Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Site Power Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Elko TV District weighs Snowball site power options as cost estimates climb
Summary
Board discussed options to bring power to Snowball site — NV Energy hook‑up, overhead vs underground lines, co‑op funding and solar/battery alternatives amid a verbal $321,000 quote now estimated higher.
Elko County Television District board members discussed options to provide power to the Snowball communications site and heard that a verbal quote to run power stands at roughly $321,000 and may rise toward $400,000 once updated estimates and permitting are included.
Staff raised the question at the May 8 meeting because Snowball’s power route likely requires highway boring and easements, and district members said they need to know whether NV Energy would accept a district‑installed transmission line before the district commits significant funds.
The discussion matters because Snowball is a planned filler site that could expand coverage but may require a multi‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar investment. Board members discussed exploring cooperative funding with county and city agencies, asking NV Energy whether it would do the highway handoff after boring under Mountain City Highway, and soliciting competitive bids or a co‑op approach instead of sole reliance on NV Energy’s price.
Staff said the $321,000 figure was a verbal quote and that the cost had risen by $60,000–$70,000 in roughly six months; they estimated the final bill could approach $400,000. Board members suggested alternatives including overhead poles (about 20–27 poles depending on route), soliciting other contractors, or creating a co‑op of agencies who would share the cost. Solar and battery hybrid solutions were also raised as alternatives, but the board noted batteries require eventual replacement and that technology costs and replacement schedules are uncertain.
The board directed staff to contact NV Energy to ask whether the utility would accept the district installing the line and handing the line back to NV Energy for final hookup after crossing the highway. Members also asked staff to pursue estimates for an overhead option and to survey potential partner agencies (county fire, sheriff, city) about interest in contributing funding for Snowball.
No construction contract or final commitment was approved at the meeting. District members said they will collect competitive cost estimates, check easement requirements, and revisit Snowball after gathering more data and potential partner interest.
