A once-again highly frustrating County Commission meeting

Provided by Wyatt Cox – KELY 1230AM/98.5AM

White Pine School Superintendent Adam Young came before the commission to explain the need for a new Middle School and Elementary school and mentioned that there was a bill before the assembly that needs to be pushed through to provide the funding for the new buildings that comply with current federal and state requirements without a tax increase for White Pine County residents. Two commissioners, though, had a hard time understanding the need for the buildings and couldn’t grasp why existing facilities weren’t ADA compliant, couldn’t be remodeled due to the need for Asbestos remediation, and Fire and safety issues.

The commission did vote 3-2 to give $19,850 from Federal Land Sales that weren’t earmarked to the School District for the projects, with commissioners Vogler and Pauley voting no.

The county voted to formally terminate the position of Interim County Manager effective May 1. That will put more pressure on the Commission as they will now have to pick up that workload. The county also voted to go forward with the possible sale of the house at 27 Connors Court. The county purchased the property to use as temporary housing for incoming employees.

There was a discussion on reinstating the county business license, but that was tabled, as was a request to redo the Tennis Courts at the Golf Course to accommodate Pickleball, but because those are financed through SNPLA grants, that has to be approved by them and was tabled.

A resolution of support was passed unanimously to continue support for the Great Basin Transmission LS Power SWIP North Transmission line to move power to Idaho.

Public comment included comments from Tim Vadrine, a local mobile home dealership owner, who expressed his frustrations regarding the barriers to housing development in Ely, citing high water tap costs and strict regulations as significant obstacles. He compared Ely’s situation unfavorably to Elko County where it is overall cheaper to permit and build homes.