The Lyon County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 16 declined to assume ongoing water charges for the Dayton dog park but voted to waive the county utilities' one-time on/off service fee.

Andrew Haskin, Lyon County manager, summarized the park's history: when the dog park was established the county permitted use of county land with a verbal understanding that the community group would handle maintenance, including water. Utilities staff provided billing records showing summer monthly bills can be substantial for the approximate one-third acre irrigated area.

County counsel and the district attorney's office discussed conflict-of-interest procedures after Commissioner Casanelli disclosed a pro bono landscaping agreement with the dog-park board and said he would abstain from voting. The DA's representative advised the commissioner could remain for factual discussion but should not attempt to persuade the board given the potential pecuniary interest.

Commissioner Hendricks moved that the dog park continue to pay for water usage but that the county waive the fee (approximately $30'5) to have county utilities turn the water off after the irrigation season and turn it back on in spring. The motion passed 4-0 with Commissioner Casanelli recorded as abstaining.

Why it matters: The decision assigns recurring water costs to the dog park and its fundraisers or partners rather than the Dayton utilities enterprise fund, preserving utility ratepayer equity while offering a small administrative accommodation. County staff noted turning the meter off seasonally would eliminate the monthly meter charge.

The board did not direct county staff to change maintenance arrangements; the waiver applies only to the on/off administrative fee for seasonal meter control.