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Animal Control

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1. How many dogs can I have?

Only three dogs per address are allowed. There are some exceptions for dogs housed in kennels or animal hospitals.

2. Do I need to license my dog?

The City of Fernley's license requrement is described in Title 7, Chapter 1 of the Fernley Municipal Code. In general, all dogs in the City over six months old need to be licensed. All dogs must be vaccinated for rabies.

3. How much are the license fees?

The annual fees for dog licenses and tags, are as follows:

• Natural - $10
• Neutered / spayed - $5
• Duplicate tags - $1

The license or tag is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

4. Does Animal Control pick up domestic or feral cats?

No. If you have a domestic cat or kitten that you can no longer care for or do not want, the Nevada Humane Society is the only local cat assisting agency at this time. Fernley Animal Control does not pick up cats but we can provide you with a live trap to capture a feral cat in your yard so you can take it to the Nevada Humane Society or other rescue group.

Feral cats are simply abandoned offspring of domestic cats and are primarily the result of people failing to spay or neuter their cats, or people abandoning their cats. These cats survive as best they can - near restaurants, shopping areas, ranches, and other rural areas. Feral cats often live in loose groups or colonies and usually go out of their way to avoid human contact.

Feral cats are almost impossible to socialize. Like other wild animals, they should not be handled without following instructions from feral cat rescue groups or shelters.

5. What should I do if my pet or someone is bitten by an animal?

If there is a serious incident, call 911 or seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Animal bites are investigated by Fernley Animal Control. If you have an animal bite to report, please call us at 775.784.9801 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

If you need assistance after business hours, please contact the Lyon County Sheriff's Office at 775.575.5530.

If you are bitten by an animal or have knowledge of anyone being bitten by any animal, state law requires that the incident be reported due to the possibility of exposure to rabies. It is important to obtain as much information as possible about the animal such as description, location, owner information, vaccination history, etc.

6. What should I do if I find a dead animal on my property or on the road?

Fernely Animal Control will remove dead animals from city roads and rights of way free of charge. Call 775.784.9801 to report dead animals.

Dead animals on state roads and rights of way, include State Route 95A, State Route 50A, Interstate 80, and State Route 828 (Farm District Road) should be reported to the Nevada Department of Transportation at 775.688.1547.

7. What should I do if I have found a stray animal?

If you have found a dog or cat, please call Fernley Animal Control at 775.784.9801. We will take a found animal report so that, if the owner calls to report a lost animal, we can put them in touch with you.

We can make arrangements to pick up a stray dog and take it to our designated shelter, Lyon County Animal Services in Silver Springs. We cannot pick up lost cats but we will try to maintain lists of both lost and found cats to possibly reunite the cat with its owner.

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City Clerk's Office

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1. How do I contact the City Manager's Office?

You may contact the City Manager's Office by calling 775.784.9859.

2. How do I contact the Mayor or Councilmembers?

The following is a list of contact phone numbers for each elected official.

• LeRoy Goodman - Mayor - 775.980.7288
• Kelly Malloy - Ward One - 775.575.1953
• Don Parsons, Sr. - Ward Two - 775.745.8060
• Roy Edgington, Jr. - Ward Three - 775.784.9839
• Curt Chaffin - Ward Four - 775.575.6869
• Cal Eilrich - Ward Five - 775.575.1802

3. When are the City boards and commissions meetings held, and are they open to the public?

We value your attendance and input at our meetings, and the public is always encouraged to attend. All the meetings listed below are held in the Fernley City Hall Council Chambers at 595 Silver Lace Boulevard.

• Arts and Culture Commission - 3:30 pm on the fourth Wednesday of the month
• Capital Improvements Advisory Committee - 6:00 pm on the fourth Wednesday of the month
• City Council - 5:00 pm on the first and third Wednesday of the month; public input begins at 6:00 pm, speakers are limited to five minutes per person
• Fernley Convention and Tourism Authority - 3:30 pm on the second Monday of the last day of the quarter
• Planning Commission - 6:00 pm on the second Wednesday of the month

4. How do I obtain copies of meeting agendas and minutes?

View public meeting agendas and minutes. Action summaries and audio recordings are available in our document center.

You may also contact the City Clerk's Office by calling 775.784.9830 to request a copy, or complete the online request form.

5. How do I request copies of public records?

To request public records from the City of Fernley, contact the City Clerk's Office by calling 775.784.9830 or complete the online request form. For more information, please view the public records request webpage.

