Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission ratifies interlocal agreement for Washoe County sheriff to serve as acting Reno police chief amid investigation
Summary
Washoe County commissioners unanimously approved an interlocal agreement ratifying a March 9 expedited agreement under which the Washoe County Sheriff designated an acting chief for the Reno Police Department after senior Reno PD staff were placed on leave; the sheriff said the action was taken to ensure continuity of public safety services.
The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners unanimously ratified an interlocal agreement authorizing the Washoe County Sheriff to designate an acting chief of police for the City of Reno, a measure county legal staff said was executed March 9 at the city's request.
"My office was contacted by the Washoe County Sheriff, regarding a request from the city of Reno to enter into an interlocal agreement regarding the appointment of a chief of police," said Michael Large of the Washoe County District Attorney's Office during the presentation of the item, describing the expedited drafting and the need for the board’s ratification because potential costs could exceed $25,000.
Sheriff Bailum told commissioners the request followed senior Reno Police Department managers being placed on leave. "When I was asked that request, it was an unprecedented senior management was, placed on leave. ... So we stepped in with under sheriff Corey Solferino, which we made acting chief," he said, describing the move as a step to preserve continuity and public safety while the city navigates the situation.
Mayor Schieve of Reno thanked regional partners for stepping in and said the action reflected longstanding cooperation between the city and county. "I am so grateful for the support of all of our regional partners," she said.
District Attorney Mike Large told the board the interlocal agreement was drafted in coordination with the Reno City Attorney's Office pursuant to NRS 277.18 and was entered into by the Reno city manager and the Washoe County sheriff on March 9 as an expedited measure; the county must now ratify and the Reno City Council will act next week.
Commissioner Clark and others asked for public clarity about the circumstances that led to the city’s request; elected officials and city legal staff said details of any active investigation are restricted by law and that they would share information when permissible. The board then voted to approve the interlocal agreement; the motion carried unanimously.
The county said the agreement allows the sheriff to designate members of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office to "serve in other capacities" for the City of Reno as needed and that the city indicated potential reimbursement up to $2 million in the draft agreement.
The board thanked law enforcement leaders and regional officials for stepping in to maintain services during an ongoing situation.
