Washoe County Board of Commissioners Meeting - November 18, 2025
Washoe County Board of Commissioners Meeting - November 18, 2025
The Washoe County Board of Commissioners met on November 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting included updates from Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue, a presentation on the Nevada housing crisis, and action on numerous consent items, voting system purchases, library budget discussions, and multiple ordinances. The meeting concluded at 4:15 p.m.
Consent Calendar
- Approved 13 items en bloc, including: budget amendments for tobacco prevention ($132,941.98), a behavioral health coordinator subgrant ($7,250), a CrossRoads programming interlocal agreement with the City of Reno ($77,840), acceptance of a supportive housing grant amendment, a $250 donation to Our Savior Lutheran Church for senior programs, a fund correction from the estate of Victor G. Bucher ($34,442), deobligation of $1,000,000 in Affordable Housing Trust Fund from American Covenant Housing Foundation, library grants for training ($4,508) and digital collections ($25,000), a $2,500 district grant to Born 2 Ball Basketball Academy, a Sheriff's Office forensic fee schedule, and multiple grant awards and interlocal contracts for dispatch and law enforcement services.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Fred Hinners (Family Counseling Service): Expressed concern that Washoe Human Services Agency canceled their annual $70,000 grant, which supports a representative payee program serving 150 clients. He noted the grant is a small fraction of the county budget.
- Terry Brooks: Commented on historical employment discrimination by gender.
- Amy Pulver & Eileen Eklund: Spoke in support of the Library Board's recommended FY2027 base budget, praising the process and the work of Assistant County Manager Dave Solero.
- Tara De Caros: Presented data showing Washoe County libraries are underfunded compared to national and state averages ($34 per person vs. $53 national average; 0.6 books per person vs. 8.6 state average).
- Adam Schiffendecker: Opposed a proposed grant to remodel the Sheriff's Office to create space for ICE, arguing it would erode trust between law enforcement and vulnerable communities.
- Jessica Ruano: Alleged harassment from a probation officer and requested intervention.
- Community members on voting equipment: Several speakers opposed Items 10 and 11, asking for local control of ballot printing and expressing concerns about the new Liberty Vote ballot marking devices, citing transparency and security questions.
- Cliff Nellis & Todd Bailey: Supported the manager's contract but called for full disclosure of total compensation costs.
- Residents on library funding: Multiple speakers urged the commission to support the proposed library budget, highlighting the libraries' role in education, public access, and community services.
- Tammy & Joe Ingraham (retired DAS Chief): Opposed dissolving the Department of Alternative Sentencing, arguing the Sheriff's Office lacks authority for warrantless searches and that the department's work is critical for recidivism reduction.
- Mark Wickman (DAS Association President): Argued the dissolution is punitive, not financial, noting the department has been cleared by the U.S. Secret Service and questioning the efficiency of proposed private vendor (AverHealth).
- Evelyn Grosnick (Public Defender): Expressed concerns about warrantless searches but praised the inclusive stakeholder process moving forward.
- Judge Riggs: Expressed support for the court's pretrial services unit to potentially take over supervision responsibilities.
Discussion Items
- Fuel Management Update (TMFPD): Chief Edwards reported that the fall green waste program collected 894 loads (over 4,200 cubic yards), with more than 700 loads from Washoe Valley and Silver Lake. The curbside chipping program served 110 properties. Open burning season has been extended from November 3 through April 30. TMFPD is partnering with the Firefighters Foundation for holiday toy drives (Dec 11-15).
- Housing Crisis Presentation: Maurice Page (Nevada Housing Coalition) presented data showing Nevada has the second-worst affordable housing rate in the nation (14 affordable units per 100 residents). Washoe County faces a shortage of approximately 16,000 units. 86% of extremely low-income renters are severely cost-burdened. Page highlighted key legislative wins from the 2025 session: AB 366 (permanent supportive housing fund, minimum $20M/year), AB 540 (Nevada Housing Attainable Act, $133M for missing middle homes), and AB 62 (technical improvements to state tax credits). He noted that HUD's new Continuum of Care NOFO may shift funding away from permanent supportive housing, potentially affecting 88 households in Washoe County.
- EDAWN Letter of Intent (Item 9): The board approved (3-2) a non-binding letter of intent with EDAWN to develop a framework for using surplus county land for housing and other community benefits. Commissioners Clark and Herman voted no, arguing the process should go through open-market competitive bidding.
- Election Items (Items 10 & 11): The board approved (4-1) a motion to use state-purchased ballots from ProVote Solutions for the 2026 elections, citing cost savings of approximately $200,000. Item 11 was approved (4-1) to transition from VVPAT-equipped machines to ICX Ballot Marking Devices (BMDs) costing $1,764,619.70, with an annual software license extension of $357,821.36 through 2030. The equipment will be funded through the Capital Improvement Fund. County Manager Thomas noted this will require additional warehouse space, to be addressed in December.
- County Manager Employment Agreement (Item 14): Approved as part of the consent block vote. Kate Thomas will serve a two-year term starting December 1, 2025, with an annual salary of $338,998.40 (a ~10% increase from her assistant manager salary, ~1% less than the prior manager).
