Top headlines to know from Board of County Commissioners meeting

Washoe County Public Guardian reappointed for another term

Reno, Nev. Oct. 24, 2017. The following report highlights several important agenda items from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting.

1. County Commissioners approve reappointment of the Washoe County Public Guardian.  The Washoe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the reappointment of the Washoe County Public Guardian, Susan DeBoer (pictured left).  

Since 2005 DeBoer has served as the Public Guardian with successive reappointments due to her experience, leadership in the field and ability to work collaboratively with the guardianship community. “Susan has demonstrated tremendous leadership in empowering the guardians in our community,” says John Listinsky, Director of Human Resources. “She  has achieved excellence in guardianship through many initiatives including the ‘Guardianship Roundtable’ bringing key stakeholders together to develop an education program for family guardians, amongst many other achievements.”

With nearly 300 cases that are ongoing annually in Washoe County, the Public Guardian fills a critical role for protected persons in our region.

“I am so privileged to be able to serve persons that are vulnerable in our community,” says DeBoer, regarding her reappointment to the position. “The people we serve don’t have anyone else in their life to assist them. With our small but compassionate team, we are able to help protect these people when they need it most.”

What is a Public Guardian? The Washoe County Public Guardian serves as a court-appointed guardian for vulnerable adults, 18 and older, who are unable to manage their personal or financial affairs. When a family member is unable or unwilling to serve as guardian, the Public Guardian fills the needed role.

What is Guardianship? Guardianship refers to a legal process that is used when a person can no longer make or communicate sound decisions about his/her person and/or property or has become susceptible to fraud or undue influence.

Someone I love may need a guardian, how do I get help? The Washoe County Public Guardian offers Family Guardianship Training for those who may be interested in learning more, as well as online Family Guardianship Training courses set to launch by the end of 2017. More information can also be found by contacting the Washoe County Public Guardian’s office.

2. Commissioners approve rural transportation program between RTC and Human Services Agency for seniors. County Commissioners approved a $29,000 agreement for the Non-Urbanized Paratransit Program. Through this invaluable program, the Human Services Agency’s Senior Services Division and the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) are teaming up to provide transportation for senior citizens and people with disabilities living in Gerlach and Incline Village.

“This agreement to continue funding this important transportation program shows the commitment our County Commission, RTC and Senior Services have when it comes to the needs of our elder population,” said Senior Services Division Director Ken Retterath. “A special thanks to RTC for working with Senior Services to provide transportation for our valued seniors.”

4. Amended meeting schedule for upcoming holidays approved. Commission approved to cancel the November 21, 2017 and December 26, 2017 Board of County Commission meetings.

###