Washoe commissioners who flew down for the afternoon meeting at the Clark County Government Center said the trip was well worth their while. The more communication you have with people, the more you can accomplish for the betterment of the community. The two boards, assisted by Clark County Manager Dale Askew and his Washoe counterpart Katy Singlaub, discussed proposed unfunded state mandates, gaining more flexibility to pass ordinances, land use and electric deregulation. Commissioners agree with a plan to transfer child welfare responsibilities to counties.
Counties currently oversee protective services while the state handles the foster care system.
Incongruities in the system creates gaps that result in children bouncing around in foster homes for years. If the state transfers its employees to the county, commissioners expect funding to accompany them. Board members also agree the proposed flexibility law might be most difficult to pass. The bill would give counties more authority over redevelopment, housing, public safety and health and sanitation issues. The state, which dictates what counties can and cannot do, might be reluctant to pass such a bill.