Philosopher Camus wrote “Always go too far, because that’s where you will find the truth.”
While Pine County Commission Meeting June 22, 2016
Agenda item 7 d was to reduce the hours from eight hours to seven hours which would mean 35 hours a week for two custodial positions, two positions in the EDC office, One full-time person in the maintenance department to become halftime, Library assistant from 25 hours per week to 20 and/or the children’s librarian from 25 hours per week to 20 hours or Administrative assistant for the University of Nevada Cooperative extension.
This had been approved as part of the final budget. Richard Howe and Mike Coster agreed that this should be voted on as is. Gary Perea said that the EDC office need to be removed from this and not be cut. Gary felt that cutting hours of the EDC would hinder joining NNRDC. Mike Wheable (DA) stated that the reduction in hours would not hurt the possibilities of joining the NNRDC. (Nevada Regional Development Authority is several counties combining efforts to bring businesses to rural counties. The cost of joining this group will be $11,290.80.)
Mike Coster made a motion to approve this item. It was second by Richard Howe, the vote was taken and did not pass. Carol McKenzie, Gary Perea and Lori Carson voted no. Lori Carson made the motion to do all cuts except the EDC office, Carol McKenzie made the second and the vote passed with Richard Howe and Mike Coster voting no.
(This should have been passed with all cuts. The EDC office has two employees with no department head. Most of the work done in the office is not EDC work, but work for the County commissioners. There is no reason this office should not be cut as the other offices were cut. The cuts are starting at the wrong end. Commissioners and Department Heads will be a better starting point for cutting, then work downward until the burden of the finical shortage is covered.)
( The EDC has been discussed many times, most people I have talked with think it should be closed. There has not been much coming from the EDC. The two employees do a fantastic job for the county commissioners, but are not qualified to head this office. With the possible assistance from NNRDC this could become an asset in the future. In the interest of the county financial condition this office and others need to be cut.)
As of June 14 the Public Health Nurse is retired. Karen will be greatly missed. The Health Nurse is a State employee, but office and staff are paid by the county. It make take some time for the state to recruit and hire someone. (what happens with the staff? Can the county afford to keep the staff and office?)
On the financial front we have an unrealized loss in the county investments. This means due to markets down trends, the growth will not go as planned. Good news there will be a PELT payment of $1.2 million.
The Middle School Sports would like to use the county park for a yard sale on July 30. This is to help fund the sports at the Middle School. There is a fee of $125. for using the park. Richard Howe does not like to waivfees, so he is willing to pay the fee. (I agree with Richard fees are set and should be paid. The County should not pick and choose which group has to pay. Richard also showed, if you agree with the function, someone will pay the fee. This happened once before when Bunny Hill paid.) A vote was taken to let the group use the park passing 4, with Coster abstaining.
Suggestions for up coming agenda items
Send a letter to State and Federal representatives regarding the Disabled American Veterans bus for trips to the VA hospital. The Ely bus was sent to Elko due to lack of a driver. (The driver was let go because he could not turn his head 90 degrees. The drivers are all volunteers.)
Hiring a Public Health Officer.
The future of the EDC.
Tourism and
Recreation Meeting
Public Comment:
Shane Bybee “I want to speak about this 2% room tax. First of all there have been
comments made that when I was on the city council, that we passed the increased fees to cover this and it was not enough. The new council ran on the basis that they would repeal the fee. Not only did they not repeal the fee, they raided the fund. The money was planed, the money was there.” (The fee of $15. Per month on Ely’s water bills, was set up to pay for a loan to do the pipes under Aultman and Great Basin in 2018. The city has 1.6 million, but needs 5 million in 2018 and wants 10 million. There are loans available, but the cost is quite high and there are many restrections and rules.)
Bruce Setterstrom “The fund has not been raided, when this fund was established I was against it, now I wish it had started a lot earlier. Right there is about $1.6 million in the fund and it will take about $5 million. Some how the city has to come up with the money.”
Consideration of Legal Action and Remedies Regarding City of Ely Ordinance Collecting Room Tax Revenue from Tourism and Recreation Board.
Attorney Husbands recommending tabling this item until after the City votes. Bruce does not feel the city vote should be a problem, attorney replied legally it does. Husbands recommend a litigation session and cover the legal strategy.
Approval of Capital Aid Grants:
Horse race – $3,780.00
Renaissance Society – 0 (project can wait a year)
City Ely – 0 (asked for $7,000. – sidewalk)
Great Basin Service Club – $668.
White Pine Museum – $10,400 roof repairs
City of Ely – 0 ($10,700, basket ball court )
Steptoe trap and skeet – $15,000.
Chamber of Commerce – $850.
WP Golf Course – 0
Railroad Foundation – $13,183.25
(Strange the city is asking $17,700 while taking 2% of the room tax away from T&R)
Once again I encourage you to call the commissioners and give them your thoughts, they need it.
Laurie Carson 293-3134
Mike Coster 293-2933
Richard Howe 287-2851
Carol McKenzie 238-5384
Gary Perea. 293-7356
JULY Calendar:
3 – WPHS Class of 1971’s 45th Reunion
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Renaissance Village open 10-4 p.m.
1 – FUN FRIDAY Sculpture Park 4-7 p.m.775-289-8877
2 – Athletic Boosters BFD County Park5 p.m.775-296-0474
2 – Class of 1966 ReunionConvention
16 – National Speleological Society, luncheon & entertainment at County park and the unveiling of the new mural on the Park View Motel
AUGUST Calendar:
5 – FUN FRIDAY CHILI COOKOFFSculpture Park 4-7 p.m.775-289-8877
6 – 7 ARTS in the PARK at the County Park Sat, 10-6p.m./Sun.10-4 p.m.775-293-0012
12 -13 White Pine RODDERS car show County Park Fri. Noon-6, Sat. 10-4 p.m.
18 – Chamber/Elks Lodge Dinosaur Races & Mixer 5 p.m.775-289-8877
19 – Ranch Rodeo Fairgrounds 10-5 p.m.
19 – Ely VFD/Cattlewomen’s BBQFairgrounds 4-8 p.m.
19 – 21 County FairUpper Fairgrounds
20 – 21 White Pine Horse RacesLower FairgroundsPost time 1 p.m.
27 – Farmers MarketRenaissance Village 10-2 p.m.
Geri Wop