Reno City Council approves $66.2 million sewer fee increase to fund system repairs and upgrades.

THIS WEEK IN RENO CITY COUNCIL

Reno City Council approved a sewer fee increase, awarded river monitoring grants, and appointed a new airport board member while deferring decisions on Fourth of July celebrations and theater preservation funding.

THE BIG DECISIONS

• APPROVED — Sewer user fee increase of $3 per month annually for three years on single-family homes — 5-2 vote — Funds $66.2 million this year and $85.4 million next year for sewer system repairs and upgrades.
• APPROVED — $60,000 Truckee River Fund Grant for river monitoring cameras — Unanimous vote — City must write policy on data safety and camera use before equipment is installed.
• APPROVED — Major General Ron Bath to Reno Tahoe International Airport Board — 7-0 vote — Brings aviation expertise to oversee airport expansion plans.
• REJECTED — Paul Riviere Williams Cultural Center (Lear Theater) preservation funding request — 3-4 vote — Council wants to explore nonprofit and private partnerships instead of direct city funding.

MONEY MOVES

• $66,200,000 — Sewer system capital improvements (current year) — Approved through sewer user fee increases.
• $85,400,000 — Sewer system capital improvements (next year) — Approved through sewer user fee increases.
• $2,680,000 — Nevada Historical Society building renovation — 2025 State of Nevada Capital Improvements Program.

STILL IN PROGRESS

• Fourth of July 250th Anniversary Parade — Council delayed decision on city participation and budget — Will consult with Washoe County, Sparks, and downtown casinos before deciding.
• Lear Theater Preservation — Council deferred final funding decision — Will return late April or early May to discuss using city general fund or redevelopment agency funds.
• Mobile Security Services Contract — Cameras and park ranger services citywide — Combined with river monitoring project; 30-day data retention policy in place.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Meetings held: 11
• Items voted on: 7
• Total spending approved: $154,280,000
• Unanimous votes: 3
• Contested votes: 2

PULSE QUESTION

QUESTION: Do you support the $3 monthly sewer fee increase to fund $151.6 million in system repairs?

OPTIONS: ["Support the fee increase", "Oppose the fee increase", "Unsure"]

TAGS

Budget, Infrastructure, Governance, Environment, Parks, Social Services, Housing

Meetings This Week