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The past year has been marked by challenge and opportunity for Douglas County and its residents. The year began with unem- ployment remaining stub- bornly high, despite a de- crease from 2011. A new 5-year financial forecast of the County’s General Fund highlighted a $3 million structural imbalance. While personnel costs were slowed in 2011 with a 5% B UDGET , W ATER , C OMMUNITY C ENTER M ARK 2012 T AHOE R EGIONAL P LAN A M ONUMENTAL S TEP It would be difficult to overstate the importance of the Tahoe Regional Plan- ning Agency (TRPA) Gov- erning Board’s nearly unani- mous decision to approve the 2012 Lake Tahoe Re- gional Plan and Transporta- tion Plan Updates on De- cember 12, 2012. For eight years, those concerned with the environment and econ- omy at the Lake, including residents, businesses, local governments and others have engaged in a thorough and thoughtful process to improve the natural and built environments. The participation in the Regional Plan Update (RPU) process has been extensive, led by the outstanding efforts of TRPA’s Executive Director Joanne Marchetta and her staff. There have been many differences of opinion on the best way to improve the natural and built envi- ronment through changes to the regulatory structure. There is, however, general agreement on the critical issue Tahoe faces: the cur- rent state of the environment and economy at the Lake is unacceptable and must be improved. Douglas County (Continued on page 3) DECEMBER, 2012 VOLUME 2, I SSUE 12 2012: Y EAR IN R EVIEW January —5-year financial forecast projects annual $3 million imbal- ance February —Swim District transfers property tax rate to County March —Douglas County ranked healthiest in the state April —County, employees reach 3-year deal to stabilize costs May —County closes budget gap, adopts balanced FY12-13 budget, and stabilizes water and sewer rates June —County earns A+ bond rating from Standard and Poor’s July —Scientific Resolution Panel favors County on flood maps August —Airport secures $1.3 million in federal grants September —$24.7 million Rede- velopment obligation terminated October —ground broken on new Community Center November —residents participate in first online “Budget Challenge” December —1987 Tahoe Regional Plan updated I NSIDE THIS ISSUE : F INANCE R EORG 2 2012 I N R EVIEW ( CONT) 3 T AHOE P LAN ( CONT) 3 FAQS 4 NEW HR MANAGER 2 D OUGLAS C OUNTY , N EVADA N EWS Y OU C AN U SE reduction in employee sala- ries, uncertainty loomed on how to stabilize long-term labor costs. Water and sewer rates for the County’s utility systems were pro- jected to increase signifi- cantly. A site and operating revenue to support the new Community and Senior Center had been identified, but a financing plan to con- struct the facility still needed to be mapped out. All of these challenges, and many more, were met with resolve and fortitude. Three year contracts with all em- ployees were approved and will serve to slow the growth in expenses for sev- eral years. Property tax shifts from the Swim District and other sources helped to stabilize revenues. Ulti- mately, the County adopted a balanced budget for Fiscal (Continued on page 3) The future of Lake Tahoe from the South Shore Vision Plan

12-2012 Douglas County Nevada

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Newsletter from Douglas County Nevada for December 2012

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  • The past year has been marked by challenge and opportunity for Douglas County and its residents. The year began with unem-ployment remaining stub-bornly high, despite a de-crease from 2011. A new 5-year financial forecast of the Countys General Fund highlighted a $3 million structural imbalance. While personnel costs were slowed in 2011 with a 5%

    BUDGET, WATER, COMMUNITY CENTER MARK 2012

    TAHOE REGIONAL PLAN A MONUMENTAL STEP It would be difficult to overstate the importance of the Tahoe Regional Plan-ning Agency (TRPA) Gov-erning Boards nearly unani-mous decision to approve the 2012 Lake Tahoe Re-gional Plan and Transporta-tion Plan Updates on De-cember 12, 2012. For eight years, those concerned with the environment and econ-omy at the Lake, including residents, businesses, local governments and others have engaged in a thorough and thoughtful process to improve the natural and built environments. The participation in the Regional Plan Update (RPU) process has been extensive, led by the outstanding efforts of

    TRPAs Executive Director Joanne Marchetta and her staff. There have been many differences of opinion on the best way to improve the natural and built envi-ronment through changes to the regulatory structure.

    There is, however, general agreement on the critical issue Tahoe faces: the cur-rent state of the environment and economy at the Lake is unacceptable and must be improved. Douglas County

    (Continued on page 3)

    DECEMBER, 2012 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 12

    2012: YEAR IN REVIEW

    January5-year financial forecast projects annual $3 million imbal-ance

    FebruarySwim District transfers property tax rate to County

    MarchDouglas County ranked healthiest in the state

    AprilCounty, employees reach 3-year deal to stabilize costs

    MayCounty closes budget gap, adopts balanced FY12-13 budget, and stabilizes water and sewer rates

    JuneCounty earns A+ bond rating from Standard and Poors

    JulyScientific Resolution Panel favors County on flood maps

    AugustAirport secures $1.3 million in federal grants

    September$24.7 million Rede-velopment obligation terminated

    Octoberground broken on new Community Center

    Novemberresidents participate in first online Budget Challenge

    December1987 Tahoe Regional Plan updated

    INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

    FINANCE REORG 2

    2012 IN REVIEW (CONT)

    3

    TAHOE PLAN (CONT)

    3

    FAQS 4

    NEW HR MANAGER

    2

    DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEVADA

    NEWS YOU CAN USE

    reduction in employee sala-ries, uncertainty loomed on how to stabilize long-term labor costs. Water and sewer rates for the Countys utility systems were pro-jected to increase signifi-cantly. A site and operating revenue to support the new Community and Senior Center had been identified, but a financing plan to con-struct the facility still needed to be mapped out.

