Reno City Manager Calls Out Washoe County in Bold Fiscal Challenge
Regional Public Safety Training Center (photo from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department website.
Just hours after we questioned Sparks councilmembers' panda-viewing trip amid an $18 million deficit, a reader provided us with an eye-opening document from Reno City Manager Jackie Bryant that reveals deeper regional tensions.
Bryant's letter to Washoe County demands an "equitable fiscal framework," exposing significant financial disparities between the county and cities. While the timing might raise eyebrows—with both cities facing deficits—Bryant's carefully constructed argument raises legitimate concerns that deserve attention.
The real question: Why isn't Washoe County proactively reaching out to help its struggling cities? Despite facing its own $27 million deficit, the county sits on substantial reserves that dwarf what Reno and Sparks have available.
2020 Census Data in Washoe County Nevada.
Bryant's letter also vindicates our long-standing investigation into the Regional Public Safety Training Center. A Washoe County District Attorney dismissed our concerns, telling us to "just look at the budget" because "all is well." Apparently not. Bryant references a recent analysis showing Reno and Sparks faced increased costs after Truckee Meadows Community College and Truckee Meadows Fire departed the center.
It seems our reporting was right—contrary to the county's repeated assurances that everyone was paying their "fair share." Bryant's perspective confirms what we've suspected: something is indeed amiss with the facility's finances.
Sheriff Darin Balaam’s beloved Regional Public Safety Training Center appears to not be as beloved by the City of Reno and Sparks.
The county's "all is well" mantra is wearing thin as city leaders demand fiscal accountability.
City of Reno Equitable Fiscal Framework Memo by documents on Scribd