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Council / Manager Form of Government

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1. What is a council / manager form of government?

The council / manager form is a system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council or other governing body, with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager.

This government form establishes a representative system where all power is concentrated in the elected council, and where the council hires a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery of public services.

2. Is a council / manager from of government a responsive form of government?

In a council / manager government, the council members are the leaders and policy makers elected to represent various segments of the community, and concentrate on policy issues that are responsive to citizens’ needs and wishes.

The manager is appointed by the council to carry out policy, and ensure that the entire community is being served. If the manager is not responsive to the council’s wishes, the council has authority to terminate the manager at any time. In that sense, a manager’s responsiveness is tested daily.

3. What is the council’s function?

The council is the legislative body, and it's members are the community’s decision makers. Power is centralized in the elected council, which approves the budget and determines the tax rate, for example. The council also focuses on the:

• Capital financing
• Capital improvement plans
• Community’s goals
• Community growth
• Land use development
• Major projects
• Strategic planning

The council hires a professional manager to carry out the administrative responsibilities and supervises the manager’s performance.

4. What is the manager’s function?

The manager is hired to serve the council and the community, and to bring to the local government the benefits of training and experience in administering local government projects and programs on behalf of the governing body.

The manager prepares a budget for the council’s consideration. The manger recruits, hires, and supervises the government’s staff, serves as the council’s chief adviser, and carries out the council’s policies.

Council members and citizens count on the manager to provide complete and objective information, pros and cons of alternatives, and long-term consequences.

5. What is the cost to the local government of appointing a professional manager?

Local governments have found that overall costs actually have been reduced with competent management. Savings come in the form of:

• Effective use of technology
• Improved revenue collection
• Increased efficiency and productivity
• Reduced operating costs

6. Does the manager participate in policy determination?

The manager makes policy recommendations to the City Council, but the Council may or may not adopt them, and may modify the recommendations. The manager is bound by whatever action the Council takes.

7. Where does the mayor fit in?

Mayors in council / manager communities are key political leaders and policy developers. In the case of the council, the mayor is responsible for soliciting citizen views in forming these policies and interpreting them to the public. The mayor:

• Assists the council in setting goals and advocating policy decisions
• Facilitates communication and understanding between elected and appointed officials
• Presides at City Council meetings
• Serves as a promoter and defender of the community
• Serves as a spokesperson for the community

In addition, the mayor serves as a key representative in intergovernmental relations. The mayor, council, and manager constitute a policy-development and management team.

8. Are all council / manager governments structured the same way?

No. One of its most attractive features is that the council / manager form is adaptable to local conditions and preferences. For example, some communities have councils that are elected at large while other councils are elected by district. Some local governments have mayors who are elected by the voters at large, while others are elected by their colleagues on the council.

9. Is this form of government used only in certain kinds of cities?

No. In fact, it is not restricted to cities. It is used by counties, too. Currently, 3,625 cities operate under this form, while 529 counties indicate that they operate under the county administrator form. They vary greatly in size and characteristics, including independent cities, center cities, suburbs, and counties.

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General Home Page

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1. Why do we need the water treatment plant?

To provide clean water for the City of Fernley residents.

Few things are more important to our community than ensuring that our drinking water is clean, safe, and reliable. In addition to meeting the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act, the construction and completion of Fernley’s groundwater treatment plant is the most important issue facing our community. Treating our water with care is an important community investment. This investment pays off in dividends to our health, well-being, and the quality of life we enjoy here in our high desert home.

On January 22, 2001, the EPA set a new maximum standard for arsenic in drinking water. This new standard dropped the maximum level from 50 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion. This regulation required that all public drinking water systems comply with the new standard by January 23, 2006. The City and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection have agreed that the City will deliver compliant water from the water treatment plant by July 23, 2009, and the final completion by December 23, 2009.

2. Will there be any arsenic dust that will migrate to adjacent property owners?

No. The City’s primary concern is the health and safety of its residents, and as a result the City has and will continue to have, best management practices to mitigate all potential for arsenic to migrate beyond the water treatment plant.

3. Will there be any groundwater contamination from the solids drying basins?

No. Due to time limited circumstances associated with obtaining the groundwater discharge permit for the solids drying basins, the City Council approved the staff’s recommendation for the redesign of the water treatment plant's solid handling facilities from the solid drying basins to a closed loop tank storage system. This system will alleviate any possibility for groundwater contamination.

