The following are highlights from today’s Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting:
1. County Recorder presents update to Board: Washoe County Recorder Kalie Work provided an overview of her office and its role in local government to the Board today. The Recorder’s mission is “to record, permanently preserve and provide convenient access to public records with superior quality and efficient customer service.” These public documents include property records, financing documents, maps, mining claims, and marriage certificates.
In FY25, a staff of approximately 24 employees fielded more than 22,000 calls from the public and recorded more than 100,000 documents.
The Recorder’s Office is currently undertaking an in-house digitization project to scan and index marriage records dating back to 1861. In 2021, the Recorder launched a recording notification service for Washoe County homeowners. Upon registration, property owners will receive an automatic email alert when a document is recorded, helping to avert property scams and fraud.
2. Board approves interlocal agreement to form a board to study regional fire service: The Board voted unanimously to enter an interlocal agreement with the City of Reno and City of Sparks to form a board that will study regional fire and emergency services options. This is a directive in Senate Bill 319 passed by the Nevada State Legislature earlier this year. The Interlocal Agreement formalizes the formation of the board – its structure, responsibilities, and cost-sharing arrangement – that will conduct a comprehensive study and report by December 31, 2026. Washoe County is to serve as the administrative lead for the SB319 Study Board.
3. Board approves donations to Regional Parks & Open Space: The following donations were received by Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space, totaling just over $43,000:
- $22,068.50 from various donors for the Lazy 5 Summer Music Series, Come In From The Cold, and general donations for North Valleys Regional Park, Bowers Regional Park, and Lazy 5 Park;
- $33.05 from the donation drop box at the May Museum;
- $17,660 from the May Foundation to reimburse for Past Perfect Software, Manpower purchase order, and advertising;
- $1,992.50 from the closure of an old Museum Gift Store account;
- $1,625 from various donors to the Arboretum for bricks, and general maintenance and support for Regional Parks and Open Space programs and facilities.
4. Board approves allocation of District 2 Special Funds: Commissioner Mike Clark recommended a $2,500 grant from the District 2 Special Funds to Reno Initiative for Shelter & Equality (RISE) to support Laundry to the People and its mission of aiding unhoused individuals with laundry service. RISE is also the contracted service provider for Washoe County’s CrossRoads programs.
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