Nye County approves $2.7M child support enforcement contract with Nevada DHHS

The Nye County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on April 15, 2025, where they discussed a significant interstate local contract aimed at funding child support enforcement activities. The proposed contract, which involves the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and the Nye County District Attorney's Child Support Division, is set for the fiscal years 2025 through 2029, with a total funding amount not to exceed $2,708,529. Under this agreement, 66% of the funding will be reimbursed by the state, leaving Nye County responsible for 34% of the costs.

During the meeting, Kimberly Wilson from the Child Support Division provided insights into the funding structure. She clarified that the county would need to initially cover the costs, which would then be reimbursed monthly by the state. This reimbursement process has raised concerns among commissioners regarding cash flow issues, as the county must front the costs before receiving state funds.

Commissioner discussions highlighted the financial implications of the contract, noting that the county's obligation could reach approximately $147,000 annually. This amount represents a slight increase compared to previous years and is part of what some commissioners described as an unfunded mandate from the state. The commissioners expressed their concerns about the financial burden this places on the county's budget, particularly as it requires upfront spending before reimbursement.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local governments in managing federally mandated programs while ensuring adequate funding and cash flow. The board's decision to approve the contract will require careful budgeting and planning to accommodate the anticipated financial obligations over the next several years.