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Commission approves Registrar of Voters warehouse remodel after public raises observation and procurement concerns
Summary
The commission approved a $3.1 million guaranteed maximum price for tenant improvements at a new Registrar of Voters warehouse after public commenters urged delaying approval to see floor plans and to ensure meaningful observation of ballot processing. County staff said the project includes visible chain-link areas and that procurement and subcontracting were transparent.
Washoe County commissioners voted to approve a guaranteed maximum price (GMP 1) of about $3.1 million on June 23 to proceed with tenant improvements for a consolidated Registrar of Voters warehouse.
The proposal includes demolition, concrete and fencing, carpentry, HVAC, electrical, data, fire protection and interior tenant improvements for a roughly 50,000-square-foot warehouse that consolidates prior registrar operations. County staff said the design emphasizes visibility of ballot processing areas by using open layouts and chain-link partitions rather than enclosed rooms.
Penny Brock, a public commenter, urged the board to table the item and release detailed floor plans, arguing observers would be forced to watch from a long hallway and that the current layout would not permit meaningful observation. Brock also raised procurement questions about bid solicitations and the total lease costs for the site.
County Manager Kate Thomas and staff said a procurement process for the construction-manager-at-risk contract included transparent access to subcontractor work packages and that staff have met with observers to discuss sightlines and other access concerns. Thomas said the project consolidates multiple smaller facilities into a single, more visible location to improve transparency, public and staff safety and operational efficiency.
Vice Chair Garcia moved to approve GMP 1; Commissioner Hill seconded. The board voted to approve the GMP; the clerk recorded the motion as carrying unanimously among present commissioners.
County staff committed to continued engagement with observers and the public on practical accommodations—such as seating and sightline adjustments—while moving forward with the remodel to consolidate operations and improve election administration capacity.
