January 18, 2021 The Board of Commissioners in a 4-1 vote directed staff to begin the process to legalize escort services in unincorporated Lyon County. The agenda item was requested by Commissioner Ken Gary who explained that he is not pro-brothels but believes that brothels are the only business singled out to remain closed throughout the COVID response. Gray commented that wants to give them some ability to survive as a business.

District Attorney Steve Rye explained that there are a number of concerns with an ordinance revision for a short term problem.  Why only the brothels would be allowed by County Code to operate an Escort Service and not allow other Escort businesses, there are currently no processes and procedures would have to be developed to license and regulate the Escort Services as current County Code does not address them, and enforcement of County Code requirements out side of unincorporated Lyon County.

A number of County's either have no prohibition or authorization for escort services, some allow it by code and others disallow. Storey County brothel code does allow for non-sexual escort services and that code was in effect prior to COVID restrictions. Rye suggested the Board consider a resolution authorizing the non-sexual escort services for a short period of time. The Board directed staff, in a 4-1 decision (Commissioner Rob Jacobson opposing)  to bring back a resolution addressing  authorizing non sexual escort services in unincorporated Lyon County and to address developing the processes to license and regulate the escort services.