Top 5 things you need to know from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting

Commissioners approve tax settlement with owners of Reno Aces Ballpark.

Reno, Nevada. April 28, 2015. The following report highlights several important agenda items from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, April 28. Videos of County Commission meetings are replayed regularly on WCTV (Charter Ch. 193). You may also watch videos-on-demand online.

1. Settlement agreement regarding property taxes for Aces Ballpark. Washoe County Commissioners and the owners of the Reno Aces Ballpark have come to an agreement for the settlement on 5 years of unpaid property taxes. Commissioners unanimously voted to accept the settlement which calls for the owners of the Aces to pay more than $1.9 million in back taxes.
   
   Full details can be viewed online. Highlights from the settlement include:
   
   • Reno Aces Baseball would pay the entire amount of the property taxes assessed for the 2009-2014 tax years (amount currently outstanding) for a total of $1,946,049.36.
   • Penalties, interest and costs totaling approximately $803,678 are waived.
   • If Reno Aces Baseball keeps its future property taxes current and complies with terms of the settlement agreement, Washoe County will contribute to the stadium authority the portion of the proceeds of the stadium parcel attributable to the County general fund; approximately $75,000 to $80,000 for the 2015/16 tax year.
   
   Chair Marsha Berkbigler said it’s vital that a portion of the settlement goes towards the currently unfunded Stadium Authority. “There are a number of things that can come under this oversight group; an unfunded stadium authority is useless. This is a very good deal for the citizens of Washoe County – had we had to hire a tax lawyer it would’ve cost considerably more than the $800,000 that we are waiving in penalties and interest.”
   
   The President of Reno Aces, Eric Edelstein said, “While it was a lengthy negotiation with the County, we are hopeful we can put this issue to rest and turn our collective focus to growing this very successful regional attraction and its surroundings.  We look forward to building on the important work of enhancing community events at Aces Ballpark and continuing to provide quality family friendly entertainment for the region for years to come.”
    
2. County Manager’s recommended Fiscal Year 2015-16 Budget and Capital Improvements Plan.  The County Commission was presented budget recommendations for the next fiscal year.  The highlights include:
   
   • Add 60 full time positions aligning with Board of County Commission Strategic Goals and Fiscal Year 2016 Initiatives.
   • Increase investment in quality of life with 19 parks capital projects totaling $4.2 million dollars.
   • Public Safety: Sheriff’s Office, Alternate Sentencing and Medical Examiner resource additions bolster community safety and health, including funding for the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Program.
   • Business Facilitator position added to meet growing economic development and diversification within Washoe County.
   • Citizen call center for Washoe County to improve response to requests from residents and business owners.
   
   The Washoe County Manager will present his recommended final budget to the Commission during a public hearing scheduled for May 18.
    
3. Senior Services will partner with Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada for the operation of Senior Nutrition Programs. Meals on Wheels and the congregate meal programs will be transitioning to a partnership with Catholic Charities for operation of the Senior Nutrition program. The Board authorized Senior Services to prepare the transition plan with Catholic Charities as the primary source for meals as federal funding has been dropping due to budget cuts. 
   
   Senior Services Director Grady Tarbutton said working with a non-profit for management of the Senior Nutrition Program will allow for increased funding to serve more meals to homebound seniors. “Today we serve about 335,000 meals per year through the Washoe County Meals on Wheels program. Through this partnership with Catholic Charities we are expecting this project to add up to 70,000 meals, and that’s a conservative estimate.”
   
   The program would start July 1, 2015.
    
4. Amendments to Washoe County Code regarding larger and/or illuminated signs. The Washoe County Commission asked staff to report back in the near future with clear definitions for “billboards” and “large scale projects” as they relate to Regional, Recreation, Travel and Tourism (RRTT) signs.
    
5. Second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending Washoe County Code Chapter 55 related to the managed care of feral cats. The Board approved an ordinance amending Washoe County Code Chapter 55 regarding the managed care of feral cats. The ordinance also changes the definitions of “nuisance” and “owner.”

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