4. Will there be a production well at the water treatment plant?

No. The City investigated, through the means of a test well, whether or not it was economically feasible to provide a production well at the water treatment plant. The City Engineer determined that a test well was not feasible. The City currently operates and maintains six main production wells located throughout the City.

5. Will the water treatment plant be used for vehicle and / or equipment storage?

No. Personnel vehicles will be on site during plant operation, but there will not be a large amount of equipment storage as the public works shop houses all major equipment. Any personnel vehicles that are on-site will be screened as much as possible either by a masonry wall or landscaping.

6. The surrounding zoning is rural residential two acre, can a water treatment plant be included within this zoning?

Yes. Section 28.040 of the City of Fernley development code, states that a water tank, water treatment facility, or sewer lift station is acceptable within a rural residential two acre zoning district, with a design review.

Section 28.070.090 of the City of Fernley development code, states that a water facility is defined as, a water facility for purifying, supplying, and holding water, or a sewer lift station facility, each including appurtenant wells, pumps, and control buildings.

7. What is the truck traffic impact to the neighborhood?

Very limited. We expect, depending on truck delivery time schedules, that there will be a potential to have two deliveries every month, or four deliveries every two months.

8. Are the chemicals used in the water treatment plant process highly hazardous?

No. The chemicals used for the water treatment plant are not listed within the Bureau of Air Pollution Control;s (BAPC) Chemical Accident Prevention Program (CAPP) because they are not highly hazardous. As a result, BAPC does not require the City to prepare and execute a CAPP for these chemicals. The four types of chemicals to be used on site are the following:

• Citric acid


• Ferric chloride


• Sodium hydroxide


• Sodium hypochlorite

9. Is there going to be chlorine stored on-site?

No. Disinfection shall be provided through sodium hypochlorite, not chlorine.

10. Will site lighting from the water treatment plant be a problem to the surrounding neighborhood?

No. The City Public Works and Community Development departments has been working together to ensure that all outside lighting conforms to the full cut-off criteria set forth in Section 40.040 of the City of Fernley development code. This code states that, all light fixtures shall be installed or be designed to project light downward and away from adjoining properties. As a result, no site lighting is allowed to penetrate onto adjacent properties. If additional property light shielding is necessary, the City will install it.

11. Does the water treatment plant conform to the City of Fernley development code Section 44.020 for minimum road widths for non-residential use?

No. The minimum right of way width for non-residential use is 60 feet. Mesa Drive consists of both 50 feet and 60 feet right of ways. The City is aware of the requirements set forth by the development code, and is currently working to comply with this requirement.

In approving the civil improvement plans, Community Development Director Robert “Terry” Gilbert, set a condition on the City that the right of way has to be in compliance with the development code prior to certification of occupancy.

12. Where can we get more information about the water treatment plant?

• Environmental Protection Agency website


• Nevada Division of Environmental Protection website


• The City of Fernley website

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Grants

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1. What kinds of grants are available to individuals?

Low-income individuals may qualify for housing assistance and certain emergency assistance. For additional information on housing programs and resources, please visit our housing resources webpage.

2. What kind of grants are available to homeowners?

Homeowners may qualify for grants involving home weatherization, repairs, and rehabilitation. For additional information on grants for homeowners, please visit the energy sustainability webpage.

3. Are there any grants available to me for my small business?

The federal government has funding earmarked to help small businesses, but these funds are distributed in the form of grants and / or partnership agreements to governments and nonprofits that in turn help small business.

The State of Nevada uses its federal grants to assist businesses directly through its many small business development programs, and also funds nonprofit organizations that provide technical support to small businesses in Fernley.

4. What kinds of loans are available to help me start my business?

If you are a start-up business, your best option is to visit with the folks at the University of Nevada Reno Small Business Development Center, or the US Small Business Administration. They provide business planning and loan assistance.

Additionally, the Small Business Development Center provides seminars, workshops, and training for entrepreneurs. These seminars look at all aspects of starting up a business, including financing.

5. Do I need to be a nonprofit (501(c)3) organization to apply for a grant?

Generally yes, with the exception of student financial aid and individual homeownership grants. Nonprofit groups may apply for grants from state, federal, and foundation funding applicable to the organization’s mission and scope of work.

