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Churchill County adopts resolution to place 3¢ fire‑equipment tax on November ballot
Summary
The commission adopted Resolution R‑4‑2026 to submit a 3¢ ad valorem levy (per $100 assessed value) to voters in November 2026 to fund major fire equipment and apparatus; fire officials listed past purchases and rising call volumes as justification.
Churchill County commissioners adopted Resolution R‑4‑2026 authorizing placement of a 3¢ ad valorem tax question on the November 2026 ballot to fund major fire equipment and apparatus.
Chelsea Sanford, speaking for the Churchill County District Attorney's Office, explained the measure would renew the existing ad valorem levy (previously approved by voters in 2008, 2014 and 2020) for an additional six‑year period; the current levy is set to sunset on June 30, 2027. She said the tax language and sample ballot were prepared in accordance with NRS 354.5982 and in coordination with the clerk's office.
Fire Chief Jared Dooley described how the funds have been used and future needs, citing prior purchases including two engines bought from Darley Company that "were just over $1,000,000 apiece," replumbing and truck upgrades (~$308,000), SCBA tanks (~$120,000) and a radio system upgrade (~$57,000). He said call volume rose from about 400 six years ago to more than 500 calls annually, and that the department expects to use proceeds over the next six years to replace two 30‑year‑old fire trucks (most recent estimate about $1,800,000 apiece when last surveyed).
"These funds can only be used by the fire department, and they can only be used for major pieces of equipment," Dooley said, arguing the levy has directly funded critical apparatus and readiness.
The board moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote; if voters approve the question in November, the ad valorem tax would be added for another six years to fund equipment purchases.
