Top headlines from the Board of County Commissioners meeting

Commissioners approve final budget, update on recruitment for County Manager and more

Reno, Nev. May 21, 2019. The following report highlights several important agenda items from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting:

1. Board of County Commissioners approve direction for recommended FY2020 final budget. Commissioners heard a presentation on the recommended FY2020 budget, which included a $717 million structurally balanced budget, new positions and major capital improvement projects.

53 New Positions Added.  The FY2020 budget includes the largest number of new positions since pre-recession years to meet the needs of a growing region. Some of the new positions include:

• 6 Sheriff’s Deputies
• 5 District Attorney positions, including 3 Deputy District Attorneys
• 3 Alternative Sentencing/Sober 24 positions
• 2 Assessor’s Office positions
• 25 Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (NNAMHS) campus positions

Funding for NNAHMS Campus Project. The Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services Campus, or NNAMHS campus, is a project that seeks to address mental health issues within the homeless population and expand the successful Crossroads program to treat substance abuse issues. Homeless women, children, pregnant women and families that are currently staying at the Community Assistance Center in downtown Reno will move to the new NNAMHS campus early next year, where they will receive shelter, critical services and specialized programming. In addition, the NNAMHS campus programming will result in additional beds becoming available at the downtown Reno shelter on Record St. for homeless men.

Washoe County is investing over $11 million in this critical capital project, in addition to the 25 staff positions and other one-time expenses, for a total FY2019 & FY2020 investment of nearly $19 million. 

Other Capital Projects. The FY2020 budget for major capital improvement projects totals $149 million. In addition to the NNAMHS campus project, other capital projects include:

• $49.5 million for the South Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility Expansion project
• Nearly $5 million for various Parks and Open Space projects
• $8.7 million for Roads and Equipment Fleet projects

Washoe County is committed to providing regional leadership and quality customer service for its residents while recognizing fiscal sustainability as a strategic priority. The Board of County Commissioners approved the final FY2020 budget and will be submitted to the State of Nevada before June 1, 2019.

2. Washoe County recognized for prestigious Budget Award. The Washoe County Budget Office has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. This prestigious award represents a significant achievement illustrating Washoe County has met the highest standards of governmental budgeting. Washoe County has met the nationally recognized guidelines in four categories with 14 criteria, serving as a model of excellence for government budgeting across the nation. This is the 17^th year Washoe County has received the award.

3. Commissioners provide direction on County Manager recruitment. Commissioners heard an update from the Human Resources team. Human Resources received 17 applications for the position, with 11 applicants meeting the minimum qualifications for the position based on the application materials which were submitted. After discussion, Commissioners decided to open the recruitment process to an executive search firm to produce a larger pool of applicants. The 11 applicants who had previously applied will be included in the pool of candidates. An updated timeline will be presented to Commissioners from Human Resources. 

4. County Commissioners approve appointments and re-appointments. The Board of County Commissioners approved the following appointments and re-appointments:

• Re-appointment of Lisa Gianoli, to serve a second, four-year term on the Reno Airport Authority in accordance with Chapter 474 of the Special Acts of Nevada Revised Statutes. The term will begin on July 1, 2019 and end on June 30, 2023.
• Appointment of Randy Brown, to fill a two-year term on the Washoe County Audit Committee, to begin on June 1, 2019 to end on May 31, 2021.
• Appointment of Matthew Buehler, to fill a two-year term on the Washoe County Audit Committee, to begin on June 1, 2019 to end on May 31, 2021.
• Re-appointment of Denise Jacobsen, to fill a two-year term on the Washoe County Audit Committee, to begin on August 1, 2019 to end on July 31, 2021. 

• Chair Vaughn Hartung is directing funds in the amount of $17,323 Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to support the Special Weapons And Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.). The SWAT Team is a corps of highly-trained personnel used in support of operations throughout the Sheriff's Office. The Team members utilize a variety of new technology and weapons for the varied tactical encounters they face.
• Commissioner Kitty Jung is directing funds in the amount of $14,000, with $500 benefitting the Sierra Arts Foundation for the Senior Citizens Picnic, and $13,500 to the Sun Valley General Improvement District to support their recreational programs.
• Commissioner Jeanne Herman is directing funds in the amount of $2,500, with $1,250 to the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada to support Washoe County 4-H Livestock Leaders, and $1,250 to support Washoe County 4-H youth members as they pursue their personal goals to learn about the horse industry and affiliated programs and or careers.

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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