The Elko County Commission approved a development agreement for the Summit Ridge affordable housing subdivision in Jackpot and agreed the county would make up to $500,000 available to support site infrastructure for the first phase.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the county has pursued affordable-housing incentives in Jackpot for several years; the $500,000 is designated to buy materials for underground utilities and other initial infrastructure to incentivize a private developer to proceed. Commissioners and staff emphasized the funds are not an unconditional cash transfer and discussed documentation and reimbursement mechanics.

Key points from meeting discussion: Staff said the $500,000 comes from community development/COVID-era funds set aside for local projects and will be used primarily to purchase material for underground water and sewer on the first phase. The planning commission was scheduled to consider the tentative map for Phase 1 in August; the development agreement approval will allow limited county-managed purchases and reimbursements to the developer when work is documented.

Commissioner concerns and edits: Commissioners asked staff to add the appraisal, resolution of findings and the purchase agreement as exhibits to the development agreement and to clarify that the county would not simply issue a $500,000 check. One commissioner said the county’s role is to manage the funds and purchase materials to keep the project moving rather than to give an unrestricted grant. The motion to approve was made subject to the requested edits and carried.

Next steps: The planning commission will consider the tentative map; staff will finalize exhibit attachments and the procurement/reimbursement details before funds are released. Staff said most of the $500,000 is expected to be consumed by underground utilities, with any remainder applied per agreement terms.

Sources: County staff briefing and commissioner discussion recorded in the Aug. meeting transcript. Ending: The board approved the development agreement with the requested clarifications and directed staff to ensure procurement and documentation guard county funds.