Washoe County Commissioners today approved two contracts totaling more than $1.2 million with local firms that will benefit our local economy by either retaining or creating local jobs:

* $1,070,405 to Gardner Mechanical to upgrade the 44-year old heating and cooling system in the downtown Reno Library. It is estimated that the project will create or retain 11 jobs in the local market. The project will also require an asbestos abatement element which will be bid separately.
* $154,848 to Qual-Econ U.S.A., Inc. for janitorial services at seven different library locations. Previously, janitorial services were performed by another firm under separate contracts. By consolidating janitorial services for all locations under one contract, the County was able to save $17,184 per year while providing a better level of service.

The Board also approved a contract not to exceed $1 million with the national firm Garland/DBS to provide design and materials to replace the 22 year old roof on the Regional Jail located at 911 Parr Blvd. The new roof design is of a superior material and will have a 30 year leak tight warranty. Garland/DBS was selected through U.S. Communities, a government purchasing cooperative that performed a national bid search for roofing products and services which mirrors Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) for the selection of design/build contractors. Although Garland/DBS is headquartered in Ohio, the “labor only” portion of their contract will be locally bid according to NRS requirements and work will be monitored by County staff.

Mutually Beneficial Lease Agreement. The Board also approved a lease agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows (BGCTM), a local non-profit organization in the private sector, to provide year-round youth services at the Joe Mitchell Community Center located in Lemmon Valley. In consideration of a rent-free lease of the building, the BGCTM will be responsible for all costs associated to operate and maintain the 3,200 square foot building including all utilities, routine maintenance and building improvements. Given the county’s budget situation as well as reduced use of the building over the past year, this public/private partnership is a win-win that will provide quality youth programming to the community.

Several proclamations were also approved by the County Commission:

* National Prayer Day on May 5, 2011
* Older American Month, May 2011
* National County Government Month, April 2011
* Nevada Wildfire Awareness Week, May 1-8, 2011
* Earth Day, April 22, 2011. Special thank you to Commissioner Kitty Jung who donated $3,000 to the County’s Green Team to further their efforts to develop and promote environmentally sustainable options for the county.
* Anniversary of the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, All Four Seasons of 2011
* National Building and Safety Month, May 2011

Finally, the Commission also acknowledged receipt of the 29th annual Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for Washoe County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2010.