6. Can you help me write a grant?

Local governments do not write grants for individuals. Several companies and consultants provide grant writing services. There are various sites on the Internet, which give information on the parts of a grant, and how to develop an application. First start with the resources for grant seekers webpage.

These formats generally fit a non-solicited grant application, while solicited applications will provide the format they prefer for the grant. Much of the information on these sites will apply to the different sections of the solicited application.

Grant writing classes are also available from the University of Nevada Reno.

7. When do I apply for a grant?

Deadlines vary for each grant, but many grants are available around the same time each year. Check the grant you are interested in for details. Please visit the funding links webpage, for grants available.

8. How do I find grants and apply for them?

Each grant has its own application process. Go to the grant category, which applies to your organization and download the application. There are numerous sites on the Internet, which announce grant application deadlines and additional information.

Each site is specific to the funder, whether it be federal, state, or private foundation funding. Become familiar with which funders would support your area, and then research those sites. Internet search engines are very helpful in narrowing down the field of potential funders.

Additional information on available grants in usually provided in professional journals or magazines, or in by subscription periodicals.

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Human Resources

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1. Where do I send my application and resume for a job posting?

Fernley City Hall
595 Silver Lace Blvd.
Fernley, NV 89408

View job opportunities.

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Municipal Court

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1. How do I clear up a warrant before I am arrested?

There are several options. You may request to come to court and appear before the judge. The judge may recall the warrant and / or lower some of the fees. This will be at the judge's discretion.

If it is not a mandatory court charge, you may be able to pay the amount in full. You can contact the court clerk to learn the status of your case by calling 775.784.9870.

2. Can I pay my ticket before coming to court?

Usually most traffic misdemeanors can be paid prior to your court date. If you decide to pay the ticket, you will not be required to appear before the judge.

If you received a citation for driving under the influence, domestic battery, driving with a suspended driver's license, or if mandatory court appears on the citation, you are required to make an appearance before the judge.

3. Can I obtain an extension for my first court appearance?

A defendant can request an extension of his / her first appearance by contacting the court clerk by calling 775.784.9870. This extension must be requested before 5:00 pm on the day prior to the original date of appearance. The court clerk can only schedule your next appearance date out two weeks unless approved by the judge.

4. Can I pay my fine in installment payments?

The judge may allow you to set up a payment plan. The fee for this is $25. If you fail to pay as agreed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

5. Can I speak to the judge before my court date?

No. We are a court of record; all proceedings are recorded and must take place in the court room. You may however contact the City Attorney's Office with questions about your case by calling 775.784.9860.

6. What is an arraignment?

An arraignment is to make sure, first of all, that you understand any charges which have been brought against you; also that you understand any fines, penalties, or procedures that may incur from this point forward.

7. What if I receive a citation for no proof of insurance?

As described in Nevada Revised Statute (NRS): Chapter 485.187, the penalty for driving with no insurance is a fine of not less than $600 or no more than $1,000 for each violation. The fine must be reduced to $100 plus administration fees for the first violation if the person obtains a motor vehicle liability policy by the time of sentencing unless:

• The person has registered the vehicle as part of a fleet of vehicles pursuant to subsection five or NRS: Chapter 482.215.
• The person has been issued a certificate of self-insurance pursuant to NRS: Chapter 485.380.

If the defendant provides proof to the court that the vehicle they were operating was insured at the time the citation was issued this charge will be dismissed.

8. What do I wear to court?

Please dress appropriately. It is requested that you do not wear halter, crop, or tank tops, or cut-off shorts to court.

Food and drinks are not allowed in the court room.

9. How do I pay my fine?

The court accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and debit / credit cards.

10. Who can I call to get information about my case or make payment arrangements?

Please contact one of the court clerks by calling 775.784.9870. If you cannot pay your fine, please contact a court clerk to make payment arrangements. A $25 fee will be assessed to any payment plan.

11. Can I get a marriage license from the Fernley Municipal Court?

No. The Fernley Municipal Court does not issue marriage licenses; however, Judge Daniel Bauer does perform marriage ceremonies.

A license must be obtained from a County seat such as Lyon County, 775.577.5033, or Washoe County, 775.328.3275, etc. Once the license is obtained, the marriage ceremony may be held anywhere in the State of Nevada.

12. What do I do after I receive a citation?

If you receive a ticket / citation and it does not state court mandatory, you may pay your ticket before the court date.

