Reno City Council

Fee policy approach — One councilman argued fees should not be rolled into budget; wants council to establish fee philosophy first (full cost recovery vs. subsidy model). Others supported study but raised concerns about impact on struggling residents. Next step: Separate policy discussion before May 18 vote.

Special events cost recovery — Council noted city charges only 50-60% of actual costs for special events; police coverage may be undercharged. Next step: Staff to review which costs apply to events before fees finalized.

Parks cost recovery targets — Councilmember questioned whether full cost recovery is appropriate policy for parks used by changing age groups. Next step: Deeper discussion needed on cost recovery percentages before fee increases implemented.

Sewer expansion to failing septics — Multiple councilmembers pushed for immediate sewer extensions to Southwest Reno septic systems. Staff said extensions coordinate with street projects to reduce costs and that growth projections justify timing. Next step: Rate study presentation pending; council wants sewer expansion priorities clarified.

Traffic safety funding — Councilwoman Brekhus reported 8 fatalities and 16 major accidents year-to-date (vs. 12 fatalities full prior year). She requested dedicated multimodal safety planner position and accelerated safety retrofits. Staff noted new Nevada Department of Transportation local public agency process allows direct funding applications. Next step: Council to explore staffing and funding for safety improvements.

Speed hump budget — $120,000 allocated covers only two humps ($60,000 each). Councilmember advocated for more funding. Next step: Traffic calming strategy discussion pending.

$22,000,000 — Street fund capital improvement projects (largest portion for neighborhood street program)

$2,500,000 — Traffic engineering and safety from street fund

$2,000,000 — Fire headquarters planning from bond proceeds

$2,500,000 — City Hall second floor remodel from general capital project fund

$1,500,000 (annual savings) — Trickey Matters Water Reclamation Facility UV disinfection project (replaces bleach) from sewer fund

$1,000,000 — Maintenance and operations facility in North Valley from street and sewer funds

$600,000 — Public safety radio equipment from capital tax fund

$300,000 — Carmilla Ranch Estates parks from park district capital project fund

Fee votes May 18 — Council will vote on user fees (parks, recreation, business licensing, special events). Debate centers on whether fees should recover full costs or stay subsidized; impact on low-income residents and park accessibility at stake.

Parks minimum wage decision by May 18 — City must decide whether to raise parks staff minimum wage to $12/hour (from $11). Parks director says $11 jump last year improved recruitment and allowed pools to open on time.

Sewer expansion strategy — Council wants rate study presented before deciding which failing septic areas get sewer extensions first; multiple southwest Reno neighborhoods without sewers waiting for answers.