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White Pine County Board of Commission Meeting
9-23-15
Public comment
Sheriff Dan Watts read a letter from Sparks NV. The letter thanked White Pine Sheriff Dept. for help in the apprehension of a murder suspect. The suspect was living in Ely. The Sheriffs keep tract of him until all paper work was completed to send him back.
Sheriff Dan Watts reported on a fence problem in Cherry Creek. Investigation is complete and a letter is being sent to the owner of the fence to have it removed.
Richard Howe spoke about the Bald Mt. Expansion and of the glowing report received by our Senior Center.
Judy Nelson read a letter from the aquatic exercise class in reference to the class teacher leaving. It was felt he was a good teacher.
Carol McKenizie commented on the good work of the county fire department.
Item 5. Augmentation to McGill Town $11,900.00 for down payment on fire truck.
Richard Howe was concern about excess equipment if the county and city combined.
Brett Watters replied – each town is obligated to protect their community, outdated equipment does need to be replaced.
A. Commission – change dates of meetings for the months of November and December. New dates are 11-18-2015 and 12-16-2015.
Special meeting/s can be called if needed.
Ruth Test Well
Bid came in very high, $208,000.00. Grant is for $108,000. This project has been held up the Historic preservation group. The total cost of the new well to homes is estimated at 1.4 million.
Aquatic center report
Staff was 52, 20 have resigned and 2 let go. With a smaller staff the pool can not be open on Sunday.
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Around the County
Suggestion made by Richard Howe is to close at 6:00 (closing time now is 8:00) on week days.
Airport
Steve Stork asked for a $6,800. augmentation to clean up the FAA building to get ready for the BLM lease. Rent will recover this amount.
Approved.
White Pine County Tourism and Recreation Board
9-24-2015
Action on sending the .05 room tax to the city and county.
Public Comment
Mike Coster apologize for words said in previous meeting.
Judy O’Brian gave a comparison of golf fees charged in White Pine and other counties. Fees could go up $6.00 and not be out of line with others.
Bruce Setterstrom asked about having the tax sun set in two years. Yes this could be done.
Other comments – “Tour & Rec has a budget of $970,000. Have the golf course as part of this budget.” “The golf corse makes a first class community. ” “The board does not want to decide, passing the buck to the city and county.”
Comments made by Mike Coster he wondered if any Hotel or Motel could opt out. No!
We need to shine up the golf corse. The room tax will be 13.5 within a year. This will make us second highest.
The vote was 4 to 1 approving. Mike Coster was the only nay.
Opinion
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Philosopher Camus wrote “Always go too far, because that’s where you will find the truth.
The Library Board of Trustees is one of the most friendly meeting I have ever attended. The ladies really enjoy their jobs.
I did feel sorry for Diane, who wanted the meeting to last longer.
Commission meeting
I found the commission mostly well mannered. Some texting did go on. I inquired about the texting and afraid I came unglued. The rumor and speculation in these texts about a program being spoken about in the meeting were unwarned and unfactual.
It was great to hear the Sheriff Department getting recognition from another Department. Thank you.
I understand Richard’s concern about excess equipment. Each of these towns are the first responders for their area and need equipment even if the two departments combine (which I do not feel is in the best interest of the county).
Special meeting of the Tourism and Recreation
Decision to approve sending the half percent room tax on to the city and county for their approval.
In my opinion this tax is not needed nor will it make the golf corse attendance improve. This will only discourage visitors from staying longer. When the Tour and Rec. Board ask for the 2% increase in the near future, the room tax will be 13.5%. This will make White Pine second highest in room tax in the state.
My thinking is the Tour and Rec Board is to bring tourists here not discourage them.
The golf course is county and city owned. The county does maintenance of the greens and the city provides the water. The golf rates were raised by 10% ($26.00), the fee should $30.00 or more to be in line with other courses.
The golf course is contracted out to Randy Lone. When the state took over, Randy was given a one year contract and the budge money of about $300,000.00 was put into a franchise fund. Randy was then given a contracted for 5 years, which is up in two months. The $300,000 is almost gone.
The local golfers have dropped off and two tournaments were rained out. Revenues are down, what can we do about this? My idea – local people go give it a try, Randy is an excellent teacher. A golf course is very quite, serene place to go. Call Randy for your next party, event or happening. This would be a good location for the next presidential debate. We need road side signage, it is a must to let the traveler know what we have.
I know the course is in a bind now, the tax will take time and will only discourage people staying in White Pine.
Many of the local hotels and motels were represented. None liked the tax and spoke very well against it. Maybe they need to look in to who is representing them. I feel if someone is representing me, my feelings should be voiced by my representative, is there something wrong with my thinking?
The board members have put out a lot of effort in their volunteer jobs on the board, but seem unwilling to look at any alternatives to tax. I have no problem with their hearts or love for the community.