Reno city leaders say they have identified a plan to balance next year’s budget despite a projected $24 million structural deficit, which will require a combination of spending cuts, job freezes, and higher fees for residents and businesses.
City officials attributed the shortfall to slow revenue growth amid inflation, which they say has limited the city’s financial resources heading into the fiscal year 2027 budget cycle.
To comply with state law requiring a balanced budget, the city plans to reduce $19.2 million through spending cuts. Officials said they will aim to save 2% through unfilled positions, freeze select roles, and reduce expenses using a zero-based budgeting approach.
Additionally, the city is freezing eight vacant positions that have remained open all year, leaving a total of 36 positions unfunded for fiscal year 2027. City leaders estimate that these personnel measures will save more than $4.5 million.
Reno officials also plan to increase fees throughout the year, including motel licensing fees, body-worn camera redaction fees, and higher waste management fees, the latter of which will raise residents’ trash bills.
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