Goldfield Main Street’s outdoor bathroom plan in Colvin Town provokes questions, is tabled

Goldfield Main Street asked the Esmeralda County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 to allow installation of exterior restrooms in Colvin Town, a project organizers said would be tied to an existing water line and rely on volunteer labor and grants.

Natalie Colunga, speaking for Goldfield Main Street, said the group initially planned for two stalls but increased that to three to prepare for future ADA-accessible upgrades: "we were going to do two (2) bathrooms and moved it up to three (3) because we really want to try to get a for the future when the space is ADA accessible," she said. Colunga said the group had funding and volunteers and planned to tie the fixture to an existing water and sewer line.

Commissioner Fred Perez questioned the project's budget, saying he did not believe the $19,000 figure would cover the work. "There's no way you can do this with this amount of money," he said, and urged the applicants to keep the county informed about funding and private support. Other commissioners and residents raised practical questions about who would pay monthly water, sewer and electric costs and who would be responsible for cleaning and supplies.

Resident Lori Kelley asked specific budget and operations questions: who would pay for water/sewer estimates, monthly bills, electricity and cleaning supplies. Adrienne Beard noted that opening the Community Center bathrooms for events would still leave costs to the county and that solar lighting and passive daylight options could reduce power needs.

Supporters argued the bathrooms would improve the town square and benefit events and tourism. Tim Hipp, who described the restrooms as part of the town square master plan, said the facility would reduce the need to open the Community Center for every event. A resident who emailed the board wrote that exterior restrooms would be "a tremendous upgrade" for locals and tourists.

Commissioner Rachel Holt emphasized that if Goldfield Main Street uses county property, the county needs facility agreements and appropriate insurance and that applicants should return with staged plans and clear agreements. The board ultimately voted to table the request for further discussion and follow-up.

The matter will return to a future meeting for more detailed cost estimates, insurance and operational agreements, and a clarified funding plan.