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, including the possibility of the creation of 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 that has been 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.

It is anticipated that the board will release an request for proposals (RFP) in late summer of 2025 to solicit bids from consultants who will analyze both operational and financial considerations related to regional fire and emergency services, and provide recommendations to the board on operational and financial models to improve the efficiency and efficacy of fire and emergency services in the region.  Once the consultant has prepared an initial draft of their findings and recommendations they will be required to conduct public meetings to review the draft with the public.

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

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 Mayor Hillary Schieve

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

Meeting Schedule

Meetings will be held on an as-needed basis, with the first meeting scheduled for September 4, 2025.  It is anticipated that the board will hold 4 – 7 meetings over the course of the study period.

Meetings