New Washoe County manager outlines internal staffing focus and cautious budget outlook

Kate Thomas, Washoe County’s newly appointed county manager, introduced herself to the Gerlach Community Advisory Board and described an organizational focus on staff recruitment, retention and internal culture while maintaining service to rural communities.

Thomas recounted more than two decades in local government, including roles in public works, the city of Reno and a constitutional office at the state capitol. “The reason for wanting to work at the county is really the people,” she said, and she emphasized the county’s heavy personnel costs — “over 75% of our budget is salaries and benefits” — as a reason to favor targeted, one-time investments in technology rather than new recurring positions.

Thomas told CAB members the county is entering its budget cycle and must adopt a budget in May, per statutory requirements. She said the county is roughly half property-tax funded, a relatively stable base compared with cities and noted revenue pressures in the region. Thomas also described plans to reopen recruitment for a second assistant county manager early in the new year and to hold an all-CAB onboarding/training session on open-meeting law and Robert’s Rules to improve governance and coordination.

Board members pressed Thomas on where the manager’s responsibilities would split between her former role and new duties; Thomas said she would cover both roles temporarily and that an assistant position will be posted after the holidays. She also confirmed staff would coordinate more closely with CABs and invited community members to raise local needs as the county finalizes budget priorities.

Next steps: Thomas and staff will continue outreach to Gerlach as budget planning proceeds and will return with further details about staffing and onboarding timelines.