Lyon commissioners frustrated with Silver Springs governing board

Fed up with bickering and turmoil at the Silver Springs General Improvement District, the Lyon County commissioners plan to hold a hearing on the future of the utility at its next meeting.

Two days after the GID board fired one of its operators and nearly a month after its chairman resigned, the commissioners want the board to come in and address the many problems the utility is facing.

However, county manager Donna Kristaponis cautioned the commissioners that the Nevada Legislature, during its last session, approved NRS 318.490, which forbids a county to merge, consolidate or dissolve a GID board unless the board concurs. The commission is allowed to begin the process, but it can't be completed without the GID leaderships' consent.

GID chairman Bob Freeman said he would not be interested in the dissolution of the GID or the county taking over the utility.

"I don't see any reason for it," he said.

Commission Chairman Bob Milz still wanted the hearing.

"They're in total disarray," he said of the GID board. "They are not doing citizens any good. They're doing harm if anything. I think the subject is ripe for discussion."

The GID board has written to the commissioners requesting an interlocal agreement allowing the county to take over engineering and inspection duties at GID facilities, but Kristaponis said she would not recommend staff doing work for "an organization with pretty significant management issues."

Commissioner Chet Hillyard asked that the hearing be placed on the agenda for the Aug. 3 meeting.

"We have to do something," he said,

In addition to the turnover at the GID, Kristaponis has received a letter from Hale and Kay Bennett, co-managers of the Silver Springs Airport, complaining of the GID's handling of a dispute offer moving effluent risers. The Bennetts have a 50-year contract to dispose of effluent from the GID's treatment plant.

The GID board has canceled a Aug. 16 meeting with the Bennetts because the Bennetts wanted their attorney present. The board also has accused the Bennetts of unspecified violations of the contract.

GID board trustee Bill Holler said he saw no problem with the board.

"It ain't the GID that has the problem; it's the Bennetts that have the problem," he said. Holler also said commissioners can come to their meetings anytime and see how the board handles things.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.

If you go

WHAT: Lyon County Commission meeting

WHEN: 9 a.m. Aug. 3

WHERE: 27 S. Main St., in Yerington

CALL: (775) 463-6531