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Clark County court approves budget first reading, several firefighter hires and an opioid‑abatement planning motion
Summary
At its May 28 meeting, the Clark County District Court approved routine finance items, hired multiple firefighters, held a first reading to amend a 2022 ordinance to permit lease proceeds for county and fire‑department capital needs, and authorized creating a strategic plan for opioid‑abatement funding.
The Clark County District Court met May 28 and approved routine finance items, several firefighter hires and a first reading to expand the allowable uses of lease proceeds, while authorizing staff to develop a strategic plan for opioid‑abatement funding.
At the start of the meeting the court approved minutes from May 13 and a series of cash and blanket transfers and the bills list by voice votes after brief clarifying questions about one transfer tied to medical services. The clerk and finance director presented the monthly finance report; the finance director said a delayed check explained a recent uptick in receipts.
During a first reading of the fiscal year 2026–27 budget, members questioned the trajectory of the county’s emergency medical services budget, noting it has grown from roughly $500,000 in prior years to about $1.4 million in the current proposal. The finance director told the court that capital expenditures in the package inflate that number and estimated a core operating figure at about $1.14 million; members discussed financing options such as capital financing for a future court facility rather than paying cash.
The court approved several personnel orders for the Clark County Fire Department. Item 13B authorized hiring William Pucket as a part‑time firefighter after members discussed the policy implications of rehiring retirees; the motion carried. Subsequent items approved additional full‑time and part‑time firefighter hires. Members asked whether recruits were local and noted that several hires will require additional training and EMT certification.
On Item 13G the court held a first reading of an ordinance that would amend a Nov. 22, 2022 county ordinance so that proceeds from the county’s March 9, 2023 lease agreement may be used for other capital costs related to Clark County and the fire department. The county attorney reviewed the amendment; the court approved the first reading and will follow the normal ordinance adoption process.
The court received administrative updates: members reported completing the first round of interviews for an open fund position, and a member said a fire truck temporarily fell into a sinkhole with no major damage. Court members reviewed three opioid‑abatement options presented by staff and moved to pursue the third option—creating a strategic plan for distribution of opioid‑abatement funds to be submitted to the Opioid Solution Network; the motion passed by voice vote.
Other items discussed included a suggestion to explore broadcasting the clerk’s tallying machine during elections so the public could view tallies live, and an update that work at the county compost facility is progressing with remaining funds available for equipment purchases pending a repair assessment. The court set its next regular meeting for June 10, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. and noted a required public hearing on K Road and related LGTA funding would need to be advertised.
The meeting adjourned after the listed business.
