Budget 101 Workshop | July 21, 2026

The Washoe County, Nevada Budget 101 Workshop held on July 21, 2026, provided a comprehensive overview of the county's budgeting process, financial policies, and transparency initiatives. County financial officers detailed the development and management of the county's approximately $1.1 billion budget, including fund structures, revenue sources such as property taxes, and expenditure controls. They emphasized the importance of legally adopted budgets, the incremental base budgeting approach, and the county's commitment to maintaining fund balance policies and contingency reserves. The workshop also highlighted the Washoe Checkbook, an online tool offering near real-time access to county financial data, including vendor payments and departmental spending, enhancing public transparency. Attendees were encouraged to engage with the budget process through public workshops, surveys, and direct communication with county officials. The session addressed common public questions about budget allocations, spending authority, vendor engagement, and local business preferences in procurement, clarifying that while local preference points may be awarded, contracts are awarded based on the lowest responsive and responsible bids in compliance with state law.