Sorry Washoe County: A Note on Public Transparency

Washoe County Communications Director Bethany Drysdale challenged our reporting standards. While she correctly notes that the county met the legal requirement for publishing notice of the February 6, 2025 meeting, this raises broader questions about meaningful public access and transparency.

Yes, the county fulfilled its minimum legal obligation under NRS code. However, other local governments, like the City of Sparks, demonstrate that earlier notification is both possible and beneficial for public engagement. The 8:00AM meeting time creates an additional barrier for working residents who wish to participate in their local government.

Sorry if the county feels Picon was attempting to make it appear the county was omitting to post the meeting. They followed NRS Code to the letter, but that is not to say they could not have posted the meeting earlier as the City of Sparks did to give residents more of a heads up planning wise if they wish to attend.

To be clear we printed: 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.

Our shared goal should be fostering genuine public engagement and timely access to information—not just meeting technical requirements.

Picon’s Publisher Larry Chesney’s email from Washoe County’s Bethany Drysdale.