Julia Ratti

This 2017 Summer Retreat document for the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners served to review prior fiscal year accomplishments and define strategic priorities for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18). The strategic direction encompasses six core goals: enhancing employee engagement, promoting proactive economic development and diversification, investing in critical infrastructure for safe communities, preparing for the impacts of legal marijuana, fostering a unified leadership team, and providing comprehensive services for vulnerable populations. The plan aims to achieve sustainable programs, balanced economic growth, effective management of community impacts, strengthened regional leadership, and improved citizen services over the next three-plus years.

The meeting included a public comment session addressing concerns regarding sample ballot consistency, rural internet access, and the taxation of electric vehicles and charging stations to support road funding. The board also received a presentation on public safety, fire prevention strategies, and fuel moisture monitoring, followed by a report from the Regional Transportation Commission regarding their metropolitan planning organization responsibilities, the 2050 regional transportation plan, funding sources including fuel and sales taxes, and ongoing road construction and maintenance projects.

The meeting included an invocation, a department update from the Fire Chief regarding wildfire prevention strategies and volunteer firefighter recruitment, and several public comment sessions. During public comment, concerns were raised regarding development permit processes, sewer facility regulations, election security, and transparency of ballot processing.

The board discussed a recommendation for the reallocation of financial savings to amend the financing agreement for the Hidden Valley Fire Station apparatus bay project. Additionally, a public hearing was held regarding the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District tentative budget and the adoption of the final budget for the upcoming fiscal year, covering various funds including capital projects, emergency services, and stabilization. The board also addressed department announcements and requests for future agenda topics.

The Board of County Commissioners reviewed a staff report regarding the acceptance of monetary donations totaling $7,139.50 for the Washoe County Regional Animal Services. The funds were collected from April 1, 2015, through June 30, 2015, to support the humane care and treatment of sick, injured, stray, or abandoned animals. The Board was recommended to accept these contributions and authorize the Comptroller's Office to make the necessary budget adjustments to the injured animal fund.