Reno County health officer says she will propose local mask order if governor's authority lapses

Interim Reno County Health Officer Karen Hammersmith told commissioners on Sept. 8 she would prepare a local mask order mirroring the governor's current requirements if the statewide order expires.

Legal counsel explained the statutory context discussed in the meeting: House Bill 2016 extended certain emergency authorities through Sept. 15 and tied executive orders (referenced in the meeting as 20-52 and 20-59) to that declaration. Counsel said that if the governor's emergency authority is not extended, the county health officer retains authority to issue a local health order but the county commission can nullify a local order under the amended law, making collaboration with the board of health important.

"I would propose that we would go ahead and make a mask order if the governor's order does run out," Hammersmith said, adding the county would follow the governor's order if it remains in effect.

Commissioners discussed the interplay between county guidance and school boards, noting the attorney general's opinion that school boards retain authority over many reopening and athletics decisions. Commissioners urged clearer communication so districts, parents and the public understand who sets which rules.

County staff requested the health officer draft a proposed local health order in case the governor's order is not renewed; the commission scheduled a follow-up to consider any proposed county order at next week's meeting. Officials said the state's pending grant awards and testing results would also inform next steps.

The commission did not adopt a local order Sept. 8; the health officer will return with written recommendations if state authority lapses.