Reno City Council Meeting

Police Budget Increase ($9 million) — Public commenters opposed the increase, citing a $21 million city deficit, prior police misconduct, failure to comply with required de-escalation training, and calls to redirect funds to housing and community mental health programs. Council did not vote. Decision deferred.

Surveillance Technology (Flock ALPR cameras, drones, river cameras) — Commenters raised cybersecurity vulnerabilities, unauthorized data access risks, and potential misuse for immigration enforcement and privacy violations. Council requested formal data protection and usage policies by Friday. No vote on camera contract renewals.

Clerk's Office Organizational Structure — One council member proposed moving the clerk's office under council oversight instead of city manager. Staff must analyze whether a charter change is required. Decision deferred.

Police Fleet Replacement Necessity — Council questioned whether $4.5 million allocated for vehicle replacement is justified given tight budgets. Police Chief cited 5-10 year replacement cycles and 7% vehicle technology cost increases. No resolution reached.

Battery Storage Facility Fire Safety — Multiple council members raised concerns about the lithium battery facility's proximity to homes, water requirements for suppression, and thermal safety distances. Staff recommended continuation to address concerns. No final vote on annexation.

$221,000,000 — Public Safety (police, fire, dispatch) — General Fund

$142,000,000 — Capital improvement projects — Sewer, street, and general funds

$70,000,000 — Advanced Purified Water Facility debt — Debt issuance

$245,000 — Wildfire community protection plan — FEMA grant

$105,000 — Fourth of July parade — City budget

Budget finalization May 20 — Council returns with resolved fees (appeal fee amount still being debated; sanitation CPI elimination pending). Police budget increase tied to unresolved surveillance policy questions.

Surveillance policy rollout — City must finalize data protection, retention, and oversight rules for Flock cameras, drones, and license plate readers before contract renewals or expansions.

Battery facility annexation — Council deferred final vote pending fire safety details, thermal distances, and mitigation documentation.