City, County and State Services Being Cut

The effects of local and state government budget cuts are starting to really affect services we've long taken for granted. For example, the second floor front counter at Reno City Hall will have reduced service hours starting March 1. The new time will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Services available online that don't require a personal visit to city offices will still be there. Some station closures and brownouts are slated for the Reno Fire Department. Layoffs of fire personnel have already occured and more may be coming. The Reno Police Department has managed so far by not filling vacant positions, thus avoiding the need to cut current active staff.

At least three branches of the Washoe County Library could be closing with the start of the fiscal year on July 1. Unfortunately, the most bang for the budget includes the North Valleys Library and the system's two busiest branches, Sierra View and downtown. According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, libraries and parks have already taken the largest cuts percentage wise, being deemed non-essential services. I beg to differ, especially with regard to libraries. They are an essential service used daily by thousands of adults and children throughout the Truckee Meadows.

State of Nevada offices will probably be closing on Fridays, pending the outcome of the February 2010 Special Session of the Nevada Legislature. Washoe County schools may see up to $30 million in reduced state funding as well.

Source: City of Reno press releases, Reno Gazette-Journal.

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