Fines are accepted at the front counter Monday through Friday, and can be paid with cash, check, and / or debit / credit card. Debit / credit card payments are also accepted over the phone, please contact one of our court clerks by calling 775.784.9870. We accept Visa and MasterCard.

13. When is court held?

Arraignments are held on Tuesdays at 9:00 am. Pre-trials, trials, reviews, and sentencing are held on Thursdays at 9:30 am. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before court in order to check in with a court clerk. You must be checked in to have your case heard that day.

If you have questions, please contact a court clerk by calling 775.784.9870.

14. Where is the Fernley Municipal Court?

The Fernley Municipal Court is located at Fernley City Hall, 595 Silverlace Boulevard, in the Council Chambers.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Does my event need a special event permit?

A special event permit is necessary if you want to have a parade on main street, hold a block party and close a street, hold a fair, rodeo, or other public event in a City facility or park. View the special events webpage for more information.

2. Where are the parks located in the City of Fernley?

View the maps and park location webpage.

3. How do I reserve a picnic area or park?

To reserve a picnic area or park area for a small private gathering, simply call the City Parks Department at 775.784.9859, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The office is closed on holidays.

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Sewer Service

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1. Is my lot on sewer or septic?

This can be determined by calling the Engineering Division of Public Works Department at 775.784.9821.

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Streets & Storm Drains

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1. What are some winter driving tips I can follow?

Always be prepared for changing weather conditions, and follow the Nevada Department of Transportation’s Winter Driving Tips.

2. Who is responsible for the storm drain easement on my property?

No owner or tenant shall obstruct a drainage easement or channel within the tract. All drainage facilities within the drainage easement are to be maintained by the property owner. No fences or other obstructions shall be permitted within or across any drainage easement.

3. How soon can I drive on my street after it has been sealed after a City project?

As soon as the traffic cones are removed by the contractor doing the work.

4. Why does the city do crackfilling? Isn’t it a waste of money?

Crackfilling is one of the cheapest and most effective methods for keeping our roadways in good shape. The crackfilling work prevents moisture intrusion, and prepares a better base for the later application of the slurry treatment.

5. My street has not been swept in a long time. Don’t my taxes pay for the sweeper?

The city does not have an established sweeping schedule for our local roadways. We do respond to citizen requests for sweeping. We respond immediately for safety concerns reported by citizens, the Sheriffs Department, or City staff. No property taxes are utilized for the streets and storm drains fund.

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Talk of the Town: Myths and Facts

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1. Myth: Rates are going up 180% in the next four years.

Fact: The City water and sewer rates are generally lower than the rates for the same services in our neighboring communities. In 2006 and 2007, the City performed a detailed analysis of rates and determined that rates would need to go up. Rates had not increased for the prior 12 to 14 years.

The City decided to phase the rate increase over four years rather than raise rates all at once, so as to lessen the impact to residents. We are already two years into the four year plan. This is very different than the sensational headlines and misinformation of a 180% increase from current rates. Overall, rates will increase about 35% from the current rates in the next two years to complete the four year plan.

On September 3, 2008, the City Public Works Director and the City Finance Director presented information on the history and costs of the water treatment plant and associated piping projects. The history of the water treatment plant and costs presentation included a comprehensive comparison of rates with neighboring communities.

2. Myth: The water treatment plant is toxic.

Fact: This is fundamentally untrue and exaggerated. Few things are more important to our community than ensuring that our drinking water is clean, safe, and reliable. In addition to meeting the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act, the construction and completion of Fernley’s groundwater treatment plant is the most important issue facing our community.

Treating our water with care is an important community investment. This investment pays off in dividends to our health, well-being, and the quality of life we enjoy here in our high desert home.

On January 22, 2001, the EPA set a new maximum standard for arsenic in drinking water. This new standard dropped the maximum level from 50 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion. This regulation required that all public drinking water systems comply with the new standard by January 23, 2006. The City and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection have agreed that the City will deliver compliant water from the water treatment plant by July 23, 2009, and the final completion by December 23, 2009.

The City’s primary concern is the health and safety of its residents, and as a result the City has and will continue to have the best management practices to mitigate all potential for arsenic to migrate beyond the water treatment plant.

