SB-319: AKA How to Save the City of Reno and Sparks
No mystery which Washoe County Commissioners will be voting to pay for the Fire Protection Distrcit, thus raising your taxes.
Look closely at Senator Daly and Taylor's SB-319, or you might miss the burning hole it's about to put in your wallet. This isn't just legislation—it's a blank check written in your name.
The bill creates a Fire Protection District with truly spectacular taxing power by the Washoe County Commissioners: no limits on property assessment values and the ability to keep raising taxes. Miss the first tax hike? Don't worry—there's always round two, three, or ten.
What's really happening here? A thinly disguised bailout of Reno Fire Department, and Sparks Fire Department courtesy of your property taxes. The City of Reno has conveniently avoided transparent fire department budgeting for years, unlike Truckee Meadows or North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection Districts,
Even more troubling: complete silence on existing Collective Bargaining Agreements. Meanwhile, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District residents would continue paying taxes to retire existing debt while simultaneously funding this new district. Double taxation, anyone?
SB-319 isn't fire protection—it's a taxpayer ambush.