Washoe County Manager John Slaughter gave update on county government services today. Talking points included praise for county employees, citizen outreach, county volunteers and how the county is working to manage growth.
New initiatives include streamlining permitting for new buildings and faster processing of business licenses.
A one-stop shop “will reduce time and provide cost savings,” Slaughter said.
He said he was cautiously optimistic about the region’s economic future, adding that the county is increasing its reserves in preparation of a possible economic downtown in the future.
County parks will see upgrades.
“Parks took a really hard hit during the recession. Rancho San Rafael Regional Park will get a much-needed upgrade to the irrigation system,” he said. Seven other parks will get renovated.
Slaughter said growth and development will get a sharp look, including the streamlining of business recruitment as well as potential growth impacts to be reviewed with new legislation. One of the county’s two bill-draft requests to the next legislative session will include an examination of regional planning legislation.
“It’s time for a comprehensive review of the legislation that guides regional planning in the Truckee Meadows,” he said. “We’ll be working with all of our stakeholders — the City of Reno, City of Sparks (and) others — on that. We’ll be very up front and very transparent about that process.”
Slaughter said that city annexation of county properties, which can occur at the request of the property owner, will be considered.
“It’s an issue within regional planning. Annexation is guided by regional planning. Certainly it will be a discussion point,” he said.
Watch an interview with Slaughter below.
