Yerington council adopts FY2026–27 budget, moves business and liquor licenses to annual cycle and approves water rate changes

The Yerington City Council adopted the final fiscal year 2026–27 budget after a public hearing and staff briefing that identified departmental reductions and a sewer fund shortfall.

Interim City Manager Jerry Bryant told the council the draft included department reductions amounting to approximately $110,000 and noted an expected sewer‑fund loss of about $174,000 plus the USDA loan repayment. The draft also reallocated $10,000 to the Police Department by shifting $5,000 from City Hall and $5,000 from the building department.

Following deliberation, the council approved the final budget. Councilman Nick Beaton moved to approve and Councilman Shane Martin seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

On licensing, the council adopted Bill #436 to move business licenses to an annual cycle (licenses expiring June 30 and renewing July 1), with pro‑rated fees for new businesses; gaming and liquor licenses remain on a separate schedule. The council also adopted Bill #437 and Resolution 2026‑06 to change liquor licenses from a quarterly $100 schedule to a $500 annual fee and add a $50 application/background‑check fee for new liquor applicants. Council discussion noted that the new liquor fee remains below neighboring jurisdictions.

Water-standpipe fees were revised by Resolution 2026‑07: the council moved to a flat $5.00 per 1,000 gallons rate at the J‑Stand, added a $100 startup fee for new accounts and a $25 fee for PIN reactivation or account reopening. Staff said the change replaces the prior $38 charge for the first 15,000 gallons and a commodity rate near $2 per 1,000 gallons thereafter.

Council also approved a professional GIS services agreement with DOWL not to exceed $15,000 for the 2026–27 fiscal year, and approved several planning items including a parcel split (APN 001‑011‑44), a zone map amendment (APN 001‑561‑07), and a boundary line adjustment (APNs 001‑561‑07 & 001‑541‑23).

Why it matters: the budget decisions and fee changes affect city services, utility pricing and business compliance costs. The liquor and water fees alter recurring costs for local businesses and residents; the sewer shortfall signals potential future rate adjustments.

What comes next: staff will implement the annual licensing schedule (with pro‑rated fees), begin outreach on the new water‑standpipe fee structure, and execute the DOWL contract and planning approvals.