Reno proposes new fire district facing $180M debt and tax rate challenges

Washoe County officials are grappling with significant financial implications following discussions about the proposed new fire district that would assume the existing debt of Truckee Meadows, Reno, and Sparks Fire. The current collective debt stands at approximately $108 million, with projections indicating that this could rise to around $180 million due to planned expenditures, including a $50 million investment by Reno for a new fire station.

During the recent SVWTM CAB meeting, officials highlighted that the operating budget for the fire districts is expected to grow from $153 million to about $165 million by fiscal year 2028, driven by inflation and budgetary growth. The funding structure for fire districts relies heavily on property taxes, which account for two-thirds of their revenue, alongside consolidated taxes and grants.

As the new district prepares to take on this debt, concerns were raised about the potential tax rate increase necessary to cover the projected $122 million that would need to be funded through property taxes. Estimates suggest that the tax rate could rise to approximately $2.40 per $100 of assessed value, a significant increase from the current rate of 54 cents.

Community members are urged to engage with the legislative process, as there has been considerable opposition to the proposed bill. Officials emphasized the importance of public testimony and feedback to influence the outcome as the bill moves through the legislative assembly.

The discussions underscore the critical need for transparency and community involvement in shaping the future of fire services in Washoe County, as financial decisions made today will have lasting impacts on taxpayers and emergency services in the region.