Top 5 Things to Know about the State of the County Presentation

Watch the replay of County Manager John Slaughter's annual address.

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016. During the annual State of the County presentation on Tuesday, Washoe County Manager John Slaughter highlighted the County’s plans for the future, called the County’s financial status fiscally sound yet challenged and announced an expansion of services for seniors. All projects and services highlighted throughout the State of the County presentation align with the Board of County Commissioners’ Strategic Plan.

Watch the Replay of the 2016 State of the County

During the presentation, Slaughter announced the following:

1. Funding for parks

Washoe County’s Fiscal Year 16-17 budget includes more than $13 million in funding to improve parks.

Thanks to this funding, the development of North Valleys Regional Park will continue. The next phase will include additional baseball fields, flat fields, and an addition to the trail system and parking area.

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park will get a much-needed upgrade to the irrigation system.

Seven playgrounds will undergo much needed renovations, including Rancho San Rafael, Bowers Mansion and South Valleys Regional Parks; Tahoe East Shore Bike Path; and the greenhouse at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

2. Washoe County Federal Public Lands Bill

Slaughter said Washoe County will be working with the Nevada Congressional Delegation, the cities of Sparks and Reno, the Washoe County School District, and other diverse stakeholders to support a well-balanced approach to a Washoe County Federal Public Lands Bill.

The Public Lands Bill will not only create economic development opportunities, but will preserve and promote recreation on public lands by providing funding for habitat restoration, designating appropriate wilderness areas, mitigating wildfire hazard reduction and supporting other conservation efforts.

Washoe County is hosting two open houses about the Public Lands Bill at the Washoe County Administration Complex September 16 and 19.  

3. Washoe 311

Washoe 311 is now online, and later this year we will provide an easy number to call to get in touch with us. Washoe 311 provides a direct dialogue between County staff and the citizens we serve. Washoe 311 is a non-emergency, service center that will assist citizens with County government service requests and general information. Whether you are asking about an issue related to County roads or parks, or have questions for any Washoe County services such as voter registration, property assessment or senior services, this fall, the public will be able to call Washoe 311 for immediate assistance. Citizens are welcome to use our online form now and email Washoe County at washoe311@washoecounty.us.

4. Crossroads for Seniors

The Board of County Commissioners approved the expansion of Crossroads for the senior population.

Washoe County Social Services is offering additional beds at the Sierra Regional Center Campus in Sparks. The space will help the Temporary Assistance to Displaced Seniors population in collaboration with the State’s Department of Health and Human Services. More info on Crossroads can be found here.

5. Sober 24

The Board of County Commissioners approved a building to open the Sober 24 Drug and Alcohol Testing Center. The goal of Sober 24 is to combat the negative impact alcohol and drug abuse plays in our community, through drug and alcohol testing. The Center opened last month and is currently testing 150 people a day with a goal of testing over 1,000 individuals a day by June 2017. 

“I am excited about the upcoming fiscal year,” said Washoe County Manager John Slaughter. “We have several, new projects in the works that will facilitate economic development and enhance communication between staff and our valued citizens. Although we took a fiscally conservative approach to this year’s budget, I am confident it provides the County with the resources needed to impact citizens in a positive way every day and yet continue to remain financially prudent as well.”

A complete list of department accomplishments is available online. The State of the County presentation has been published online as well.

Watch all videos produced by WCTV that highlight parks, economic development, volunteers, Search and Rescue, the new Medical Examiner’s Office and more.

Additional facts to know

• County maintains highest bond rating in Northern Nevada among local governments
• General Fund expenditures for FY 16-17 budget grew one percent
• First balanced General Fund budget in six years
• $12 million new WC Regional Medical Examiner and Coroner’s Office ribbon cutting ceremony in December
• County manages 46 parks, 12 trailheads and two golf courses

Following the State of the County presentation at Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, County Commissioners proclaimed its congratulations to the University of Nevada Wolf Pack on the 50^th anniversary of Mackay Stadium.

The Wolf Pack is celebrating their 50^th anniversary of Mackay Stadium by unveiling a new state-of-the-art video board and sound system. University of Nevada Athletic Director Doug Knuth, the Nevada Cheer Team and Wolfie were in attendance for the reading of the proclamation.

“It’s an exciting time at our rapidly growing university, in research and education but particularly in athletics,” Knuth said. “This year we commemorate 50 years of great Mackay memories with our renovation of the stadium. This proclamation is so special for us because of the partnership we have with the County and we are thankful for your support.”

Washoe County is a huge supporter of the University of Nevada through its many partnerships and Wolf Pack Friday, when employees are encouraged to wear silver and blue. Go Pack!