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Fernley council discusses capital transfer, reassigns $500,000 from pond to park repairs
Summary
Council discussed a proposed $2,000,000 transfer to a capital projects fund and voted 4‑0 to reallocate $500,000 earmarked for a mayor's fishing pond to repairs and improvements at an existing out‑of‑town park.
City Treasurer Robert Carson outlined changes to the tentative FY2026–27 budget, including a proposed $2,000,000 transfer from the general fund into a capital projects fund to set aside money for longer‑term projects. Carson said the transfer would reduce the previously presented general‑fund ending balance from $9,800,000 to $7,400,000 but would keep the city ‘‘well above our 15% requirement’’ under the city's reserve policy and above the 4% required by state law.
Council members expressed concern about tying funds and losing flexibility. Councilman Mendoza said he was "really not too fond of transferring all that money and tying our hands to one thing," while Councilman Hammond framed the move as a way to demonstrate to residents that tax revenue is being saved for specific projects.
A separate line in the revised budget included a proposed $65,000 donation to the sheriff's department for lidar units and a speed trailer, a $250,000 carryover for facilities, and capital‑outlay adjustments for animal control and parks. Carson told the council staff would bring detailed line‑item recommendations at the final budget.
Councilman Torres proposed pausing a $500,000 mayor's fishing‑pond project and redirecting that money to repair needs such as Miller Lane and other streets; he argued the city should seek grants and developer contributions where possible before committing general‑fund dollars. Planning Director Michelle Rambo said the pond's design grant application is in and estimated the standalone pond installation at $300,000; she said fields and staging could be phased.
Councilman Mendoza moved to reallocate the $500,000 set aside for the mayor's pond to the out‑of‑town park repair fund; Councilman Torres seconded. Council discussed preparing a prioritized list of projects for the final budget hearing; the motion carried 4‑0.
Carson said staff will work with council to develop options — including partial transfers — and will present a detailed project list and explanations before the final budget vote.
