Top three headlines to know from the Board of County Commissioners meeting

Commissioners receive Canvass of the Vote to make election results final

Reno, Nev. November 13, 2018. The following report highlights several important agenda items from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting:

1. Board of County Commissioners hear update on 2018 General Election and approve Declaration of Canvass of the Vote and Order. Commissioners heard a presentation of the 2018 General Election from Registrar of Voters, Deanna Spikula.

“To our staff, you make it all work and put it all together. To our volunteers, you are what makes Washoe County what it is,” said Commissioner Vaughn Hartung. “Without our volunteers during elections, we couldn’t get the things done that we get done. The work you do does matter, you do make a difference.”

General Election turnout by the numbers:

• 2018 Registered Voters: 269,236 registered voters - an all-time high
• 2018 Total Turnout: 70.13% - largest mid-term turnout
• 2016 General Election turnout: 79.41%
• 2014 Mid-Term  Election turnout: 51.63%

Commissioners also heard a presentation for Declaration of Canvass of the Vote and Order for 2018 General Election, which gives Commissioners the opportunity for a review of the election results and note any errors within the election results; the audit revealed there were no errors with the election. Commissioners unanimously approved the canvass, making the results final and official.

2. Commissioners approve grant to help foster youth prepare for independent living. Commissioners accepted a $185,000 grant to help youth in making the transition from foster care to economic independence. The grant is made possible by the Fund to Assist Former Foster Youth, State of Nevada, Division of Child and Family Services.

The Washoe Human Services Agency (HSA) Independent Living Program Unit specializes in working with youth ages 14-18 years of age who are in the foster care system. Staff works with foster youth, teaching skills to help prepare for successful futures, such as: shopping on a budget, cooking, banking, general maintenance of a home, how to develop critical thinking skills, and how to access community resources.

3. Commissioners make a proclamation and accept multiple donations from generous community members.

• Commissioners proclaim November 12-18, 2018 as National Apprenticeship Week. With this proclamation Commissioners recognize the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and Washoe County’s economy.  
• Commissioners accept donations to Washoe County Regional Animal Services for the humane care and treatment of animals in the amount of $7,504.81 and to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $25.00 all from generous community members.

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