The chemicals used for the water treatment plant are not listed within the Bureau of Air Pollution Control's (BAPC) Chemical Accident Prevention Program (CAPP) because they are not highly hazardous. As a result, BAPC does not require the City to prepare and execute a CAPP for these chemicals. The four types of chemicals to be used on site are:

• Citric acid
• Ferric chloride
• Sodium hydroxide
• Sodium hypochlorite

Again, the EPA, state, and City’s primary concern is the health and safety of Fernley residents.

3. Myth: The City purchased lattes for employees.

Fact: This is untrue. The expenditures for community engagement activities and community meetings, include bulk coffee (not lattes) for:

• A Communtiy Development Block Grant region wide meeting for applicants and grantees
• Coffee and light refreshments for the City's Economic Forum, designed to attract businesses, builders, and investors to Fernley
• Coffee donated by Starbucks for the flood victim meetings at the high school
• The City's annual 9-1-1 Remembrance Ceremony for our local veterans, service men and women, law enforcement, and first responders
• The Youth City's Council's Women In Leadership and Business Symposium and Historic Lecture Series, which were reimbursed by donations

These are just a few examples of the coffee purchases made by the City for community meetings. The rumor that the City is purchasing lattes for City employees is highly exaggerated and misrepresented, thus the City's recent adoption of the civic hospitality and community engagement policy.

4. Myth: The City discouraged the Hershey's Corporation from developing / building in Fernley.

Fact: This is untrue. The City of Fernley, nor the Northern Nevada Development Authority (the City's economic development arm) have not been contacted by the Hershey's Corporation or their development agent.

Periodically, we receive rumors that a big company is looking in our area. However, our experience is that, generally, these companies work through independent agents who typically try not to broadcast their clients intentions. The City typically is one of the last entities to know what company might be coming, and that is only when they come to the City to discuss pulling a building permit.

Once a company decides to come to Fernley, the City is bound by confidentiality requirements to not disclose any details until the building permit is issued and it becomes a matter of public record. One recent example of this was when Walmart decided to open a store here in Fernley. In that instance, the City was being told by local merchants and residents that Walmart was coming to town long before the company itself ever contacted the City.

We would welcome a Hershey's plant and the economic benefits the corporation could bring to Fernley, including tourism, job opportunities, and chocolate.

5. Myth: The City has filed and / or is filing for bankruptcy.

Fact: This is untrue. The City has won numerous budget awards since incorporation in 2001. While all jurisdictions face severe budget constraints, the City of Fernley's Management Team has successfully balanced the fiscal year 2008 / 2009 city budget. View the document center for recent budgets.

6. Myth: City employees are not allowed to talk to councilmembers.

Fact: This is fundamentally untrue. There is distinction for elected officials, by ethics law and the Nevada Revised Statues (NRS), between providing information to the staff and providing direction to the staff. This is key in local governments with a council-manager form of government.

In such places, the council provides direction to the manager, who then relays that direction to the staff. The general role of the manager is to promote partnerships among the Council, staff, and the public in developing public policy and building a sense of community.

This protocol by no means implies or restricts employees from talking to and with councilmembers and responding to general inquiries.

The main reason for this protocol is that, by law, this is the way the council-manager form of government has been set up. Because the manager recruits, hires, and supervises the City's staff and carries out the Council's policies, it is appropriate for the manager to direct the staff. In fact, this protocol is designed to protect both the staff and elected officials. When elected officials communicate directly with the City manager, this enables the manager to hold staff accountable on the Council's behalf for implementing the Council's policies and directives. Additionally, the City manager is able to adequately inform and provide the information to the entire Council.

This chain of command feature of the council-manager form of government is typically embodied in the City's ordinances and in the NRS: Chapter 266, General Law Cities. Elected officials who have disregarded this feature have found themselves in legal hot water. For example, a mayor in the San Francisco Bay Area was convicted in 2002, of violating this aspect of a City ordinance and by asking that City employees do favors for him that advanced his personal investment objectives.

The issue also came up in litigation involving a southern California City and a land use matter. Homeowners argued that the City's actions with respect to a nonconforming use were legally flawed because a councilmember had passed along a constituent's concerns about the structure to the City's planning director. Ultimately, the City prevailed, on the argument that the councilmember's communication was an inquiry and not a directive. But it was an arduous process. The court also implied that the result might have been different had the councilmember's communication been a directive to the staff.

This is not to say that lawsuits or criminal prosecutions will follow all communications with staff members. These two cases, however, do underscore that the particular division of labor envisioned by the council-manager form of government is one that has the force of law, and needs to be respected for the City to operate smoothly.

