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July 8, 2010
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SPARKS CITY COUNCIL TO ADDRESS CONSOLIDATION QUESTION MONDAY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Adam Mayberry, (775) 353-7894
Sparks, NV – At the next Sparks City Council meeting to be held on Monday, July 12, the Council may take action on an agenda item that addresses regional consolidation. The meeting begins at 3p.m. at the Sparks Legislative Building, 745 Fourth Street.
Washoe County has proposed a ballot question for the 2010 General Election Ballot that addresses the question, "Should the local governments of Reno and Washoe County pursue consolidation of the governments if it can be shown to save money and/or improve service." The City Council action will likely address if the Council wants Sparks to be included on the ballot question or not.
Since January 2002, the Sparks City Council has supported Resolution Number 2776 titled "A Resolution on Regional Government Consolidation." While the City Council supports regional efforts to improve quality and fiscal efficiencies of municipal services, it does not support any regional government consolidation that would change the form of government of the City of Sparks.
The Sparks City Council has been committed to maintaining the City of Sparks as a full-service city by providing necessary public services such as public works, parks and recreation programs, community development services, municipal and legal functions, and public safety that include police and fire fighting services.
"It is no surprise consolidation remains a topic of discussion during the difficult financial struggles of today," said Sparks Mayor Geno Martini. "The City of Sparks and others have studied the subject and have concluded that no cost savings can be passed on to our residents by consolidating with another government. The notion that bigger government is a more efficient government is wrong. Just look at the federal government. The City of Sparks is in a position, being closest to our residents, to be the most efficient because we are the most accountable. We certainly support efficiencies and shared services wherever possible to save our residents' hard-earned tax dollars. Our strength is our ability to have 100 percent oversight of funds spent on city services."
Year after year, Sparks citizens voice their opposition to a consolidated government for Washoe County. According to the City's 2010 Public Attitude Survey, 67 percent do not support a consolidated regional government.
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