The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners has unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with the city of Reno and the city of Sparks to establish a board tasked with studying regional fire and emergency services options. This initiative is a directive from Senate Bill 319, passed by the Nevada State Legislature earlier this year. The newly formed SB319 Study Board will conduct a comprehensive study and issue a report by December 31, 2026.
The board’s responsibilities include analyzing response times, operational costs, and legal requirements, as well as reviewing governance models and assessing potential insurance impacts and funding mechanisms. Washoe County will serve as the administrative lead for the board. The interlocal agreement formalizes the board’s structure, responsibilities, and cost-sharing arrangement. Each participating jurisdiction will have equal representation and input in the study process. The estimated fiscal impact of the study is $2,920, with Washoe County responsible for one-third of the costs.
