Reno City Council & Redevelopment Agency Board
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
What Happened
Reno City Council held a budget workshop on May 9, 2018, reviewing the $193 million general fund and debating departmental spending priorities with public comment. The meeting ran past the scheduled 1:00 PM end time.
Key Decisions
CONTINUED — FY 2019 budget workshop — Council will reconvene Friday for final decisions before May 23 adoption vote — affects all city services
APPROVED — $2.23 million in council priority additions within existing budget — directs money to unspecified council priorities
APPROVED — $750,000 Business Improvement District funding from general fund — pays city property assessments within BID boundaries; BID donations will offset cost
APPROVED — Fire department ladder truck $700,000 city match — funds 50% of cost using FY 2018 surplus funds
APPROVED — $300,000 future Moana pool operating contribution — will come from room tax once pool is operational
Debated But Not Resolved
Public Safety budget share increase — Fire and police departments' share of budget has grown after decades at flat levels; council noted pre-recession staffing (400 police officers) far exceeds current staffing (328). City says current levels remain below 2008 capacity and two fire stations operate at reduced ambulance capacity. No decision made on whether more funding needed.
Southeast Reno area plan — Council member stated rapid rezoning and development (Sunny Hills, Daybreak) without comprehensive area plan is straining roads and resources. Staff to discuss offline regarding priority and cost estimate.
Building enterprise fund use for Title 18 updates — Council wants to use $10 million building fund balance for planning code updates; city says state law prohibits this. Council requested legal clarification by Friday.
Arts Commission authority and funding — Council considering whether Arts Commission should have greater review and recommendation authority. Manager to review funding options and policy issues by Friday.
HR manager position classification — Council disagreed whether new HR position should be appointed or civil service. Position returns to council for final decision on designation.
Underground storage tank removal — Council questioned necessity and cost of city-owned tank removal and whether brownfields grant available. Staff to provide analysis.
What to Watch
$12,500 — Arts Commission grant funding — room tax
$650,000 — City Hall parking garage roof repair and replacement — general fund (proposed reallocation)
$200,000 — City Hall first floor restroom improvements — general fund (proposed reallocation)
Friday budget workshop — Council will make final spending decisions before May 23 adoption. Watch for decisions on building fund use for Title 18, arts funding authority, Southeast Reno area plan priority, and shelter/housing program funding.
HR position designation — Whether new Human Resources manager role will require civil service classification or can remain appointed.
Downtown and Southeast Reno planning — Whether council will authorize comprehensive area plans for rapidly developing regions with ongoing displacement and rezoning conflicts.
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