Reno City Council approves $11.8 million three-year firefighter contract while narrowly funding Fourth of July parade despite budget constraints.

THIS WEEK IN RENO CITY COUNCIL

City leaders approved $15.8 million in downtown improvements, firefighter contracts, and sewer repairs while narrowly backing Fourth of July parade funding.

THE BIG DECISIONS

• APPROVED — Firefighters Local 731 three-year contract totaling $11.8 million — 6-0 — Secures fire department wages and benefits through 2028 with $1.6M, $4.1M, and $6.1M commitments across three fiscal years.
• APPROVED — RDA capital improvements totaling $12.08 million — 6-0 — Funds downtown projects including Virginia Street sidewalk work, Event Center lighting, Historic Rail Depot upgrades, and River Path Phase 1 construction.
• APPROVED — Fourth of July Parade full city support at $105,000 — 4-3 — Makes parade official city event; three council members opposed citing 40 frozen positions and budget constraints.
• REJECTED — Lear Theater feasibility study and preservation funding — 3-4 — Council directed staff to pursue private partnerships instead of using public funding for the historic theater project.

MONEY MOVES

• $12,080,000 — RDA1 and RDA2 capital improvements for downtown infrastructure and park projects — RDA Capital Funds
• $11,800,000 — Firefighters Local 731 contract over three years — General Fund
• $2,325,000 — Facade improvements, retail attraction, and blight mitigation programs — RDA District Funds

STILL IN PROGRESS

• Lear Theater preservation — Council exploring RFP process with private entities instead of public funding — Staff to present partnership options.
• Sewer rate increases and rebate programs — Extended sewer fund solvency through 2035 but concerns raised about low-income impact — Rebate program updates implemented.
• 521 Lake Street Workforce Housing — $1.8 million TIF commitment through 2035; additional $800,000 contingent on agency extension decision — Decision expected in July 2026.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Meetings held: 8
• Items voted on: 22
• Total spending approved: $28,752,200
• Unanimous votes: 15
• Contested votes: 3

PULSE QUESTION

QUESTION: Should Reno use public funds to study preserving the historic Lear Theater or pursue private partnerships instead?

OPTIONS: ["Public funding is essential for historic preservation", "Private partnerships better protect taxpayers", "City should do both simultaneously"]

TAGS

Budget, Infrastructure, Public Safety, Parks, Housing, Governance, Licensing, Environment

Meetings This Week