The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners convened on November 5, 2020, to address significant issues surrounding COVID-19 regulations and the recent fines imposed by OSHA following a political rally attended by President Trump. The meeting highlighted the county's ongoing struggle to navigate state directives while managing local public health concerns.

During the meeting, County Manager Patrick Cates discussed the emergency powers granted to him earlier in the pandemic, which allowed for local decision-making in response to the governor's directives. He noted that rural counties like Douglas have experienced relatively low infection rates compared to urban areas, prompting the board to request less restrictive measures from the governor. However, their letter, delivered directly to the Capitol, received no response, and the state maintained strict regulations.

The discussion turned to the rally held at Minden Tahoe Airport, which drew approximately 28,000 attendees despite state limitations on gatherings. Cates explained that he authorized the event after assessing the safety protocols proposed by the campaign and consulting with local officials. This decision, however, led to OSHA investigating potential COVID-19 exposure among county employees, resulting in fines for both the county and the airport contractor for violating state directives.

The fines totaled $2,950 for the county and $2,602 for ABS Aviation. In response to the fines, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by local citizens to cover the costs, raising over $6,800. The board debated whether to contest the fines or accept them, with some members expressing strong sentiments against what they perceived as politically motivated actions by the governor.

Commissioners voiced their frustrations over the lack of clarity in state directives and the perceived unfairness of the fines, suggesting that the governor's actions were retaliatory for allowing the rally to proceed. The board ultimately leaned towards contesting the fines, seeking an informal conference with OSHA to better understand the basis for the penalties and to assert their position against what they deemed arbitrary enforcement.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners recognized the importance of standing firm against the fines, viewing it as a matter of principle and a reflection of their commitment to local governance. The board's next steps will involve formal communication with OSHA, with the potential for further legal action if necessary. This situation underscores the ongoing tension between local authorities and state mandates during the pandemic, as Douglas County navigates its path forward amidst evolving public health challenges.