Top headlines from the Board of County Commissioners meeting

Commissioners issue numerous proclamations of thanks for public service

Reno, Nev. Dec. 18, 2018. The following report highlights several important agenda items from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting:

1. Board of County Commissioners issue several proclamations of gratitude and thanks for public service. The Board of County Commissioners made three proclamations to thank outgoing public servants for their time and dedication to the people of Washoe County.  

Proclamation for Washoe County Recorder, Larry Burtness. With a distinguished career at Washoe County, serving as Recorder since 2013 and serving in Imaging and Records Management since 1996, Burtness has also earned national recognition for his innovation and dedication to preserving records. With numerous national and international awards and achievements, including being the first Recorder’s Office in the nation to utilize blockchain technology, Burtness was honored with a proclamation.

Proclamation to Sheriff Chuck Allen. During his 29 years in law enforcement and last four years as Washoe County Sheriff, Chuck Allen has served the community with key programs, partnerships and initiatives to improve public safety throughout the region. Commissioners were proud to recognize all of his accomplishments and his years of public service with a proclamation of gratitude.

Proclamation for Judge Patricia Lynch. After 12 years of service in the Reno Justice Court, Justice of the Peace, Judge Patricia Lynch has announced her retirement. As a former Reno City Attorney for over 20 years, Deputy Attorney General, Deputy City Attorney and numerous other posts, Judge Lynch leaves a legacy of service to Washoe County.

2. County Commission accepts generous donations and a grant from the Pennington Foundation. Commissioners accepted the following donation and grant as follows:

• Donation to Second Judicial District Court Reading Room Project in the form of twelve mural paintings from local artist Kandyce Ray valued at $3,000 from Ms. Ray to provide a friendlier and warmer space for children and families involved in court proceedings.
• Commissioners also accepted a grant award from the William N. Pennington Foundation in the amount of $171,340 to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit for the purchase of equipment, including sonar and subsurface equipment.

3. Commissioners direct Special District Funds. Commissioners approved the Special District Fund disbursement for Chair Marsha Berkbigler in the amount of $15,000 to benefit the following grants:

•             Nevada Tahoe Conservation District to support educational efforts and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), the calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant to a waterbody to ensure the waterbody meets water quality standards.

“I am sure that everybody that uses the Tahoe Basin whether in the Chair’s district, Douglas County or California districts, really appreciate your support and willingness to always Keep Tahoe Blue,” says Vice-Chair Kitty Jung.

Each year, Commissioners receive an allocation of $20,000 for each Commission District also known as Special District Funds. Commissioners may spend these funds on needs that benefit all Washoe County residents.

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