Storey County commissioners approve second school resource officer, transmission corridors
Storey County commissioners approved an agreement adding a second School Resource Officer to the county school district, accepted a $10.9 million bid for construction of TRI-Center Fire Station 75 and directed staff to develop policies for the county's license plate reader cameras during their Aug. 4 meeting.
The contract with BLC Builders is not to exceed $10,943,588. The additional School Resource Officer will provide law enforcement services and support at county schools.
The board held a public workshop on Flock license plate reader cameras before directing county staff and the Sheriff's Office to develop potential policies, codes or ordinances governing their use and management. Staff will return a draft to the board for possible consideration.
Commissioners also approved Special Use Permit 2026-029 by a 2-1 vote, allowing construction of three transmission corridors by NV Energy within Storey County: Mira Loma, Comstock Meadows No. 1 and Comstock Meadows No. 2.
The permit includes conditions requiring the applicant to secure easements, rights or permission from affected property owners, comply with environmental restrictions and allow third-party compliance supervision. The approval also addresses rights of entry on private roads, including homeowners association roads.
Infrastructure and public works
The County Manager reported that the I-80 Patrick Interchange project is about halfway complete, with about five weeks of work remaining before the interchange is expected to reopen.
The 2026 Mark Twain Road Rehabilitation Project is nearing construction, with work scheduled to begin in mid-August. Public Works is also working with DOWL to plan drainage improvements for the Six Mile Canyon project, which is scheduled for next year.
Public Works crews recently completed drainage improvements on Canal Road near Painted Rock to help address stormwater issues. The department also partnered with Lyon County to replace fire hydrants along State Route 342 in Silver City.
The county is working with Tesla on a proposed pedestrian crosswalk in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center between 385 and 550 Milan Drive. Staff also met with DOWL to advance the water treatment plant recirculation tank project.
Project Management reported that footings have been poured for the Mark Twain Vehicle Storage Building, with under-slab utilities currently being completed. A proposal has also been received from design engineers for repairs to the B Street rockery wall.
Design work is underway for the Station 71 remodel and expansion, as well as tenant improvements for the TRI-Center Sheriff's Office substation. The substation project remains on track for completion next summer.
The county received nine submissions from architecture and engineering firms nationwide for the Storey County Justice Center. A five-member selection committee has narrowed the submissions to the most qualified architecture and engineering team and is working to finalize a proposal. Staff anticipates bringing a recommendation to the board in September.
Virginia City Highlands speed bumps will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with Board of Commissioners approval and input from Public Works.
Public safety
Storey County Fire Protection District reported on a recent structure fire in the Virginia City Highlands that involved challenging terrain. Firefighters rescued two people from the burning structure before transitioning to fire suppression operations.
Both residents were reported safe and working through recovery efforts. The response included the Storey County Sheriff's Office and mutual aid agencies from Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Central Lyon Fire Protection District, the City of Reno Fire Department and Carson City Fire Department.
The Sheriff's Office reported that total incidents and calls for service decreased in July compared with June, while deputy-initiated activity and traffic stops increased. Cases, arrests and citations also decreased from the previous month.
Four significant cases in July involved a stolen vehicle, burglary, a concealed firearm and copper theft, resulting in arrests.
The County Manager also reported continued discussions with the Nevada Highway Patrol regarding a possible interlocal agreement that could increase patrol presence on Interstate 80 between Vista and USA Parkway.
Economic development and policy
Commissioners directed county staff and lobbyists to draft a legislative bill that would change eligibility requirements and shorten the duration of certain tax abatements while adding accountability measures and expanding some opportunities for tax abatement incentives for businesses coming to Nevada.
The board will consider a draft of the proposed legislation before the September deadline for submitting legislative bills.
Commissioners also approved a structure and guidelines for county-led public town halls and education sessions addressing commercial, industrial and data center uses.
The board heard a presentation from Eric Brooks regarding the Dust and Wonder Trail Railroad Spikes Trail project and directed county staff to coordinate with project proponents on a future implementation plan.
County operations
The Information Technology Department reported that the county purchased its own data storage system, reducing projected costs from approximately $2 million to about $380,000.
The board approved Resolution No. 26-833 establishing salaries for appointed officials, non-represented employees and elected officials in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes and local policy.
The Clerk & Treasurer's Office reminded residents that property tax bills are due Aug. 17. Residents who have not received a bill can look up their property tax information through the county website or contact the Clerk's Office for assistance.
Preparations for the November general election are continuing, including maintenance of voter lists related to undeliverable mail.
Upcoming events
The Art Walk on the Comstock is scheduled for Aug. 15-16. C Street will be closed between Taylor Street and Flowery Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, with access to the Post Office maintained.
Labor Day Weekend events are scheduled for Sept. 5-7, with the parade scheduled for noon Sept. 7. The Camel Races are scheduled for Sept. 11-13.
At Piper's Opera House, the contractor has completed rehabilitation of the first round of historic doors and will continue the restoration process through the summer.
