Budget committee backs hiring of program manager for Great Basin Children’s Advocacy Center, sends recommendation to county commission

The Elko County Budget Committee voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve creation of a program manager position for the Great Basin Children’s Advocacy Center and to fund it with external sources for the next two years.

The recommendation followed a presentation by Tyler Ingram, Elko County District Attorney, who said the CAC is seeking to hire the role as soon as possible and is pursuing a grant modification to cover part of the salary and benefits. "As I've told you all many times, I promised that we would stay away from dipping into county funds to operate the CAC for as long as possible," Ingram said.

The position is budgeted at about $121,000 a year. Ingram told the committee that Rachel Bird is pursuing a grant modification that would offset roughly $33,000 per year for three years if approved; if the modification is not approved, the CAC has funds to cover the position for two years. "Even if it's not, we believe that we currently have, the funds to cover it," he said, noting contributions from partner counties and donated trust funds.

Nut graf: Committee members pressed for clarity on long-term funding and recruitment language in job postings; the committee recorded a recommendation to the full Board of County Commissioners rather than approving county-funded ongoing support. The recommendation will be considered by the county commission next week.

Ingram outlined the CAC's regional service area and demand. He said the center performs forensic interviews and medical exams across several counties and that federal partners now use the CAC's interviewers. "We've done over 200, 300 forensic examinations since we opened," he said, and added that White Pine and Eureka counties have contributed funds to support operations.

Committee members asked whether the position could be shared regionally or otherwise supported by partner jurisdictions. Ingram said Eureka and White Pine already provide contribution money that can be applied; he said he has not secured a contribution from Lander County. Committee members also emphasized recruiting language that makes clear employment is contingent on available funding; county staff confirmed contingency language is in the job description and will be included in the posting and offer letters.

The committee made a motion to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve the request for a program manager using external funds for the next two years; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee chair said the item will be placed on the county commission agenda next week.

Ending: Committee members asked county staff to communicate appreciation to CAC staff for their work; no additional committee directions were given beyond the recommendation to forward the hire to the county commission for final action.