Commission approves fire and library purchases and a courthouse grant application

The Elko County Commission approved several budgeted and grant-funded purchases: a water tender for the Elko County Fire Protection District in an amount not to exceed $199,000 (infrastructure tax plan funding), a remount chassis not to exceed $67,500, and a Justice Assistance Grant application to purchase a fully reimbursable baggage scanner for the Elko County Courthouse. The board also approved a budgeted replacement vehicle for the library — a used 2020 Ford Expedition priced at $49,821.25 — following staff explanation that the vehicle meets hauling and event needs.

Library director Cassie Antonin told commissioners the Expedition can haul up to 9,000 pounds and will replace a crew van that died in 2020; she said the vehicle will support large book moves, events and equipment transport. The fire-district and chassis purchases were approved as budgeted in the infrastructure plan and the courthouse scanner will be pursued through a grant that requires no local match.