City of Reno Regional Fiscal Equity Study
City of Sparks Nevada Government has the February 6, 2025 meeting listed.
In 2012, Washoe County witnessed the consolidation of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and Reno Fire Department, fall apart.
For years, political candidates campaigned fervently for regionalization, emphasizing the potential cost savings that could be realized through consolidating not just fire departments but also law enforcement, parks and recreation, and even the formation of a unified regional government.
Fast forward to February 6, 2025, where the City of Reno, City of Sparks, and Washoe County are once again embarking on the journey towards regionalization, specifically focusing on improving fire services. Interestingly, while the City of Sparks has demonstrated transparency by openly listing the meeting on their website, the City of Reno and Washoe County remain notably silent on the matter.
Picon wants to remind residents the last time these three governments came together we all got the Nevada CARES Campus. Don’t you find it equaling interesting amidst considerable budget deficits, the three governing bodies are now advocating for regional collaboration again.
City of Sparks deficit $18 million
City of Reno deficit $25 million
Washoe County Government $27 million.
Mayor Hillary Schieve, Mayor Ed Lawson, and County Manager Eric Brown are going to saddle the residents of Washoe County with the cost of regionalization with the help of State Senator Skip Daly. There has to be a tax.
The participation of Reno Councilmember Devon Reese in this meeting raises ethical concerns, considering the pending violations against him. The ethical implications of his involvement in the decision-making process prompt reflection on whether he should have a seat at the table.
For those interested in a comprehensive analysis, the Regional Fiscal Equity Study Update from the City of Reno is worth the skim through
As the dialogue around regionalization reignites in Washoe County, it is crucial for residents to scrutinize the motivations, implications, and ethical considerations underlying these collaborative endeavors.