Commission OKs $15 million county grant agreement to back Boys & Girls Club event center

The Elko County Commission approved a $15,000,000 community grant agreement to the Boys & Girls Club of Elko Inc., a step the club’s leadership said will allow it to secure land, finalize design and leverage private matching funds. Rusty Barr, representing the club, told commissioners the agreement is “step 1” toward securing land and that the club expects to use the county funds as collateral to attract additional donors and grants.

Commissioners pressed for details on how the county’s funds would be held and how any interest earned would be treated. Treasurer Cheryl Paul said the county’s Local Government Investment Pool balance is earning about 5.295% and that leaving the funds in county custody could yield significant interest—roughly $800,000 in a year at current yields. County staff and club representatives said the money would be placed in a separate account and that disbursements would require county approval; the agreement includes a four‑year default provision if construction has not started. The board voted to approve the agreement on a voice vote.

Barr said the club already has some matching commitments and that the county funds are intended to unlock additional private dollars: “It gives us some leniency to go into design now, so we can get our final cost projections,” he said. Commissioners asked staff to clarify language about accrued interest and oversight in subsequent drafts, and directed that any required amendments be returned to the board before final execution. The motion passed on a voice vote.