Topic: Economy and Budget

The county budget is no different than our household budget, except for its size. That means county managers can not spend more than is legally available nor that which has not been approved by the Board of County Commissioners. We have seen large yearly increases over the past years of county spending, principally due to the sustained performance of the national, regional, and local economies. The increases have been because of robust sales within our region, by local consumption, and because of out-of-town visitors. However, no increase of local tax rates has occurred.

The burst of the local, regional, and national housing bubble has dramatically affected the ability of local governments to provide previous service levels. Washoe County is no different. However, as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, I have, for the last 3 years, required each department to prepare and present detailed budget presentations during the month of March. The propose of these presentations is to make sure that each department knows where every dime of your hard earned tax dollars is being spent, and to insure that each dollar is needed in that service or program.

Government must live within its means and balance its check book, as each of us in our home must do. When we do, we must set priorities. The Board of County Commissioners, under my leadership, has established 7 strategic priorities, the top priority being public health and safety. My pledge to the citizens of District 4 and all of Washoe county is to continue to review and evaluate all programs for the most efficient ways to deliver only that programs and services that we need and not one dime more!