Reno City Council & Redevelopment Agency Board
Friday, May 11, 2018
What Happened
Reno City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board held a budget hearing on May 11, 2018, reviewing dozens of spending proposals and policy questions across more than 20 major debate topics.
Key Decisions
REJECTED — City Hall first-floor restroom project funded from room tax ($200,000) — Vote 3-3, tie failed the motion — Project remains unfunded; staff to explore Community Development Block Grant eligibility before May 23 final vote.
APPROVED — Moana Springs pool annual operating costs ($300,000 from room tax) — Not front-loaded; will be included in 2021 budget when pool opens — Avoids holding money in advance for facility two years from completion.
CONTINUED — Building enterprise fund elimination analysis — No vote taken; full analysis not yet completed — Council requested detailed scenario planning on impact of 2008-level development permit revenues.
CONTINUED — $1,000,000 housing pilot program funding — Approved in principle; staff directed to find dollars through reallocation across existing budget — Final source breakdown due before May 23 adoption.
Debated But Not Resolved
Parking garage roof repair ($650,000) — Some council members want to demolish the garage for housing development; others say roof repair is critical infrastructure after 6-8 years of deterioration — Staff to clarify whether repair is mission-critical this year or can wait; debate continues on whether funds should instead support affordable housing programs.
Sewer capital outlay ($39 million bulk figure) — Council member objected to lack of detailed project breakdown showing allocation to stormwater, collection systems, and specific projects — Staff committed to providing detailed explanation before final CIP adoption.
Business Improvement District (BID) city funding commitment — Disagreement over whether city committed $150,000 or $250,000 in additional support beyond assessment revenue — Staff to confirm dollar amounts before May 23.
Northeast Reno comprehensive planning — Council concerned about 80-acre rezoning (UT40) proceeding without understanding transportation and park demands for 900-person development — Council requested examination during budget finalization; current staffing insufficient for scope needed.
Affordable housing development incentives — Debate over whether to fund new inclusionary zoning pilot program or allocate funds for contract staff to develop ordinance — Program design details would not be completed by budget approval.
What to Watch
$4,000,000 — National Bowling Stadium fourth-floor remodel — Room tax surcharge from downtown hotels
$250,000 — Land acquisition for Community Activity Center expansion (ten lots) — Community Development Block Grant
$39,000,000 — Sewer fund capital outlay — Sewer fund revenues and pay-as-you-go capital projects
May 23 budget adoption vote — City Hall restroom project ($200,000) remains deadlocked 3-3; CDBG eligibility determination will determine if it moves forward. Final $1,000,000 housing pilot program funding sources must be identified.
Parking garage fate — Council must decide whether $650,000 roof repair proceeds or if facility is demolished for housing development. Decision affects downtown parking capacity and redevelopment strategy.
Sewer project details — Staff must provide granular breakdown of $39 million showing what goes to stormwater, collection systems, and specific geographic areas before final CIP approval.
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