The Universitry of Nevada Cooperatgive Extension presented teh County Commission with a plaque on Thursday for its support of the university program. From left are Commissioner Bus Scharmann, UNCE Director William Marks, Commisioner Carl Erquiaga, Eduction director Pam Powell, Extension Agent Jay Davidson and Commissioner Pete Olsen.
After listening to a 20-minute presentation on the benefits the Fallon Youth Club provides to the community, county commissioners approved $10,000 toward the group’s operating expenses and in the future, will include FYC as a line item in the count budget.
The approval came Wednesday at the commissioners’ first meting of May.
Commissioners Pete Olsen, Bus Scharmann and Chairman Carl Erquiaga praised FYC and the service it provides as an after-school program.
“The program is beneficial to our community,” added County Manager Eleanor Lockwood.
Shannon Goodrick, executive director of FYC, shared background information and said FYC first opened its doors nine years ago. She said the bulk of the FYC’s money is spent directly on youth while only 34 percent goes toward administrative costs.
She said the enrollment mirrors the diversity of the community; however, she also said FYB faces many challenges in a rural community, especially when it comes to hiring staff.
“We don’t have many people willing to work part time for minimum salary,” she pointed out, adding that the staff is well trained.
Goodrick also told commissioners that between January and April, FYC begins to see its budget shrink rapidly, but the director said she has some ideas to secure additional funding from major stakeholders.
Commissioners also took action on the following agenda items:
Recognized volunteers who assisted Social Services in the Volunteer Income Tax Program. Social Services Director Shannon Ernst said the two volunteers prepared 58 tax returns.
Accepted an updated report from the state Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child and Family Services. Accepted welfare set-aside funding for the Nevada Housing Division.
Issued a proclamation declaring May 8 as University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Day.
Approved a classification and compensation study for the county.
Approved the health insurance renewal for county employees and retires for fiscal year 2014-15.
Approved a request to transfer funds to the county road department for first payment on various 2014 road and bridge projects.
Approved an agreement with Jenuane Communications Onda Verde, LLC regarding wastewater and water connections and fees for the Onda Verde II subdivision.
Olsen also said he is seeing more outreach from NV Energy since the company was sold to a group owned by billionaire Warren Buffet.
He also said the Churchill County Economic Development Authority is doting a great job, but he said there is more work to do with the Northern Nevada Development Authority.