Top headlines from the Board of County Commissioners Meeting

Washoe County Manager presents first initial assessment to Commissioners

Reno, Nev. June 16, 2020. The following highlights several important agenda items from the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting:

1. Washoe County Manager provides 6-month assessment presentation. Washoe County Commissioners heard a presentation from Eric Brown, Washoe County Manager, per his employment contract, outlining a six-month assessment of Washoe County organization, operations and policies.

Brown’s presentation provided an overview including a recap of his first six months, employee outreach, the COVID-19 response and crisis management. The presentation also included an assessment which looked at next steps and upcoming initiatives including the COVID-19 financial impact, strategic planning, program auditing, technology and communication enhancements.

“This will be a year of recovery and stabilization,” said Washoe County Manager Eric Brown. “We have to be realistic in our expectations in terms of new programs. However, we are well-positioned to handle the change. To all of the Commissioners, you have been very helpful and I appreciate all of the support that you have provided.”

Brown’s assessment of technology found the need for investments into software and hardware currently at the end of life, as well as investing in technologies to make the workforce more agile, productive and prioritizing digital process innovations similarly to maintenance and capital spending. Additionally, future priorities include community outreach with connections to special populations and underserved communities, employee development to expand professional development and leadership training, as well as process improvements to emphasize organizational accountability and reduce risk.

Additionally, Brown admitted that regional dynamics are a current challenge. With large issues like homelessness and economic diversification issues, he expressed a key focus of his will be to further establish and maintain positive working relationships and greater communication to reach solutions and foster regional collaboration.

“I applaud you for all you’ve done,” said Bob Lucey, Commission Chair. “I have worked side by side with you over the last four months I think from my standpoint you truly understand the complications and already have provided a thorough way to bridge those gaps. These challenges have not been fun to address, but needed, and I like the direction you’re going, and this Board remains united behind you.”

2. Commissioners approved laundry contract for Our Place homeless housing project clients.

County Commissioners approved a one-year, $115,000 laundry agreement between Human Services Agency (HSA) and Qual Econ, U.S.A. The contract between the two entities is effective from June 8, 2020 through June 30, 2021.

This contract will provide laundry services for clients staying at the Our Place Campus. Qual Econ U.S.A. will provide clean towels, bedding and custodial linens that will be used for the women temporarily staying in the dormitory and walk-in clients who may or may not stay in the dormitory, as well as clients who are interested in engaging with the shelter services who need to shower prior to them being admitted into the shelter.

The Our Place homeless housing project will officially host a press conference this Wednesday to announce their opening.

3. The Board of County Commissioners accepted the following donations:

• Donations to Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space in the amount of $8,692.35 from various businesses and individuals for Regional Parks & Opens Space programs and facilities.
• Donations to Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $9,000 from the Sun Valley General Improvement District to be used to assist with abandoned vehicle removal and abatement efforts.
• Donations to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $1,855 from private citizens as appreciation donations to the Sheriff’s Office.
• Donations to the Washoe County Human Services Agency in the amount of $3,000 from Safe Kids Worldwide to support the purchase of home safety kits for families in need.
• Donations to the Washoe County Human Services Agency valued at $5,500 and $71 to support the operation of Washoe County Senior Centers.
• Donations to the Washoe County Human Services Agency valued at $1,713 and $2,317.25 to support child welfare activities.

###