Water planning commission backs tentative FY 2025–26 budget with $900,000 contingency

The Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission voted Feb. 5 to recommend that the Western Regional Water Commission approve a tentative fiscal year 2025–26 budget that includes a $900,000 contingency to cover projects with scopes still to be developed.

Program Manager Kim Rigdon reviewed the packet materials and cited required Department of Taxation deadlines for budget submission. Rigdon said the tentatively projected revenue from the 1.5% water surcharge from public water systems is $1,980,000 and that total expenses are estimated at $3,420,000. After current-year calculations, she said the fiscal-year-2025 projected cash balance is $1,880,000 and the recommended six-month operating balance for FY26 is $433,000.

Rigdon summarized program spending categories, saying total professional services are budgeted at $2,630,000, staff services at $645,000 and routine nonstaff operating expenses at about $153,800 (total routine operating approximately $798,718). She said $900,000 in contingency is included to cover projects whose scopes remain to be determined.

Commissioner John Enloe asked whether the budget includes funding to begin the Raftelis (wastewater regionalization) amendment and staff confirmed there is remaining FY25 funding (around $500,600) and the $900,000 contingency for FY26 if additional funding is needed. Rigdon said the Raftelis amendment will be brought to the Water Planning Commission in March and to the Western Regional Water Commission in April if received in time.

Commissioner Michael Drinkwater moved and Commissioner Eric Crump seconded a recommendation to forward the tentative budget to the Western Regional Water Commission for approval. The motion carried unanimously.

The commission will forward the tentative budget documents required by the Department of Taxation (attachment 7A) and the commission may propose revisions before WRWC final action.