Lyon County to take another look at its new building policy

Lyon County's new building policy could change slightly after being in force for only five months.

An amendment to the policy will be considered today by the Lyon County Commission.

The policy, which went into effect in June, included a new fee schedule, a requirement that anyone using buildings for public meetings have liability insurance, and rules about keys, cleaning and security.

Some members of nonprofit groups have taken issue with the fees, so the proposed amendments will be to allow nonprofits to use rooms free with the approval of the county manager, and will also allow for an appeal process.

Margaret Ruckman, who is involved with the Silver Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Silver Springs Entertainment and Arts, said the $35-per-hour rental of the new Silver Springs Senior/Community Center was too steep.

"Silver Springs was greatly impacted by that rule because we don't have any options," she said. "We don't have a restaurant that has a meeting room or a conference room."

She said the Chamber of Commerce recently paid $140 to hold its last meeting, in addition to a $400 cleaning deposit, a $30 key deposit and its insurance.

"We don't have a problem with the insurance, or the deposit, which is an incentive to leave it clean when you leave," she said. "But that $35 an hour was tough."

She said arts group and the Golden Needle Quilt Club, which began a class at the community center one Thursday a month in January were told they could no longer use the room and had to move over to the senior section of the center.

Ruckman said the quilters were interrupted by curious seniors and distracted by the crack of pool balls in the senior section, "and the whole time they were teaching the class, that (community) room sat empty."

Commissioner Bob Milz has said wants to take a look at the issue again, because it was too hard for nonprofit organizations which give back to the community.

"The Kiwanis have their casino night, and now if you serve alcohol you pay for the room," Milz said. "That should not happen. The money they make goes right back into the community. They should not have to pay a fee." he added.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 881-7351.

If You Go

WHAT: Lyon County Commission meeting

WHEN: 9 a.m. today

WHERE: 27 S. Main St., Yerington

CALL: 463-6531