    All of these challenges, and many more, were met with resolve and fortitude. Three year contracts with all em-ployees were approved and will serve to slow the growth in expenses for sev-eral years. Property tax shifts from the Swim District and other sources helped to stabilize revenues. Ulti-mately, the County adopted a balanced budget for Fiscal

    (Continued on page 3)

    The future of Lake Tahoe from the South Shore Vision Plan

  • After a national search brought in over 30 applicants, including many highly quali-fied candidates, Douglas County found its new Human Resources Manager in its own back yard. Norma Santoyo is a Douglas High School gradu-ate and resident of the Carson Valley with over 19 years of experience in personnel and human resource management throughout Nevada. Ms. Santoyo served the State of Nevada for 13 years, includ-ing her current position as the Chief Human Resources Offi-cer for the Nevada Depart-ment of Public Safety. She previously served as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Carson City Sheriffs Of-fice. She has a Masters De-gree in Business Administra-tion and has demonstrated outstanding leadership capa-

    bilities in her previous roles. Ms. Santoyo comes highly recom-mended from numerous State and Carson City officials who have worked with her. She will begin her new role as Human Resources Manager for Douglas County on January 7, 2013. Ms. Santoyo will be responsi-ble for overseeing employee recruitment and selection, job classification and compensa-tion, risk management, train-ing, employee relations, col-lective bargaining, staff devel-opment and benefit administra-

    tion. We are pleased to wel-come Ms. Santoyo to our team of employees who are dedicated to providing the highest quality and cost-effective services possible to the citizens of our commu-nity, said County Manager Steve Mokrohisky.

    NEW HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER TO START JAN. 7

    PAGE 2 NEWS YOU CAN USE

    SHE IS A DOUGLAS HIGH

    SCHOOL GRADUATE AND

    RESIDENT OF THE CARSON VALLEY WITH OVER 19

    YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN

    PERSONNEL AND HUMAN RESOURCE

    MANAGEMENT THROUGHOUT

    NEVADA.

    FINANCE DIVISION REORGANIZATION REDUCES COSTS

    On December 20th, the Board of County Commis-sioners approved a reorgani-zation of the Countys Fi-nance Division that will re-duce expenses by approxi-mately $106,000 per year, as well as eliminate one manage-ment position. The Finance Division reorganization cre-ates greater accountability and efficiency. The reorgani-zation will also create a more cost-effective structure with a focus on financial analysis, projections, planning, ac-

    counting and reporting, while also providing career develop-ment and succession planning for the organization. The re-configuration of staff resources and responsibilities in the divi-sion will support programs that have been identified in the priority based budgeting model as highly relevant to meeting the Countys desired commu-nity results. The Finance Divi-sion reorganization is the latest in a series of improvements over the past year to the Countys financial manage-

    ment structure, including new long-range budget pro-jections, implementation of priority based budgeting, 3-year labor contracts that sta-bilize expenses, and consoli-dation and elimination of nu-merous positions. Standard and Poors gave Douglas County its A+ bond rating in 2012, noting that the Countys management prac-tices are strong, well-embedded and likely sustain-able.

    THE PLAN WILL REDUCE EXPENSES

    BY OVER $100,000 PER

    YEAR AND ELIMINATE ONE MANAGEMENT

    POSITION, WHILE IMPROVING FINANCIAL ANALYSIS,

    PLANNING AND REPORTING.

    Norma Santoyo is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Nevada Department

    of Public Safety

  • THE PLAN SEEKS TO PROTECT THE

    NATURAL ENVIRONMENT,

    ENCOURAGE THE ENVIRONMENTAL REDEVELOPMENT

    OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, AND PROMOTE

    COMPLETE STREET COMMUNITIES. IT

    IS ALSO PREDICTABLE AND UNDERSTANDABLE

    has been actively involved and supportive of efforts to im-prove the environment and economy at Lake Tahoe. Commissioner Nancy McDer-mid serves on the TRPA Gov-erning Board and supported adoption of the new plan. County Manager Steve Mok-rohisky served on the Nevada and California Bi-State RPU Consultation Group, a broad coalition of environmental and local government agen-cies, businesses, and state leaders that worked through dissenting opinions and reached agreement on impor-tant issues. The adopted RPU is not perfect, but it is a monumental step towards environmental and economic revitalization. The plan seeks to protect the natural envi-ronment, encourage the envi-ronmental redevelopment of the built environment, and

