Commission votes for annual leadership elections, caps grant administrative fees at 15%

The Nevada Commission on Off‑Highway Vehicles took two formal actions at its Oct. 1 meeting in Elko.

Elections: Commissioner Purcell moved that the commission hold elections every year for chair and vice chair at the first calendar meeting; a commissioner seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. The commission directed staff to draft election procedures and succession guidance and to run elections at or shortly after the first meeting of the year.

Administrative fees: Commissioners discussed whether to set a maximum administrative (indirect) fee for grant awards to simplify scoring and avoid inconsistent requests. Commissioner Rovago moved to cap administrative fees at 15% (the typical federal maximum) and included language allowing staff to apply a lower percentage in specific circumstances (for example, equipment‑heavy projects where a lower admin fee would be more competitive). The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Both measures were approved as procedural policy statements to guide staff and applicants. Staff will incorporate the administrative‑fee cap into the grant manual and implement the election procedures and succession guidance as drafted with legal counsel.

What this means: Grant applicants may request up to 15% for administrative/indirect costs on applications, but award panels or staff may reduce that percentage when appropriate. Leadership elections will occur annually at the commission meeting specified by staff after procedures are finalized.