Ely City Council raises contractor water fees, awards public works contracts

​The Ely City Council approved a rate increase for contractor water usage, awarded public construction contracts and reviewed Community Development Block Grant project proposals during its regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10. Council Member Michelle Yeoman was absent.

Water rates, construction bids and city business

Under Resolution 2026-09, council members established a rate of five cents per gallon for water drawn by contractors from municipal hydrants or the landfill, effective immediately. The city previously charged two cents per gallon.

In formal business, the council awarded the Orson Avenue Sidewalk Project to DT Masonry with a winning bid of $72,080, selecting the lowest of four proposals. The council tabled a $44,000 contract for Phase II construction of the Hunter Education Building at the Steptoe Valley Trap and Skeet Range. Council members also reviewed CDBG priority proposals, including $563,200 for the East 15th Street Water Line Project and $278,640 for City Hall ADA accessibility upgrades.

Additionally, a special sign permit was approved for Extraordinary Things LLC at 740 Aultman St., and Mayor Nathan Robertson approved a special event license for Robert I. Basket’s Drag Kettle Corn vendor booth at the Nevada Northern Railway Depot. City Clerk records showed active municipal liens totaling $433,087.38, while welcoming new business licenses for Individual Health PLLC and short-term rental provider Canyon Studio.

Public works, utilities and regional updates

Public Works officials reported that August water usage at the municipal golf course totaled 12.24 million gallons, exceeding its monthly allowance by 247,000 gallons and bringing year-to-date consumption to 80.96 million gallons. Duck pond water usage measured 58 gallons for the month. Water and Sewer crews are proceeding with valve replacements at 5th and Aultman streets, service line repairs on Ely and Campton streets, and root clearing along 2nd and Pine streets. Initial concrete pouring and fencing preparations are also underway for the new dog park at Broadbent Park.

Council Member Melody VanCamp reported on her attendance at the Sept. 3 groundbreaking for the Southwest Intertie Project-North transmission line, noting the critical role of the Robinson Summit Substation in regional energy infrastructure.

Department statistics and public comment

The Ely Fire Department responded to 97 calls in August, including 64 within city limits, 59 paramedic responses and 28 Life Flight assists. The Nevada Northern Railway reported carrying 1,868 passengers during August—an 8% increase over the previous year—pushing year-to-date ridership to 9,050.

During public comment, Caroline McIntosh announced that Great Basin College plans to launch a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program in November, while Sheldon Mudd introduced services provided by the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority.