Sewer rate hike proposal stalls after public outcry; city survey reveals negative views of downtown Reno

Kristen and Bob return with a new discussion on the latest Reno news headlines. This episode covers Washoe County’s plan to dissolve its Department of Alternative Sentencing, results from the city of Reno’s community survey, the sewer-rate debate and feedback, Stonegate’s zoning appeal and Nevada DMV’s new tool for reporting unregistered vehicles. Episode recorded Oct. 13, 2025 County moves to dissolve Alternative Sentencing Commissioners were expected to advance dissolving the Department of Alternative Sentencing (DAS) after a year marked by an investigation tied to former chief Justin Roper and a federal raid of the office. An internal review released mid-year flagged numerous issues, including unauthorized traffic stops, misuse of county vehicles and weak controls. The audit committee counted roughly 70 findings. If dissolution proceeds, an ordinance would be drafted for final approval, aiming for a January 1, 2026 effective date. Survey reveals mixed views of downtown, city services Top perceptions among respondents: Reno as a good place to live (about 64%), visit (57%), and work (52%); fewer than 4,000 people responded, above the city’s target but not presented as a representative sample. Lowest ratings were for travel by public transportation (10% “good/very good”), micromobility (~20%), and walking (16%). Downtown perceptions skewed negative: 9% “good” and 1.3% “very good,” while 65.3% rated the downtown experience “poor/very poor.” Services faring better included Reno Fire (72%), 911 (63%), and city activities (53.3%). Sewer rates: vote delayed after public pushback The Reno City Council postponed a proposed 8% annual sewer-rate increase for the next two years, seeking more information. Public comments—just under 300 submissions—were overwhelmingly against the hike; only about a dozen supported it. Governing board reverses StoneGate rezoning denial After the TMRPA Planning Commission twice said no, the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency Governing Board approved Stonegate’s appeal, allowing the rezoning to proceed. The board chair emphasized the decision addressed whether the prior denial was “legal and just,” not a specific project approval. The conversation also noted that data centers in Reno currently require a Conditional Use Permit. Devon Reese ethics case update The Nevada Commission on Ethics dismissed complaints against Council member Devon Reese for not meeting the evidentiary threshold of proving personal enrichment when spending city of Reno taxpayer funds. During public comment—after the agenda item—Reese criticized the commission and threatened its director. DMV launches unregistered-vehicle reporting tool The Nevada DMV introduced an online form for reporting unregistered vehicles. The tool drew heavy early use. Stay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter . Support the show

You can listen to Sewer rate hike proposal stalls after public outcry; city survey reveals negative views of downtown Reno online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Sewer rate hike proposal stalls after public outcry; city survey reveals negative views of downtown Reno is an episode from This Is Reno Radio by This Is Reno.

This episode is 40:47 long.

This episode was published on Oct 17, 2025.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from This Is Reno Radio when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.