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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Washoe County Commissioners Set to Address Key Initiatives
The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners will convene on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. to discuss a wide array of pressing matters. The meeting's agenda includes deliberations on a proposed solar energy project in Honey Lake Valley, revisions to code enforcement regulations, various multimillion-dollar agreements, and allocations for initiatives in wildfire cleanup, pedestrian safety, behavioral health, and environmental restoration.
Major Solar Energy Project Up for Public Hearing
The commissioners are scheduled to hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan to consider a new solar energy project in Honey Lake Valley, located in northern Washoe County. This proposed facility aims to generate up to 450 megawatts of photovoltaic solar power and includes a 200-megawatt battery energy storage system, as well as a 345-kilovolt electrical substation. The project would cover roughly 1,680 acres, situated about 2 miles north of Fish Springs Road and 3 miles east of the Nevada-California state line. Commissioners will vote on a resolution to initiate changes to the regional utility corridors map, pending regional planning authorities' confirmation that the special use permit aligns with the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan. This discussion directly involves regional planning amendments and advances the county’s clean energy goals.
Proposed Amendments to Code Enforcement Regulations
Two new ordinances are set for introduction and first reading, focusing on updates to Washoe County's code enforcement regulations and the definition of public nuisances. The first ordinance would revise Chapter 50 of the county code, clarifying definitions related to blight, obstructions, and public view, and would classify unauthorized residence in recreational vehicles as a public nuisance. Additional provisions address public access easements, maintained trails, and the storage of vehicles or other materials.
The second ordinance, amending Chapter 125, aims to enhance enforcement by removing the current 50% discount for fines after a third penalty, introducing reinspection fees for repeated unfounded complaints, and allowing ongoing fines for non-compliance after due process. Collection procedures would be clarified, and the county could withhold certain approvals for properties with unresolved code violations. Should these ordinances proceed, the second readings and public hearings are set for Nov. 17.
Technology Services Contract and Financial Agreements
A notable item on the agenda is a proposed three-year enterprise agreement with Microsoft Corp., via reseller SHI International Corp., for the county’s Office 365 cloud software and services. The contract would take effect from Nov. 1, 2026, through Oct. 31, 2029, with costs not to exceed $2,125,511 annually, totaling approximately $6.38 million over the contract's duration. The board will also consider allocating up to $483,682 from the general fund contingency for fiscal year 2027 to the Technology Services Department. In other business, commissioners will review an emergency procurement contract with Hero Environmental, totaling up to $347,500, for hazardous waste removal following the Hawk, Bug, and Stallion wildfires. Additionally, adjustments to the 2026-27 property tax roll related to wildfire-affected properties could reduce collected taxes by $17,104.64.
Federal Grants to Support Road Safety and Environmental Restoration
The board is poised to accept a $1,906,695 grant from the Federal Highway Administration's Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Combined with a $476,674 non-federal match from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), the total project is valued at $2,383,369. Subrecipient agreements include up to $1.37 million for UNR and $228,803 for Washoe County School District. Another agenda item awards a $498,007 contract to Sierra Nevada Construction for sidewalk improvements along Sidehill Drive in Sun Valley, mainly funded by a $495,250 Community Development Block Grant award with an additional $50,000 contingency.
Additionally, commissioners will consider a $311,910 contract with Nichols Consulting Engineers for the Swan Lake-Horse Creek Restoration project, including flood mitigation and environmental assessments, and a funding amendment of $1.02 million for the Upper Third and Rosewood Creeks Water Quality Improvement Project near Lake Tahoe, increasing its total to $1.77 million.
Allocations for Behavioral Health and Vulnerable Residents
Several grants supporting behavioral health funding and services for vulnerable residents are on the agenda. The Behavioral Health Early Diversion Project is set to receive $738,494 in direct and $6,398 in indirect federal funding, with a $186,224 county match. Other proposed funding includes:
- $415,000 for Victims of Crime Act services, with a $103,750 county match.
- $374,920 for homemaker services for residents aged 60 and older, with a $56,238 match.
- $325,000 from the William N. Pennington Foundation for foster care children (no match required).
- $607,996 in state opioid response funding for the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office (no match required).
- Up to $30,000 to support Sheriff’s Office human trafficking investigations (no match required).
- $240,000 to aid foster care youths transitioning to independence, requiring a $60,000 county match.
Other Agenda Highlights
Further items include possible authorization for an April 2027 auction of tax-delinquent properties, the removal of $302,031 in uncollectible animal services fines, and a report on county contracts exceeding $300,000, totaling $7.59 million in aggregate expenditures. Additional actions include a property transfer in Incline Village to the Reno Housing Authority, an update on the 2026 general election, and appointments to the Washoe County Open Space and Regional Parks Commission.
The full agenda and meeting details are available on the Washoe County Board of Commissioners website.
Source: thisisreno.com.
