Tonopah board advances sewer loan bid, lodging rules and utility plan

The Tonopah Town Board met January 14 at the Tonopah Convention Center and took a series of actions that set the town’s fiscal and infrastructure priorities for the year. The board moved forward with a Letter of Intent to the State Revolving Loan Program (SRF) seeking an estimated $2,188,200 in principal forgiveness for sewer infrastructure improvements, approved a utilities asset management plan, and adopted a transient lodging business license application effective January 1, 2026.

On the consent agenda the board approved invoices, minutes from the December 10, 2025 meeting, department budget reports and two 5/8 room tax grant requests to support local events: advertising for the Tonopah Middle School Booster Club Basketball Tournament and promotion of the Tonopah Rodeo Club’s Coyote Calling Contest. Those grants use a bed-tax revenue stream that funds tourism and community events and were signed off as part of routine business.

Significant town business items focused on utility and public-safety protocols. The Tonopah Public Utilities Asset Management Plan, prepared by RCAC, received board approval; the plan establishes a prioritized approach to maintaining and replacing water and sewer assets. The board also approved a preliminary engineering report for additional water storage tanks, but made that approval contingent on receiving SRF support. Taken together, the asset plan and engineering report lay groundwork for capital projects that could reduce service disruptions and support future growth, but scheduling and financing remain linked to state funding decisions.

The Town Board formally submitted a Letter of Intent to the SRF program for a principal forgiveness loan estimated at $2,188,200 to assist sewer improvements. If approved, principal forgiveness could lower the debt burden on the town and help limit rate pressure on residents; SRF approval is a necessary next step before the projects move into construction.

Public-safety policy changes included approval of the Tonopah Volunteer Fire Department’s “Refusal of Care/Transport” informed consent form. The form documents when individuals decline emergency medical transport or care, a procedural item that clarifies responsibilities for responders and patients.

The Tonopah Library District Board of Trustees met concurrently; their agenda centered on scheduling library budget workshops and related consent items. Remote call-in information and public comment rules were provided for both bodies, preserving opportunities for residents to participate.

For Tonopah residents, the immediate implications are clear: infrastructure proposals that could affect water and sewer reliability are now in motion, funding outcomes will shape future rate and service decisions, and new licensing rules for transient lodging have been formally adopted. Expect the board to announce specific FY 2026-27 budget workshop dates and further SRF-related developments in coming weeks; residents should monitor notices and plan to participate in upcoming budget and project hearings.