Philosopher Camus wrote “Always go too far, because that’s where you will find the truth.”
County Commission and Fire Commission Meeting, May 11, 2016
Public Comment-
Terry McIntosh “I am representing the Trail Blazers, we are in the process of making by-laws and tax exempt status. Our club has a interest in this new ordnance 461, we would like to voice our concerns about going out of state statue. Our concern is that this will build a fence around White Pine County. We are in the process of contacting surrounding counties and no county with the exception of Lincoln county,is pursuing an ordinance such as this. We are requesting a delay or slowing down of this process.”
Burton Hilton “There is now a property tax rebate program available to seniors with low income. Contact the senior center or assessors office for applications and information.”
Fire Commission –
Monthly report
Structure Fire – 0, Vehicle Fire – 1, Medical Aid – 45, Motor Vehicle Crash – 8, Wildland Fire – 0, Agency Assist – 21, City response to county – 2, County response to City – 0.
Coster “Will there be a time when we know the status of the fire study is going or time frame for that?”
Waters “We are collecting information now and consultants will be here the end of May.”
( This report from the consultants should be interesting. I hope it was worth the price.)
The Special Joint County &Fire Commission minutes for 3-28-16, 3-29-16, 3-30-16 and 4-6-16 have been and accessible to the community.
Approval was given for the county maintenance to provide 200 hours of labor in construction of the Recycling Facility at the Ely Landfill.
Increase the RTC 2017 Budget for the City of Ely’s portion of Capital Improvements in the amount that was not spent for the 2016 Murry Street Project.
Project 2015-16 funds $380,000.00
Un-budgeted 2014-15 $ 59,966.67
Rollover 2014-15 $ 93,858.54
Total
$533,825.21
Coster motioned
Passed
Burton Hilton gave the commission a list of County owned property. There are parcels that people want to purchase, the value of these need to be determined. Some of the properties are small, such as ally ways in McGill and closed landfills. McKenze pointed out the list is not complete. Perea asked for a subcommittee to find value.
There are at least two properties that people want to purchase now. Perea wants to take the money from the sale of these properties to hire a county manager, Carson wants to hire Natural Resource person and Howe would like to put the money in the general fund until we get this budget in line. Perea told Howe that we can’t count on this money, it is a one time deal, that’s why I want the county manager. Mike Wheable stated that there are properties on the list that are costing us money.(Any property not on the tax roll is costing us money. Howe is right, why does Perea not understand the budget is over $600,000 in the red. No new hires or projects should be considered until the budget is under control.)
Coster asked if Hilton could keep the commission informed when someone is interested in a county owned property. Hilton stated he needed to check on legalities and procedures as to selling the property without a auction.
Ballot question AB191 Wording – Fuel Tax will be set at 5.25%, which is 3 cents a gal at present gas prices. This will be in effect for 10 years, and there is still a lot of questions as to who gets what. The state will get the most to use on state roads. Wheable “I still don’t like this whole thing.” The commission will have choose to change the percentage from 0 to 7 1/2 with an ordnance.
Coster was concerned about the commission stating any plans for the money, because it would be nonbonding and could be changed at any time. If we came up with a ordnance or resolution it would be miss leading. Bill Miller agreed.
The wording of the ballot item should state that the commission can lower or raise the percentage and change the use of the money at any time.
Wheable – The only thing the commission is terminate the tax. It will be a 10 year fix. Recommend no action by commission on this.
Ballot question for the increases of 1/4 cent in sales tax has the same problems as the full tax. It does not matter what the commissioners say it will be used for it can change at any time.
Mike Wheable Resolution regarding White Pine County Commission’s commitment to pursue a combined Jail-Courthouse extension.
This is to approach Nevada Legislature to acquire balance funding.
The purpose of this is to acquire money from the state, because the state prison does use the court house. The Court is old and not secure enough for these prisoners.
If you vote for these taxes, you don’t know where the money will be spent. Well, how much do you trust our commission with money and the use of it?
May Calendar:
23 – Learning Bridge Kindergarten Graduation Elks Lodge 6:30 p.m.
24 – White Pine High School Graduation Ceremonies High School Football Field
25 – Learning Bridge 8th Grade Graduation Charter School 6:00 p.m.
25 – WPMS 8th Grade Promotion Broadbent Park 5:00 p.m.
28 – Renaissance Village opens 10-4 p.m.
Geri Wop