Public hearing on proposed new Justice Court boundaries

YERINGTON -- The issue of whether to move Silver Springs into Fernley's Justice Court's jurisdiction may soon be resolved.

Lyon County commissioners today will consider an ordinance establishing new Justice Court boundaries for the rapidly growing northern portion of the county. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m.

Initiated by Commissioner LeRoy Goodman, the proposal would move Silver Springs residents from the Dayton Township Justice Court into Fernley. Speaking at an earlier commissioner meeting, Goodman said the move makes good sense.

"This is simply an attempt to reduce the workload in one area and move it to another area. In my business, that's called good business practice," he said.

With Fernley's incorporation, Canal Township Justice Robert Bennett's responsibilities have been divided between the city's municipal court and the Canal Justice Court, reducing the Justice Court duties from four days to three. Staffing, however, has remained the same. According to county officials, staffers from Fernley's court are traveling to Dayton to help out because they do not have a full workload in Fernley.

Dayton Township Justice of the Peace Bill Rogers, whose district includes Silver City and Mound House to Silver Springs, has said his workload has increased approximately 20 percent over the past year, with 16 to 21 percent of those cases coming from Silver Springs.

Commissioners, judges and Silver Springs residents have expressed differing views on the need for any immediate changes and are split on the issue.

Commissioners will also consider proposing an ordinance banning highway billboards and regulating off-site and on-site billboards within the geographical boundaries of Silver Springs.

As proposed, restrictions would apply to off-site advertising information placed on licensed private or commercial vehicles, including trailers or other devices parked for the sole purpose of being utilized as an outdoor display sign.

On-site advertising signs would be limited to 32 square feet or less, and arranged so as to not clutter the natural scenery of the area.

Lyon County Commissioners meet in the Administrative Complex, 27 South Main Street, Yerington, beginning at 9 a.m. today. For information call 577-5037 (Dayton/Silver Springs) or 463-6531.

IF YOU GO

What: Lyon County Commissioners meeting

When: 9 a.m. today

Where: Administrative Complex, 27 S. Main St., Yerington

Information: Call 577-5037 (Dayton/Silver Springs) or 463-6531