Reno City Council considers $300K donation from Toll Brothers for fire safety improvements
July 24, 2025 | City Council Meetings , Reno, Washoe County, Nevada
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The Reno City Council made significant strides in addressing public safety concerns during its recent meeting, focusing on the Santerra development in Verdi. Originally approved four years ago for over 1,200 housing units, the project included a condition for the developer, Toll Brothers, to temporarily provide a home for a residential fire station. This station was intended to house a two-person crew for medical emergencies, but staffing challenges and funding issues led to a proposal for a new approach.
City officials proposed amending the original condition, suggesting that instead of providing a temporary fire station, Toll Brothers donate $300,000 to the city. This funding would be used to purchase an ambulance, allowing for a more flexible medical response across the city. However, concerns about ensuring adequate emergency services in the area prompted the council to reconsider the proposal.
In response to previous questions about mutual aid and the role of REMSA, the city has since established a new automatic aid agreement with Truckee Meadows Fire, ensuring that emergency services are well-coordinated. Additionally, a letter from REMSA confirmed their commitment to providing medical services in the area, addressing community concerns about response times.
The revised proposal now suggests that the $300,000 donation be allocated towards future fire facilities in Verdi, rather than just an ambulance. This change aims to ensure that the funds are used effectively to enhance fire services in the growing community. With each new home in the development contributing $1,600 towards fire services, the city anticipates accumulating around $2 million for future fire service improvements.
Public comments during the meeting highlighted the urgency of maintaining high-quality emergency services. Residents expressed concerns about relying solely on REMSA for medical emergencies and emphasized the importance of timely responses in critical situations. The council is now tasked with balancing the needs of the community with the practicalities of funding and staffing emergency services.
As the city moves forward, the decision to amend the condition reflects a commitment to adapting public safety measures to meet the evolving needs of the Verdi area, ensuring that residents receive the services they deserve.
City officials proposed amending the original condition, suggesting that instead of providing a temporary fire station, Toll Brothers donate $300,000 to the city. This funding would be used to purchase an ambulance, allowing for a more flexible medical response across the city. However, concerns about ensuring adequate emergency services in the area prompted the council to reconsider the proposal.
In response to previous questions about mutual aid and the role of REMSA, the city has since established a new automatic aid agreement with Truckee Meadows Fire, ensuring that emergency services are well-coordinated. Additionally, a letter from REMSA confirmed their commitment to providing medical services in the area, addressing community concerns about response times.
The revised proposal now suggests that the $300,000 donation be allocated towards future fire facilities in Verdi, rather than just an ambulance. This change aims to ensure that the funds are used effectively to enhance fire services in the growing community. With each new home in the development contributing $1,600 towards fire services, the city anticipates accumulating around $2 million for future fire service improvements.
Public comments during the meeting highlighted the urgency of maintaining high-quality emergency services. Residents expressed concerns about relying solely on REMSA for medical emergencies and emphasized the importance of timely responses in critical situations. The council is now tasked with balancing the needs of the community with the practicalities of funding and staffing emergency services.
As the city moves forward, the decision to amend the condition reflects a commitment to adapting public safety measures to meet the evolving needs of the Verdi area, ensuring that residents receive the services they deserve.
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