Commissioners to take steps to dissolve the elected East Fork Township constable position

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Following a similar move in Washoe County, and a previous change in Tahoe Township, the Douglas County commissioners are reviewing a draft ordinance that would dissolve the elected position of constable for the Esat Fork township. The duties of the constable would be transferred to the Douglas County Sherrif's Office (DCSO).

Current Constable Paul Gilbert has held the elected office for ten, four-year terms and announced he would not seek re-election.

Washoe County commissions recently voted to abolish the constable position in Incline Village, and it will end at the end of the current constable's term this year.

The Office of the Constable for the Tahoe Township was abolished in 2003 and since that time Gilbert has provided support services for both the East Fork and Tahoe Townships. With Constable Gilbert’s decision to not run for re-election, the County Commissioners will consider abolishing the Office of Constable for the East Fork Township and having the Douglas County Sheriff, Dan Coverley, act as the ex officio Constable for both the Tahoe and East Fork Townships as allowed by NRS 258.010(3).

Although not required by statute, Constable Gilbert has received training from the Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission (POST). It is believed that continuing to have an individual with POST training serve as the ex officio Constable will be in the best interest of residents and will allow the services provided to be continued through oversight by DCSO.

Paul Gilbert will remain responsible for his duties through December 31, 2022, when his term expires and will work with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to transition duties. The ordinance requires two readings at a Board of County Commissioners Meeting, where the public will have the opportunity to comment.

The functions of the Constable’s Office are set by state statute; the office is prohibited by law from collecting any fees other than those specifically delineated in the statute under NRS 258. The responsibilities of the office include supporting the execution of documents, orders, and evictions that are issued out of the Justice Courts. The position is paid with County funds out of the General Fund.