The following are highlights from today’s Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting:
1. General Election Update: Registrar of Voters Andrew McDonald provided an update on the upcoming General Election. All mail ballots have been mailed to voters, and early voting begins October 17. There will be 18 Vote Centers for early voting and 41 Vote Centers on Election Day.
Washoe County is utilizing “super centers” this election: six locations that have more parking and at least 20 voting booths and additional check-in stations. Washoe County is also the only county in Nevada to offer curbside voting for those with limited mobility.
McDonald urged voters to vote early to avoid long lines on Election Day or to return their mail ballot early. More than 20 percent of mail ballots were received on Election Day in the Primary Election this year. The creates a bottleneck in processing the ballots and can delay results. Learn about Washoe County’s “Don’t Wait, Washoe!” campaign here.
“I love the ‘Don’t Wait, Washoe!’ campaign, I commend you and the team and Manager Thomas for your leadership on that,” Commissioner Alexis Hill said.
2. Fire hazmat cleanup: In response to the recent wildfires, Washoe County contracted with Hero Environmental LLC to clear hazardous household waste from burned properties. The Board of County Commissioners authorized the emergency procurement process for the contract that is not to exceed $347,500. Hero has cleared approximately 70 homes so far and has just over 50 more to clear.
3. Lake Tahoe clarity program: The Board approved the Interlocal Agreement to Implement the Lake Tahoe Total Maximum Daily Load – Water Years 2027-2031, an agreement between Washoe County and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. The agreement continues Washoe County’s commitment to participate in an urban stormwater pollutant load reduction program at Lake Tahoe.
Water clarity at Lake Tahoe has decreased over the last 30-plus years due to introduction of fine sediment and elements in urban stormwater runoff flowing into the lake. The clarity program was established in 2011 to limit the introduction of these pollutants and includes five-year milestones. The third five-year period expires on Sept. 30, 2026, so this new agreement covers the next five-year milestone period.
Since its beginning, Washoe County has secured grants for the design and construction of new stormwater quality and erosion control within the Lake Tahoe Basin. However, the majority of the grant funding has been utilized, and new resources are not being allocated to stormwater treatment, leaving the financial burden to local jurisdictions. Washoe County will need to pursue alternative funding opportunities to continue to construct and manage the necessary infrastructure to meet the requirements of the agreement. Annual management and operations costs for FY27 are estimated to be between $300,000 and $600,000, depending on seasonal factors and resulting operational and maintenance demands. Additionally, the CSD Engineering Division provides management and technical support as part of the agreement at an approximate cost of $60,000 annually.
4. Sun Valley pedestrian safety project: The Board awarded a contract to Sierra Nevada Construction (SNC) for the Sidehill Drive Pedestrian Improvements Project. The contract for just over $498,000 is to construct approximately 1,000 linear feet of sidewalk in Sun Valley from Mineral Avenue to Quartz Lane providing a safer, more accessible pedestrian route for residents and students near Bennett Elementary School and is primarily funded via a $495,250.00 award of Community Development Block Grant funding obtained by Washoe County. SNC was determined to be the lowest responsive, responsible bidder.
5. Nevada Tahoe Conservation District Board of Supervisors appointment: The Board approved the appointment of Vinita Busse to serve as Washoe County’s alternate member on the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District (NTCD) Board of Supervisors. Busse will replace Vice Chair Mariluz Garcia on the board.
NTCD is a non-regulatory, grant-funded local government agency that works in partnership with federal, state and local agencies to implement conservation programs within the Nevada portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin. It supports natural resource conservation, watershed protection, water quality improvements and environmental stewardship through various projects and programs
6. Proclamations: The Board declared October as Cyber Security Awareness Month, and Chair Clara Andriola read and presented the proclamation to Washoe County Technology Services staff. The theme of this year’s proclamation is “Securing the Next 250” in a nod to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“Cyber security is a shared responsibility and protecting county information starts with each and every one of us. We truly appreciate any opportunity to recognize awareness, so thank you so much,” Washoe County CIO Behzad Zamanian said. “The timing could not be better because we are in the process of hiring the first cyber security officer for Washoe County.”
7. Donations: The Board approved the donation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon equipment, valued at $27,000, from the Caughlin Ranch Homeowners Association for installation at Caughlin Parkway and Plateau Road. The equipment will provide additional visibility and warning to motorists when pedestrians are crossing the roadway.
The Board also approved the donation of 1,000 pre-packaged meals valued around $10,000 from Chartwells and the University of Nevada, Reno. The meals were utilized by individuals at the CrossRoads program, the Our Place Campus and the Washoe County Detention Facility.
8. District Funds: The Board approved the following allocations of District Special Funds:
- $10,000 From District 1 to Baby’s Bounty to support Northern Nevada Diaper Bank;
- $10,000 from District 2 to Katie Grace Foundation to support acts of kindness and charity in the community.