    (Continued from page 1)

    promote complete street com-munities. The new RPU is also predictable and under-standable. The RPU also al-lows local agencies to assist in permitting small projects, while allowing TRPA to focus on its intended and critical role as a regional planning agency. Douglas County has long been committed to protecting the environment, not in words, but in action. Over 15,000 acres of land is held in conser-

    vation in Douglas County. In 2013, the County will intro-duce a Lands Bill in Congress that seeks to protect another 15,000 acres. A growing number of leaders in Tahoe understand that, in order to protect what we cherish, we have to take action, not stand by and create obstruction. The Regional Plan Update is the action that is needed to protect the Lake.

    REGIONAL PLAN A MONUMENTAL STEP (CONT)

    BUDGET, WATER, COMMUNITY CENTER IN 2012 (CONT) 40 years of planning. The County also made progress in eliminating the $24.7 mil-lion Redevelopment obliga-tion for the Riverwood pro-ject, secured $1.3 million in federal funds for Airport maintenance, and imple-mented a new priority based budgeting system. The famous writer Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, summed up dealing with adversity suc-cinctly: I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind.

    But Ive bought a big bat. Im all ready, you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me. Heres to another year of facing adver-sity head on, and turning our challenges into opportunities for success.

    Year 2012-13, closing the $3 million gap, while also im-proving services and shifting more money into maintaining roads. Two-year water and sewer rates were adopted through a consolidation of the Valley systems, minimizing the impact on rate-payers. Finally, a responsible financ-ing plan was adopted to con-struct the new Community and Senior Center, and ground was broken on the new facility after more than

    (Continued from page 1)

    PAGE 3 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 12

    DESPITE A SLOW ECONOMIC

    RECOVERY, WE ARE ON A PATH TO LONG-TERM

    FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY, STABILIZATION OF WATER AND SEWER RATES,

    AND RESPONSIBLY BUILDING A NEW

    COMMUNITY CENTER.

    A rendering of Lake Tahoes future from the South Shore Vision

  • Douglas County Strategic Plan

    Vision

    A community to match the scenery!

    Mission

    Working together with integrity and accountability, the Douglas County team is dedicated to providing essential and cost-effective public services fostering a safe, healthy, scenic, and

    vibrant community for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors.

    Values

    Integrity - Accountability - Customer Service - Leadership - Communication - Teamwork

    Priorities

    Financial Stability

    Public Safety

    Economic Vitality

    Infrastructure

    Natural Environment, Resources and Cultural Heritage

    Manage Growth and Change

    Thank you for taking the time to review the information in our newsletter. We value your opinion - if you have any questions or suggestions to improve the services and information we provide to you, please contact us. Steve Mokrohisky Douglas County Manager

    County Managers Office 1594 Esmeralda Ave.

    PO Box 218 Minden, NV 89423

    Phone: 775-782-9821

    Fax: 775-782-6255 E-mail: [email protected]

    DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEVADA

    A: The final submittals for the pro-ject are due from the three design-build teams on December 21st. The submittals will be evaluated with a recommendation that will go to the Board of County Commissioners tentatively scheduled for February 7th. The preliminary reviews of the proposed submittals are encourag-ing. Additionally, the fill pad pro-ject and site work will be completed this month, ahead of schedule and under budget. Plans to bid the Wa-terloo Lane widening are at 90 per-cent and will be advertised in Janu-ary for bid. We are currently on

    Q: How is the County keeping up with sanding on icy roads?

    A: The County has a snow removal policy that identifies and prioritizes County maintained roads for plow-ing and sanding. Priority is gener-ally given to arterial and collector roads, due to higher traffic volumes on those roads. Local roads are typically plowed and sanded as time and conditions warrant.

    Q: What is the status of the Community Center? Has the design-build team been se-lected?

    target to meet our goal to open the senior portion of the facility in Spring 2015.

    Q: Have the recent rain storms reveal any previously un-known problem areas for flooding?

    A: The recent storms did not reveal any previously unknown issues, but it did highlight known issues with historic flow patterns and localized nuisance flooding in areas such as Johnson Lane, Ruhenstroth and Fish Springs.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    WWW. DOUGLASCOUNTYNV. GOV

    Budget, Water, Community Center Mark 2012Tahoe Regional Plan a Monumental StepDecember, 2012Volume 2, Issue 122012: Year in ReviewInside this issue:Douglas County, NevadaNews You Can UseThe future of Lake Tahoe from the South Shore Vision PlanNew Human Resources Manager to Start Jan. 7Page #News You Can UseFinance Division Reorganization Reduces costsNorma Santoyo is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Nevada Department of Public SafetyRegional Plan a Monumental Step (cont)Budget, Water, Community Center in 2012 (cont)Page #Volume 2, Issue 12A rendering of Lake Tahoes future from the South Shore VisionDouglas County, NevadaFrequently Asked Questions

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