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Commission lowers stormwater fee to $2 a month, directs design work for North Spanish Springs project
Summary
Washoe County adopted Resolution R26‑23 to reduce stormwater management fees from $9.31 to $2 per residential parcel effective July 1, 2026, and directed staff to start Phase 2 design for the North Spanish Springs Floodplain Detention Facility using available fund balance; the board approved the measure unanimously.
The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on April 28 to adopt Resolution R26‑23, reducing the county’s stormwater management user fee and authorizing additional flood mitigation design work in North Spanish Springs.
Director Dwayne Smith of Engineering and Capital Projects told the board the fee increase to $9.31 had been tied to bonds that are scheduled to be paid off this summer; with the final payment scheduled in June, staff recommended returning the fee to a monthly $2 level for residential parcels effective July 1, 2026. Smith described the charges as user fees for ongoing operation, maintenance and replacement of stormwater facilities, not taxes, and said staff will continue to monitor fund balances and fiscal policy.
The second element of the board’s action directed staff to initiate Phase 2 of the North Spanish Springs Floodplain Detention Facility design using available program funds, with the stated goal of reducing flood and stormwater impacts in the area.
During public comment prior to the vote, a resident urged caution and said local General Improvement Districts feared reduced revenue would leave them exposed to future flood costs. Smith replied that staff had examined fund balances and were in conformance with county fiscal policy.
Commissioner Hill moved adoption and Vice Chair Garcia seconded; the motion carried unanimously on voice and tablet vote.
Resolution R26‑23 and the design directive set the county on a path to reduce resident fees while preserving capital planning for targeted flood projects; staff will report back on implementation and fund status as part of routine budget oversight.
