2023 Fall Newsletter
GENERAL MANAGER’S UPDATE
The Sun Valley General Improvement District (District) staff takes its fiscal responsibility seriously and in doing so, has to make difficult decisions regarding rates and services to our customers. Due to a Truckee Meadows Water Authority 2.5% rate increase, the District had to pass that cost through on water consumption only. The District recently implemented a Tier 2 rate in order to cover the costs that go up considerably during the summer months. By implementing the Tier 2 rate, those costs are covered by individuals that choose to consume more, rather than those costs being distributed to all customers. Lastly, the District had to increase its sewer rates as a direct reflection and pass through for the District’s portion of the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (wastewater treatment plant). These costs include utility increases, services and supply increases, and overall operations and maintenance that is contributed to the aging of the treatment facility with much needed repairs that are cost specific to the District. District staff will continue to work to keep cost down and provide its customers with the service they deserve.
-Chris Melton, General Manager
LOW INCOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
The District offers a couple of assistance programs for those who qualify based on low-income guidelines. The Garbage Assistance Program would allow the District to pay your quarterly Waste Management bill for your single container residential service, and the Recreation Fee Assistance Program would allow the District to waive the recreation fee from your monthly water/sewer bill. If your total gross household income meets the criteria, you are welcome to apply for these programs. Applications can be obtained off the District website or in the District office.
WINTERIZING TIPS
Don’t let cold weather catch you unprepared. Here are some helpful tips:
Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses. Detaching hoses allows water to drain from your faucets and pipes.
- Swamp Coolers: Shut off and disconnect water supply, make sure to winterize your swamp cooler according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Insulate pipes or faucets that pass through unheated areas. Areas of concern may be under the home, garage, crawl space or outside faucet.
- Heat Tape: If you are using heat tape to insulate pipes, be sure to apply it according to manufacturer’s directions. Damaged or older tapes won’t warm pipes and can cause fire.
ARPA GRANT UPDATE
The Washoe County Commission awarded the District a Sub-Grant using American Rescue Plan Act federal funds. The District is currently working on rehabilitation of the outdoor park lighting and exterior building lighting at Gepford Park with a project cost of $20,784, and replacement of two scoreboards at Gepford Park with a project cost of $42,000. The District also partnered with Reno Battleborn BMX with the purchase of various tools and equipment to help improve the BMX Track conditions for the safety of the participants.
VETERAN CELEBRATION
The District will be honoring all who serve and have served our country at the annual veterans celebration breakfast on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Sun Valley Neighborhood Center,115 W. 6th Ave., beginning at 9:00 a.m. A free breakfast, courtesy of Washoe County Human Services, will be provided to all veterans, active and non-active military, and their families, along with the local community. Information and resources from various veteran and military groups and organizations will be distributed to all in attendance. For more information, please call the District office. We hope to see you there!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Thank you to the Fink Family for their continued support sponsoring this year’s FREE SWIM day! Thank you to generous local businesses who donated to this year’s raffle: Bonanza Casino, Bully’s Sports Bar & Grill, Fleischmann Planetarium, Fly High Trampoline Park, LP Insurance, National Championship Air Races, Nugget Casino, Reno Ice Arena, Reno Rodeo, Reno United Tang Soo Do, United Federal Credit Union, Hobey’s Casino and Commissioner Garcia. The generosity of these sponsors helped make this family event a success!
THANK YOU LIFEGUARDS
The District wants to send a special thank you to our fantastic 2023 Lifeguards; please give them an extra thank you when you see them! The health and safety of the Sun Valley Pool patrons was our priority this year. It was not easy to operate a public pool while under a national lifeguard shortage, but this year’s staff went above and beyond to serve the Sun Valley community. If you know anyone who enjoys the water, being outdoors, and helping others, please have them contact the District to be added to next year’s lifeguard interest list.
DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TIMES
The District Board of Trustees meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month beginning at 5:30 pm. The meetings are held in the Board Room, which can be accessed through the Prosser Drive entrance to the District building. The public is always welcome to attend. For details about upcoming meetings, please visit the District website.
DATES TO REMEMBER
- October 7 – Sun Valley Citizen Advisory Board Meeting
- October 12 – District Board Meeting
- October 21 – Free Sun Valley Medical Clinic
- October 27 – Nevada Day (District Closed)
- November 4 – Veterans Celebration Event
- November 9 – District Board Meeting
- November 10 – Veterans Day Observed (District Closed)
- November 18 – Sun Valley Citizen Advisory Board Meeting
- November 23 & 24 – Thanksgiving (District Closed)
- December 2 – Sun Valley Citizen Advisory Board Meeting
- December 14 – District Board Meeting
- December 25 – Christmas (District Closed)
- January 1 – New Years (District Closed)
- January 11 – District Board Meeting
- January 15 – Martin Luther King Jr (District Closed)