Washoe County Continued Hiring Despite Budget Concerns
At the January 21, 2025, Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Mike Clark highlighted a striking contrast: the county hired over 300 new employees in 2024 while simultaneously facing what Our Town Reno reports as a $27 million budget deficit in 2026.
When contacted for comment, Clark offered to provide documentation from Washoe County explaining the rationale behind these hires. The county's defensive stance raises questions, particularly given County Manager Eric Brown's October 2024 warnings about reduced funding for the 2026 budget due to stagnant or declining tax revenues.
Clark said, “While this email comes from Abbe Yacoben, Chief Financial Officer and Patricia Hurley, Human Services Director - this is under the direction of County Manager Eric Brown, he should have e put the brakes on hiring. We’ve got a budget deficit, yet hired 343 employees in 2024, is that good government. If we knew we were facing budget difficulties change the plan, rework the plan.”
The apparent disconnect is notable: while Brown signaled financial constraints, the county proceeded with extensive hiring rather than implementing strategic vacancy management through natural attrition and retirements.
In contrast, neighboring municipalities are taking proactive steps to reduce spending. The City of Sparks approved a Voluntary Employee Separation Program on January 27, 2025, allowing early retirements without position replacement—a move that may impact service levels but demonstrates fiscal restraint. Similarly, Reno's Finance Director has announced plans to cut future expenses.
Meanwhile, Washoe County's approach appears to diverge from these cost-cutting measures, with Chair Alexis Hill suggesting tax increases as a solution to bridge gaps rather than exploring spending reductions. Hill brought up enacting a tax regarding roads, at the January 28, 2025 Strategic Planning Meeting. The county can pass a GST tax, per the legislature, something the county commissioners have opted not to do for years.
