The Washoe Board of County Commissioners has approved language for a ballot measure that would increase property taxes for Truckee River flood mitigation. Voters will decide in November. Our News Director Michelle Billman spoke with Bob Conrad of ThisisReno to learn more.

The Washoe Board of County Commissioners approved the language for a ballot measure that will increase property taxes throughout Washoe County for Truckee River flood mitigation.

Commissioners approved the language in accordance with a state law requiring the measure be placed on the ballot, but not without objections.

Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler said that tax inappropriately targets the entire county to benefit what is a Truckee River issue.

“This is ridiculous,” she said before voting for the measure.

A flood tax committee recommended a property tax increase as part of the state mandate. If approved by voters, property taxes will increase about 3 cents per $100 of a property’s assessed value.

“It does only relate to the river,” Washoe County’s Jamie Rodriguez told the board.

Commissioner Vaughn Hartung noted that the commission was required by law to approve the language once a committee made a recommendation for the tax.

The Truckee River Flood Project needs the fund to continue mitigation projects for its 100-year flood management projects overseen by the Truckee River Flood Management Authority.

To read the rest of this story, visit ThisisReno.com.