USDA Rural Development State Director Alida Ceballos gave the Lyon County Commission an overview of funding opportunities available to rural Nevada communities during the Commission’s May 7 meeting.
The presentation included a description of loans, grants, and technical assistance programs that support water and wastewater infrastructure, community facilities, housing, business development, and emergency services. The presentation also highlighted eligibility requirements, funding levels, interest rates, and specialized programs designed to help small and low-income rural communities improve infrastructure, housing access, public facilities, and economic development opportunities.
Highlights from the meeting included a presentation from Robert Woolsey, Markus Javier and Rebecca Mayer on the Fernley High School Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 2026 Impact Report highlighted the success of the student-led program serving Lyon County and surrounding communities by providing free tax preparation services to low-income, elderly, and disabled residents. The program prepared 96 household tax returns in 2026, returned more than $57,000 to the local economy, saved residents an estimated $19,000–$38,000 in preparation fees, and provided students with hands-on professional experience, IRS certifications, and workforce development opportunities in accounting and finance.
The Commission also received a presentation from Lyon County Community Development Director Gavin Henderson on current development projects, department updates, and statistical data related to building permits and planning applications for the month of April 2026. During April, the Building Department processed 159 residential permits, 18 commercial permit applications, and completed 817 inspections while maintaining a 2–3 week plan review timeline. Staff also implemented several website and customer service improvements, continued work on major ordinances and development projects. Additionally, the department is pursuing floodplain and infrastructure planning efforts to support long-term growth and public safety throughout Lyon County.
Planning Items
Commissioners held hearings on the following planning items:
• Central Lyon County Fire Protection District – Approved requests from the Central Lyon County Fire Protection District for a Zoning Map Amendment to amend the zoning designation from Limited Commercial District to Public Facilities, and for a Conditional Use Permit to add a helipad for a General Aviation Airport at the existing fire station located at 199 Six Mile Canyon Road in Dayton.
Other Board Actions
Facilities – Approved Change Order #1 in the amount of $25,860 to be funded from a budget transfer from the General Fund Contingency for additional work needed from the JWC for the paving project at the Dayton JPO parking lot. This is for removing the native soil and replacing it with 6 inches of base material to provide a better base for the new asphalt.
Sheriff – Approved a master sales agreement between Timekeeping Systems and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office for Guard1 software for jail management in the amount of $21,242.21 with an annual cost of $6,575 thereafter. The agreement shall commence on the effective date and continue for an initial term of 1 year followed by an automatic renewal for up to 5 additional 1 year terms.
Human Services – Accepted a donation in the amount of $60 for events related to Child Abuse Prevention from 4 Corners Coffee and More.
Utilities – The Board received a presentation from Kishora Panda with updates on projects within the Utilities Department. The Silver Springs wastewater disposal study is underway and the Rose Peak water main replacement is in design. Expansion work is underway to increase capacity and improve operations at the Rolling A wastewater treatment facility, and crews are replacing sewer infrastructure along the Highway 50 and Dayton Valley Road corridor. The County completed a study evaluating different methods for handling and disposing of sludge from the Silver Springs wastewater treatment plant, and an assessment of Lift Station 1 was completed to evaluate its condition, performance, and future maintenance or upgrade needs.
Community Development – Approved the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grant Applications totaling $1,119,726 for the FY27 Lighting System Upgrade and Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) Upgrade projects at Silver Springs Airport, including required County matching funds totaling $55,987 and consultant service agreements with Lochner, Inc. totaling $283,630 for project support.
Comptroller – Approved a lease extension for office space at Occidental Square in Dayton with He Haz Mine LLC, Series A from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 at $5,800 per month (with optional 90-day renewals at $6,125 per month), and approved a salary increase for law clerk Employee #1542 effective June 1, 2026 to $73,520 annually, with associated funding adjustments from the General Fund contingency.
Advisory Board – Acknowledged the resignation of Keri Kidder from the Smith Valley Citizen Advisory Board and Loretta Sell from the Planning Commission.
County Manager – Authorized Commissioner Keller and Hendrix to attend the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference & Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 17–20, 2026 for an approximate cost of $3,500 per person.
Closing Business
The meeting concluded with commissioner comments and additional public comment.
The complete agenda and backup materials are posted online at www.lyon-county.org/Agendacent
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