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Board weighs Snowball power options as district faces rising cost estimates
Summary
The board discussed a verbal NV Energy quote for Snowball power of $321,000 that may have risen by $60,000–$70,000; members said the total could reach about $400,000 and suggested exploring a cooperative funding model and NV Energy handoff to reduce cost exposure.
Board members and staff discussed power options for the Snowball site and an initial verbal quote of $321,000 from NV Energy. Chair said the figure had increased by roughly $60,000–$70,000 since it was last reviewed and estimated the total could be "looking at 400,000." Members asked staff to approach NV Energy to see whether the utility would perform permitting work and accept a district-built handoff across the highway to reduce permitting complexity and cost.
Several board members recommended a cooperative funding model that would ask the county, city, fire district and sheriff to contribute based on expected usage at the site, which would lower the district’s share. Staff also flagged permitting complications (state-level permits and easements where lines must cross highways) and suggested seeking bids for overhead transmission as a possible lower-cost alternative to underground work. The board agreed to gather more precise written estimates and to explore shared-funding options before committing capital in the budget process.
