Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission Meeting - February 4, 2026

The Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission (NNWPC) convened on February 4, 2026, at 1:31 PM. The meeting included a roll call establishing a quorum, a tribute to a deceased water industry figure, and unanimous approvals of the agenda and minutes. The commission discussed and recommended funding for two professional services agreements, accepted a feasibility study report, approved a tentative budget, and received an update on the regional water management plan revision schedule. All actions were forwarded to the Western Regional Water Commission (WRWC) where applicable.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda (Item 3): Motion by Commissioner Melton, second by Commissioner Crump. Unanimously approved.
• Approval of Minutes (Item 4): Minutes from the November 5, 2025, concurrent meeting of the Western Regional Water Commission and Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission were approved with a correction noting that a comment attributed to Commissioner Whitmer should be attributed to Commissioner Mixon. Motion by Commissioner Crump, second by Commissioner Flansburg. Unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Commissioner Flansburg delivered a tribute to George Ball, a recently deceased water engineer and former commission member. Flansburg highlighted Ball's 30-year career at the Washoe County Water Conservation District, his role in designing regional water tanks, his service on the original regional water planning commission, and his leadership on the state board of professional engineers. He noted Ball's legacy of infrastructure and community commitment. No other public comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Update to 2020 Integrated Source Water and 319(h) Watershed Protection Plan: Staff presented a scope of work and funding not to exceed $211,000 from the Regional Water Management Fund for a professional services agreement with Resource Concepts Inc. (RCI) to update the 2020 plan, implemented for over five years. Jill Sutherland (RCI) described Phase 1 (updating watershed profiles, maps, and website) and Phase 2 (engaging partners, updating performance tracking, and integrating with regional planning). Commissioner Whitmer noted that the staff report incorrectly referenced fiscal years 2006 and 2007 instead of 2026 and 2027, which staff will correct. Motion to approve and forward to WRWC by Commissioner Flansburg, second by Commissioner Steele. Unanimously passed.

• Item 6 – Raphtalis Final Report on Wastewater Regionalization Feasibility Study, Phase 1A: John Astracchio (Raphtalis) presented findings identifying regional challenges (constrained treatment capacity, effluent management, capital needs, rate disparities, stormwater management, interlocal agreement inefficiencies) and objectives (financial efficiency, integrated water management, operational optimization, strategic planning, consistent capacity for growth). Concerns about loss of local control, equity, governance complexity, staffing, and momentum were noted. Next steps include Phase 1B (validation of alternatives) and Phase 1C (detailed evaluation). Motion to accept the report and direct staff to present it to the WRWC by Commissioner Flansburg, second by Commissioner Crump. Unanimously passed.

• Item 7 – Funding for Phases 1B and 1C of Wastewater Regionalization Feasibility Study: Staff requested approval of a scope of work and funding not to exceed $475,000 from the Regional Water Management Fund for Raphtalis to conduct Phases 1B and 1C. $175,000 is budgeted for the remainder of fiscal year 2026 and $300,000 for fiscal year 2027, with rollover provisions. Motion by Commissioner Flansburg, second by Commissioner Woodmer. Unanimously passed.

• Item 8 – Draft WRWC Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Tentative Budget: Kim Rigdon presented the budget with total anticipated revenue of approximately $2.1 million (from 1.5% surcharge fees, up $96,000 from last cycle) and total estimated expenses of $3.9 million (up from $3.4 million, driven by new professional services contracts and cost-of-living increases). Beginning cash balance for FY27 is estimated at $2.6 million, with a projected ending cash balance of $732,068, covering the required six-month operating reserve. The professional services budget includes a new project for the watershed plan update (RCI) and the Raphtalis wastewater study. A $900,000 contingency covers TBD projects. Commissioner Flansburg noted that expenses exceed revenue but acknowledged the contingency and cash reserves. Motion to approve the tentative budget and forward to WRWC by Commissioner Flansburg, second by Commissioner Crump. Unanimously passed.

• Item 9 – Regional Water Management Plan Update and Schedule: Kim Rigdon presented an ambitious schedule: draft red-lined chapters will be brought to the commission starting March 2026, with a final draft presentation in September 2026, commission approval expected in October, a 30-day public review, a WRWC public hearing in December, and subsequent review by the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency. A new interactive website will launch by August/September. This item was for information only; no action taken.

• Item 10 – Future NNWPC Meeting Dates and Locations: Staff noted that the July 2026 meeting falls on July 4th week and will be canceled. A priority setting concurrent meeting with WRWC is scheduled for October 22, 2026 (Thursday morning). The November 4, 2026 meeting is reserved as a backup for the regional water plan update. No direction or motion was needed.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Agenda and Minutes: Unanimous.
• Approved Scope & Funding for Source Water Plan Update ($211,000): Unanimous, forwarded to WRWC.
• Accepted Raphtalis Phase 1A Report: Unanimous, directed staff to present to WRWC.
• Approved Scope & Funding for Wastewater Study Phases 1B/1C ($475,000): Unanimous, contingent on WRWC budget approval.
• Approved Tentative FY 2026-2027 Budget: Unanimous, forwarded to WRWC for adoption.
• Noted Update on Regional Water Management Plan Schedule: Information only.
• Set Future Meeting Dates: July 2026 canceled; October 22 priority setting meeting confirmed; November 4 reserved if needed.