Nevada V&T Railway Commission Meeting - June 24, 2026

The Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V and T Railway met on June 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM and adjourned at 10:04 AM. The commission unanimously approved several contract amendments, received a final report on slope stability indicating no immediate action needed, and discussed marketing performance, operations, and scheduling for the next meeting. No public comments were made.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from May 27, 2026, with noted numbering corrections.
• Approval of monthly statement of accounts (payable checks paid April 1–30, 2026).
• Approval of adjusted FY2025–2026 budget reports through April 2026.

Discussion Items

• Contract Amendment for Eastgate Depot Operations: The commission approved a second amendment to contract FY25-C001 with Virginia and Truckee Railroad, extending the term one year under the same terms and conditions and increasing the total by $95,000 to a new maximum of $285,000. The contract covers ticketing, administration, and maintenance at Eastgate Depot.
• Contract Amendment with Cheryl Bailey: The commission approved a third amendment to contract FY24-C003 with Cheryl Bailey LLC, extending the term one year from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and increasing the amount by $79,200 to a new total of $261,200 (a 10% annual increase). Bailey reported that the V&T’s bank balance grew from $475,000 in May 2023 to approximately $1.2 million, and she now coordinates seven special events. The increase was budgeted.
• Legal Services Agreement: The commission approved amendment number four to the agreement with the Carson City District Attorney’s Office, extending one year under the same terms at $25,000 per year.
• Marketing Update (May 2026 Performance & FY2026–2027 Plan): Melissa reported that paid search clicks increased 67%, cost per click dropped 40%, and click-through rate rose 48% with impressions growing 13%. Outdoor ads delivered 1.3 million impressions (April 13–May 10, Mother’s Day) and 1.56 million impressions (May 11–June 7, general session). Television included 299 spots across KOLO, KRNB, and KTVN, with KTVN providing 76 spots at $1 each. Radio delivered 630 spots across nine stations. The proposed media plan for FY2026–2027 (budget: $65,680) shifts more focus to social media and adjusts flight timing to avoid the general election political window.
• Track Maintenance Update: Chair Mitchell reported that a gentleman claimed ownership of a parcel adjacent to Eastgate Depot. After research by Commissioner Hicks, the parcel was confirmed as BLM land. The BLM has noted road access without a permit and requested a permit be obtained. The commission will work with BLM to formalize usage. Fencing is also being installed at lot lines.
• Operations and Training Report: Candy Duncan reported that the Father’s Day special event last weekend was not sold out but received positive feedback. The railroad is focusing on the 50th anniversary of the V&T’s rebirth over the Fourth of July, with steam runs on July 4 and 5 using engine 18. She noted increased one-way ticket sales (reaching the 20% limit) and more walk-up customers. She suggested reducing the 72-hour cancellation policy to 24 hours to encourage advance bookings. The 72-hour limit may deter last-minute purchasers, but similar trends are seen throughout Virginia City.
• Executive Assistant Update: Sherry Bailey reported that the Father’s Day event offered bagels, donuts, Bloody Marys, juice, coffee, and gifts. Only one response (Story Time Photography) has been received on the pending RFP, with a deadline of July 8. Upcoming events include the “Toast of the Canyon” on July 25 and a 250th birthday barbecue on August 29. Commissioners requested more information on the 250th event.
• Slope Stabilization Project Presentation: Jason Dale (Wood Rogers) presented the final report on the landslide area near Mound House. The study found that the slope is stable under average dry conditions but becomes susceptible to movement when saturated. The landslide is shallow (2–3 feet of clay gravel over weathered bedrock); a deep-seated failure affecting the rail line is unlikely. Mitigation costs range from ~$100,000 (French drain) to ~$1 million (grading and walls), but the commission concluded that regular monitoring and cleanup after wet events or earthquakes are sufficient. No immediate action is needed.
• Future Meeting Date: The next meeting was originally scheduled for July 22, 2026, but several commissioners are unavailable from July 22–31. The commission discussed moving to July 15 or 23, but scheduling conflicts remain. Staff will check availability and confirm a date that ensures a quorum.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Hicks announced that painting of the depot has begun, with a lift delivered. Photos and drone footage will be shared at a later meeting.

Key Outcomes

• All motions (minutes, accounts, budget, three contract amendments) passed unanimously with no opposition.
• The commission will pursue a BLM permit for the Eastgate Depot adjacent parcel and coordinate fencing.
• No action was taken on the slope stabilization; the commission accepted the report’s conclusion that monitoring is sufficient.
• The marketing plan for FY2026–2027 was accepted as information.
• The next regular meeting date will be determined by staff coordination to ensure quorum.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made at either opportunity.