Office of the County Manager

Regional Fire Services Study Board

Senate Bill 319 (SB319), passed during the 83^rd Session of the Nevada Legislature and approved by Governor Lombardo on June 9, 2025, requires Washoe County, the City of Reno, and the City of Sparks to jointly establish a board by interlocal agreement to study options for delivery of regional fire and emergency medical services, including the possibility of creating a consolidated fire protection district to serve the two cities and portions of unincorporated Washoe County. SB319 directed that the board be comprised of two members from each governing body of Washoe County, the City of Reno, and the City of Sparks. The board is tasked with completing the required study and issuing a report by December 31, 2026.

The Interlocal Agreement approved by all three entities ensures that each participating jurisdiction has equal representation and input in the study process. The board is empowered to:

• Analyze response times, operational costs, and legal requirements
• Review and identify appropriate governance models based on identified needs
• Assess potential insurance impacts and funding mechanisms
• Contract for consultant support as needed
• Submit final recommendations to each governing body

SB319 does not empower the board to create a consolidated county fire protection district, nor does it authorize any of the three jurisdictions to levy new taxes or assessments. Any such authority would need to be granted by the Nevada Legislature; recommendations on any legislative changes necessary to carry out the findings of the study are to be included in the final report.

Washoe County serves as the administrative lead for the SB319 Study Board. All costs associated with the study are shared equally by the three jurisdictions.

Draft Regional Fire & EMS Study

The Draft Feasibility, Efficiency, and Service Enhancement Assessment Study Report is now available for public review. The draft study evaluates the current delivery of fire and emergency medical services in the region and identifies potential operational, financial, governance, and service-delivery considerations for review by the Regional Fire Services Study Board.

View the Draft Study Report (PDF)

Community members are encouraged to review the draft study and provide feedback. Public input will help inform the Board’s consideration of the draft findings and recommendations as the study moves toward completion.

Provide Feedback on the Draft Study

Board Members

• Washoe County Commissioner Mariluz Garcia, Chair
• Sparks City Councilmember Joe Rodriguez, Vice Chair
• Reno City Councilmember Brandi Anderson
• Sparks City Councilmember Paul Anderson
• Washoe County Commissioner Clara Andriola
• Reno City Councilmember Miguel Martinez

Questions about the board may be directed to Cadence Matijevich, Washoe County Government Affairs Liaison, at cmatijevich@washoecounty.gov or 775-328-2077.

Public Information and Engagement

An initial public input session was held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, to introduce the regional fire and emergency medical services study and study team, explain the study process and timeline, and gather initial public input on topics included in the study’s scope. The meeting was held in person. A recording, transcripts, and additional study information are available through the links below.

• Watch the March 19, 2026 Public Information and Input Session
• Access session transcripts and presentation materials
• Visit the Study Public Engagement Website

Meeting Schedule

Regional Fire Services Study Board meetings will be held on an as-needed basis.  It is anticipated that the board will hold 4 – 7 meetings over the course of the study period.

Meeting Archive