Reno · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
OPEB Trust Fund Financial Health and Liabilities
The board is reviewing the health of the city's $39 million OPEB Trust fund, examining how investment returns and city contributions impact long-term retiree benefit liabilities.
Enterprise Fund and General Fund Financial Status
The committee is reviewing the financial health of the Building Enterprise Fund and General Fund, which tracks building permit revenues and operational costs. These funds are critical for maintaining efficient plan review and inspection services for local builders and developers.
Capital Projects Surcharge Fund Financial Status
The $2 surcharge fund brings in about $1.1 million a year and is projected to hold $1.5 million by the end of 2031, even after a $3 million bowling stadium lane replacement in 2028. That fund pays for downtown venue upkeep that supports tourism events.
FY27-29 City Strategic Plan Implementation
Staff presented the newly adopted FY27-29 Strategic Plan, highlighting its seven priority areas ranging from system stewardship to high quality of life. The plan aims to foster cross-departmental accountability and agile municipal decision-making.
FY 2027 Interim Financial Report and Budget Augmentations
City officials shared positive financial news, noting that consolidated tax revenues are outperforming projections and parking fine collections have jumped following the return of DMV holds.
Consolidated Tax (C-Tax) Distribution Disparities
An urban economist presented an overview of Consolidated Tax revenues, which form a major funding source for city general fund services including parks, recreation, police, and fire. The board discussed how distribution formulas impact municipal revenues across the region.
2027 State Legislative Bill Draft Requests
City staff outlined preparations for the upcoming 2027 legislative session, including the city's two allotted Bill Draft Requests and legislative platform updates.
RTC Ballot Advisory Question on EV and Hybrid Fees
The Regional Transportation Commission presented updates on local road repairs, active transportation plans, and an upcoming ballot measure asking voters about electric vehicle registration fees.
Internal Audit and ERP System Recommendations
The Financial Advisory Board updated its annual report to strongly recommend re-establishing an internal audit position and ensuring outside stakeholders and open data standards are built into the city's new software systems.
Citywide Risk Assessment and Multi-Year Audit Plan
Outside auditors are assessing risk across city departments, having interviewed 36 people and mapped out an 18-topic multi-year audit plan. The final report comes to the board May 14 — a check on how well city government is managing public money.
HUD Federal Funding and 2026/2027 Project Priorities
The subcommittee is reviewing updates on federal HUD grants and discussing priorities for the upcoming 2026/2027 funding cycle. These decisions help determine how federal dollars support local community services, housing, and infrastructure.
Fiscal Year 2027 Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule
The board reviewed and recommended approval for the upcoming fiscal year's fee schedule, which sets pricing for various city recreational services and facility rentals.
FY2027 TMWRF Operational Budget
The regional wastewater plant's operating budget for next fiscal year is heading to the Reno and Sparks councils. It adds a control systems programmer, more fire mitigation funding, and a new capital project, with chemical costs and inflation pushing expenses up.