The following are highlights from today’s Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting:
1. Commissioners approved a series of grants to support foodservices in rural areas: Many Washoe County residents are experiencing food insecurity due to the pandemic, and commissioners today approved Community Development Block Grants from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development that will provide for increased storage and distribution of food in rural areas. The block grants include $144,300 for increased food distribution, $30,000 for refrigerated trailers for Sun Valley and North Valleys, and $11,747 for COVID-related supplies for rural senior centers.
2. Additional CARES Act funding was approved for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada: In a move that provides further support for those experiencing food insecurity in the community, the Board approved a grant from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada in the amount of $76,500. The increased funding will cover the increased expense of food, labor costs, transport, and distribution, as well as provide holiday meals to homebound seniors who continue to self-isolate during the pandemic.
3. Washoe County Sheriff’s Office received grant for all-terrain vehicle: Commissioners accepted a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for the Washoe County Sheriff’s Officeto purchase a new Can-Am Outlander Max. The all-terrain vehicle will enable Search and Rescue teams to access remote areas and provide life-saving help.
4. Washoe County’s annual budget was recognized for excellence for 18th year in a row: The Government Finance Officers Association Budget Awards Program again bestowed its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to Washoe County, an achievement lauded by the Board of Commissioners.
“We know how hard your team works on a challenging and difficult budget, and it takes a team to put that budget together,” Chair Bob Lucey said. “It’s a difficult and sometimes thankless job to manage assets and expectations and keep us fiscally solvent. We’ve been very successful managing our finances for many years, and it’s due to the excellence of the finance team.”
The program is designed to assess how well a budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications tool. This marks the 18th year that Washoe County has received the award, an annual validation of the county’s commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
5. Commissioners named appointment to the Truckee River Fund Advisory Committee: Washoe County may appoint three members to the Truckee River Fund Advisory Committee; the other six members are appointed, three each, by the City of Reno and City of Sparks. The committee provides guidance and conducts the business of the Truckee River Fund, which is dedicated to protecting and enhancing water quality of the Truckee River and the resources of its watershed. Commissioners named retired engineering manager Terri Svetich to the committee.
6. November 8-14 named as National Apprenticeship Week: The Board of County Commissionersrecognized November 8-14 as National Apprenticeship Week. There are more than 6,000 registered active apprentices in Nevada, and apprenticeship has increased across generations and gende
“I can’t say enough about what a great program this is and how important it is for young people and people looking at a career change,” Commissioner Kitty Jung said. “These apprenticeship programs are so unusual, that they get paid for their work while they’re training, and get health insurance for themselves and their families. Let’s get more people involved in apprenticeship and living the life that they dream of, while helping to build the future of Nevada.”
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