- Library Budget Discussion (Item 12): The board discussed the Library Board of Trustees' request for a FY2027 base budget of $17,674,078 (General Fund $14,374,168 + Library Expansion Fund $3,299,910), adjusted for contractual obligations. Commissioners expressed support for the request, noting it keeps funding flat while allowing the new library director to develop a strategic plan. This item was for discussion only.
- Alternative Sentencing (Item 21): After a public hearing, the board voted unanimously to repeal Chapter 11 (Alternative Sentencing) effective January 1, 2026. Functions will be redistributed to the Sheriff's Office, Human Services Agency, and the Second Judicial District Court's pretrial services. County Manager Thomas committed to providing monthly updates to the board.
- Housing Incentives (Item 19): Introduced (first reading) of an ordinance adding a senior housing use type to the Washoe County Code, defined as housing where at least 80% of units are occupied by someone 55+. A 25% density bonus was established in exchange for a 20-year deed restriction. A public hearing for second reading is set for December 16, 2025.
- Fire Code Update (Item 20): Introduced (first reading) an ordinance updating the International Fire Code and International Wildland-Urban Interface Code from 2018 to 2024 editions, with local modifications. Second reading set for December 16, 2025.
- Three Development Agreements (Items 22-24): Adopted on second reading: Silver Hills (extend final map deadline to August 24, 2029, 4-1), Montreux 2000 (extend to July 24, 2026, unanimous), and Petersen Village (extend to September 7, 2027, unanimous).
Key Outcomes
- Approved consent calendar items unanimously.
- Approved EDAWN letter of intent (3-2).
- Approved use of state-procured ballots for 2026 elections (4-1).
- Approved transition to ICX ballot marking devices (4-1).
- Adopted ordinance repealing Alternative Sentencing Chapter 11, effective Jan 1, 2026 (unanimous).
- Introduced senior housing density bonus ordinance (first reading).
- Introduced fire code update ordinance (first reading).
- Adopted three development agreements: Silver Hills (4-1), Montreux 2000 (unanimous), Petersen Village (unanimous).
- The board acknowledged the library budget discussion and committed to further strategic planning.
- County Manager Thomas committed to monthly updates on the Alternative Sentencing transition.
- Next meeting scheduled for December 9, 2025.
Meeting Transcript
Good morning, everyone. It is 1001, and I will call this Board of County Commissioners meeting to order on November 18th, 2025. We'll start with a salute to the flag. If Commissioner Garcia could please lead us. Please join me in the salute to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. Thank you very much. Madam Clerk, if you could help us with the roll call. Certainly. Thank you. Alexis Hill Chair. Here. Jean Herman Vice Chair. Here. Commissioner Clark. Present. Commissioner Garcia. Commissioner Andreola. Present. Interim County Manager Kate Thomas. Here. And Chief Deputy DA Mike Large. Here. And I'm Jan Gallisini, your county clerk. Madam, you have a quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. We'll now go into item three, which is our invocation. It will be given by Jason Gunasso. Welcome. Thank you, Madam Chair. A reading from the book of Micah, verse uh chapter six, verse eight. He has shown you what is good, and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Would you bow with me and pray? Heavenly Father, your prophet Micah declared what you require of us to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you. May these words provide guidance and encouragement to all who gather here today. Lord, we ask that you would bless and give each of these commissioners, Chair Hill, Vice Chair Herman, Commissioner Clark, Commissioner Garcia, and Commissioner Andreola. Give them wisdom that surpasses even their own understanding. Grant them courage to make difficult decisions, compassion to see those most affected by their choices, and humility to recognize their dependence on you. As your servant Catherine Booth, the co-founder and mother of the Salvation Army once said, To better the future, we must disturb the present. So, Father, as this board considers matters of housing and homelessness, public safety and fire protection, behavioral health services and support for the most vulnerable. Uh neighbors, give them wholly discontent with any status quo that leaves people suffering. Where there is need, let them see it clearly. Where there is injustice, give them resolve to address it. And where there are solutions that require courage, strengthen their head, their heart, and their hands to make tough decisions, to take bold actions, and to do the hard work required of them, regardless of whether the solution is popular and regardless of whether the solution would come with a political cost. May this board always put the people they serve over the politics of the day. We also pray for the staff who prepare the reports, who research the issues, and serve this community day after day, many of whose names we will never know, but whose work touches countless lives. Bless each of them, each of the staff members and their families, as they faithfully serve our community, and please keep them safe and encourage them. We pray for our county manager Kate Thomas, for Chief Edwards and all of our firefighters, for Sheriff Balam and his team of dedicated sheriff's deputies, the technology specialists, the human resource workers, and all those who labor to serve this community in ways that are both seen and unseen. Bless the work of their hands, and may your grace and peace rest upon them and their families. We pray for those who will be impacted by the decisions made today by this county commission for the families seeking affordable housing, for the seniors needing services, for those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, for students using our libraries and for neighborhoods protected by our first responders.
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