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Board adopts policy updates, levies tax rates and certifies primary results in June 18 meeting
Summary
Douglas County approved updated drug and DOT testing policies, adopted FY2026-27 tax rates, certified the June 9 primary election results and confirmed a new controller. The meeting also included a Pollinator Week proclamation and other routine actions.
Douglas County commissioners on June 18 handled several administrative matters in a single session that together shape county operations for the year ahead.
Policy updates: The board approved a comprehensive rewrite of the county's drug‑and‑alcohol workplace policy (Policy 100.14) intended to modernize testing procedures, clarify return‑to‑duty rules and align practices with federal funding requirements. HR Director Christine Veto also presented a consolidated federal DOT testing policy (100.16) that merges FTA and FMCSA requirements and retires duplicative Policy 100.15 following an audit.
Tax rates: Assistant Treasurer Megan Doris presented the certified tax rates for fiscal year 2026–27; she noted some taxing entities adjusted rates while remaining below Nevada's $3.66-per‑$100 assessed‑valuation cap, and that several local general improvement districts are already at the cap. The board adopted Resolution 2026R‑36 levying rates for the fiscal year.
Elections canvas: Clerk/Treasurer Amy Bergens and Election Administrator Georgianne Hares presented final returns for the June 9 primary election and sought certification. Douglas County reported nearly 40% turnout (higher than statewide average), heavy use of mail ballots (about 42,000 mailed; roughly 73% of returned ballots were dropped at county dropboxes), and some ballot rejections: 150 ballots were rejected for postmarks after Election Day and 55 ballots remained uncured after signature issues. The board certified the election abstract and directed staff to transmit results to the Secretary of State as required by law.
Appointment: The board confirmed Katherine Kaiser as the county's Controller/Auditor effective June 20 as part of a finance division restructuring. Manager Kathy Lewis said Kaiser has a long record of county service and is pursuing relevant professional certifications.
Ceremony: Commissioners also proclaimed June 22'28, 2026 as National Pollinator Week in Douglas County; master gardener volunteers accepted the proclamation.
Ending: The board said staff will continue outreach about mail‑ballot procedures and post updates on stormwater and grant awards for transparency; commissioners thanked elections and finance staff for their work.
