2% and transfers increased approximately 10%, resulting in a projected ending fund balance of approximately $13.6 million.
The Capital Projects Fund includes approximately $18.5 million in projects, including Fire Station 71, the Sheriff’s Substation, fairgrounds improvements, and the Justice Center project.
Commissioners directed staff to prepare a successor lease agreement for the Divide Fitness property for a term not exceeding three years, with an optional renewal period of up to two additional years. Staff was also directed to obtain an appraisal establishing fair market rental value.
The board further directed staff to evaluate public and private electric utility infrastructure and develop recommendations related to long-term energy availability and sustainability in Storey County and northern Nevada.
Commissioners also directed staff and the county’s government affairs team to respond to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Freedom to Drive Initiative” letter and participate in regional transportation discussions.
The Storey County Fire Protection District approved updates to its Fiscal Year 2026-2031 capital and staffing plan and approved $800,000 in Wildland Division equipment purchases and $495,000 in EMS equipment purchases.
The Fire District also approved its pre-final Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, which projects an ending fund balance of approximately $4.8 million.
As the Highway Board, commissioners reviewed progress on the countywide 2026 road improvement package, including reconstruction of Mark Twain-area roadways such as Sam Clemens and Sutro Springs roads and drainage improvements on Prospector, Martin and Sam Clemens roads. The total estimated project cost is approximately $5 million.
Crews are also completing shoulder improvements on Cartwright Road in the Highlands and roads in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center while preparing for crack sealing season.
Commissioners approved an updated RS2477 road map documenting previously adopted routes on public lands. Officials emphasized the action did not create any new RS2477 designations, and it was limited to public land only.
The Water and Sewer Board approved its pre-final Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget with minor adjustments related to postage increases.
May 19 meeting actions
During the May 19 meeting, commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with the First Judicial District Court for the administration of Child Support Enforcement Program services intended to improve access and service speed for Storey County residents.
The board also approved the county’s final Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. Commissioners increased Community Project Grant funding allowances from $10,000 to $20,000 per community, adding a total of $40,000 to support local projects countywide.
Commissioners approved a $61,666 task order with DOWL for fairgrounds improvement project support services required under USDA Rural Development guidelines.
The board also approved and signed a letter supporting the Northeast Connector roadway project as a first-priority nomination to the U.S. Department of Transportation under the federal Freedom to Drive Initiative.
Commissioners approved a $173,553.78 change order for the Mark Twain Vehicle Storage Building project to reposition the structure in coordination with future mitigation plans, septic planning, and park improvements.
The Storey County Fire Protection District approved its final Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, which projects an ending fund balance of approximately $5.3 million.
The Water and Sewer Board also approved its final budget, including a $50,000 reduction in professional services expenditures.
