Douglas County approves three‑year environmental health interlocal with Carson City

Douglas County authorized an interlocal contract with Carson City Health and Human Services to provide environmental health inspection and permitting services for Douglas County for the three‑year period beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, at a not‑to‑exceed cost of $1,344,000 for the contract period.

Deputy Community Development Director Andrea Pauling explained that Douglas County does not operate a local environmental health inspection program and has contracted with Carson City since 2012. The scope of services is set out in Exhibit A of the agreement and includes the inspections and permitting required by state and local law. Pauling noted the interlocal will be considered by the Carson City Board of Supervisors on May 1, 2025.

Community Development Director Dallaire added that Carson City sets fees by statute and returns quarterly billing, and the county audits activity and receives refund checks if revenues exceed contract costs. Commissioners discussed enforcement responsibilities and noted a previously proposed state bill (SB324 was referenced in discussion) and the potential for additional enforcement obligations to fall to county health providers; the board debated the alternative of building an in‑house inspection program but noted startup costs and hiring challenges.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Tarkanian moved to approve the interlocal contract with Carson City Health and Human Services and authorize the county manager to sign; Commissioner Tolbert seconded. The motion carried unanimously.