Manager's eUpdate for 09/10/09

I am pleased to provide you with highlights of some of our recent activities that reflect the County Commission's strategic priorities for our region. As always, I welcome your comments either by email (ksimon@washoecounty.us) or phone (775-328-2000). If you do not wish to receive this update by email, please let Community Relations Director Kathy Carter know at kcarter@washoecounty.us. Thank you.

Katy Simon
Washoe County Manager

Emergency personnel are encouraging citizens to be ready for any type of emergency during September`s Emergency Preparedness Month. Go to www.washoecounty.us/em to find out more information about how you can prepare your home and business as well as sign up for emergency notifications.

return to top

RJB Development, the land developer who originally donated land to Washoe County to be operated as an 18-hole golf course, has agreed to sell the now-closed Northgate Golf Course for the appraised value of $2,850,000. RJB had previously set a selling price of $4.5 million. The golf course had been closed last year by the RSCVA who had previously operated the course. The County is working with the State of Nevada, the City of Reno, and surrounding neighbors to identify possible funding sources such as voter-approved state and county parks and open space bond revenue and city issued special assessment district revenue.

return to top

About 50 members of the public attended a session last night to discuss plans to design a public trailhead at the Persigehl portion of Ballardini Ranch in south Reno. Input received from those citizens will be incorporated into design plans where possible, and a revised plan will be presented to the public before being finalized.

return to top

Washoe County`s Human Resources and Technology Services staff met with Clark County staff last week to share our best practices with regard to our on-line financial and HR reporting system. Clark County believes the information will help them implement a similar system within their jurisdiction.

return to top

Approximately 40% of all property owners in Washoe County actually saw an increase in their property taxes for 2009-10 even though their property value may have gone down. Assessor Josh Wilson explains this phenomenon in a 14-minute video available for viewing on the County`s website at www.washoecounty.us. Simply click on The Washoe Channel logo, select video-on-demand viewing, and select the program.

return to top

The phone trunks at the Sheriff`s Office Parr Blvd Detention Center were changed over to a new carrier which will total approximately $16,800 per month in savings in addition to providing increased infrastructure redundancy.

return to top

More than 20 county and nonprofit agencies will participate in the first-ever `United We Serve Volunteer Opportunity Fair` scheduled for Saturday, September 12th from 11 am to 4 pm at Meadowood Mall. Citizens will have a chance to browse the various tables in search of the perfect volunteer opportunity for them. The event is being held in recognition of President Obama`s call for `United We Serve` volunteerism on September 11th.

return to top

Washoe County`s Purchasing Department was recognized for the 14th consecutive year for excellence in procurement from the National Purchasing Institute. Washoe County is one of only six government agencies in the entire United States that has received the award since its inception 14 years ago, and also one of only 34 counties in the county to receive it.

return to top

Calling all seniors who live in the Cold Springs area! Commissioner Bonnie Weber is co-hosting with Lifestyle Homes an ice-cream social to gather input from seniors about opportunities for them in that area. Event will be on Friday, September 11th from 5-7 pm in the Cold Springs Community Center, 3355 Whitelake Parkway. Please RSVP to 328-2006.

return to top

Washoe County Commissioners accepted a $408,214 state grant of federal stimulus money this week and will match it with nearly $70,000 worth of engineering design work to provide sidewalks in the Sun Valley community. The County expects construction to begin next spring to install 1,770 feet of sidewalk on Leon Drive from Short Avenue to Gepford Park to 7th Avenue which will help pedestrians get to both the Sun Valley Elementary School and Gepford Park safely.

return to top

IN THIS ISSUE:

Improve Public Safety, Security and Health

Preserve and Enhance Our Quality of Life

Improve Regional Collaboration

Improve Government Efficiency and Financial Stability

Provide Excellent Public Services