Employees are free to talk with councilmembers and respond to inquiries. Then the employee needs to inform their department director of the inquiry, so that the director can inform the City manager, who in turn provides the information to the Council as a whole.

7. Myth: Employee turnover is high at City Hall.

Fact: The City of Fernley has 70.93 full time equivalent, 62.5 are regular full time employees. In the last 36 months there has been 15 regular full time employees who have separated service from the City of Fernley for a myriad of reasons: three retired, eight moved out of state for career advancements, two chose local career moves, and one has returned to the City after trying the private sector.

The national annual average turnover rate is 12%. The City's rate fits well below this range averaging 6.75% per year for the last three years.

Turnover is a fact of life for any organization or business due to the fact that employees move, make career changes, retire, and / or make lifestyle changes. Natural and limited turnover is healthy in an organization and provides the City with the opportunity to bring new skills, expertise, and innovation to our workforce; resulting in better services to our residents.

8. Myth: The Town Board and the City Council entered into a non-competition agreement with Scolari's, so that no other grocery stores could open in Fernley.

Fact: This is one of those old Fernley myths and is untrue. It would be illegal for a jurisdiction to enter into such an agreement. No agreement exists or ever existed. This particular rumor has been around since Scolair's opened in Fernley. Please note that the Super Walmart opened in March 2008.

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Water / Sewer Billing

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1. Can I pay my bill online?

Yes. As long as you have an account number with us, you can view and pay your bill online at Xpress Bill Pay. If you have multiple accounts with us, you can set up the multiple accounts and pay them separately or all in one transaction.

If you want to stop receiving paper bills, or speak with a customer service representative for more information, please call 775.784.9930.

2. Is there a deposit and how much will it be?

The deposit to start a typical water service is $75 and a typical sewer service is $80. There is also a $20 service fee to process applications for service. Therefore, $175 is generally required to start water / sewer service. Please contact a customer service representative at 775.784.9930 for more information.

3. Can I set up a new service or transfer a service online?

Not at this time, but we are working on it. If you need to change your service or start a new service, please contact a customer service representative at 775.784.9930. Please have payment ready for initial deposits and fees. Over the phone we accept credit and debit cards, and electronic funds transfer from your checking or savings account.

4. Why is my water bill so high?

There are several circumstances that might cause an unusually high bill. If you suspect you may have a leak, call our office and we will have one of our field personnel go out and see if the meter is moving while no water is being used in your house. If the meter is turning, this may indicate that you have a leak on your property somewhere, and you will probably want to find and fix it.

Also, during the summer, water usage is normally higher due to lawn and landscape watering. If there are more people in your house, water usage will generally increase. If you have recently made improvements, such as a swimming pool or lawn fountain, your water use will likely increase.

We will also check the prior readings and have field personnel inspect and calibrate the meter to make sure the meter is working properly. Please call a customer service representative at 775.784.9930 and we will determine the correct billing for your account.

5. Why do I have to fix leaks on my property? Isn't this the City's responsibility?

The City is responsible for maintaining main lines. Anything from the meter box to the residence is the owner's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please call a customer service representative at 775.784.9930 and we can further explain our policies.

6. What is an E-One Unit?

An E-One Unit is a low pressure sewer system. The key element of this system is an environment one grinder pump. The tank collects all solid materials and effluent from the home. The solid materials are then ground to a small size suitable for pumping as a slurry with the effluent water. The grinder pump generates sufficient pressure to pump this slurry from your home to the main sewer and ultimately to flow to the East Wastewater Treatment Plant.

If your home is equipped with an E-One Unit, in signing up for service, you authorize the City of Fernley to enter your property to repair or service the E-One Unit at your location. Please call a customer service representative at 775.784.9930 if you have further questions or need further information about E-One Units.

7. Who do I contact to set up my other utilities?

View the resource directory for contact information.

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Water Service

Show All Answers

1. Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

The rotten egg odor is usually associated with waterlines and fixtures that have low usage such as when residents are gone form their homes and little or no water has been flushed through them for days or weeks at a time. Another cause can come from water standing in newly constructed water mains, in which case the City may have to come out and flush the lines.

2. What can be done to increase my water pressure?

Depending on where you live you may be in a low-pressure area, a high-pressure area, or somewhere in between. The differences in pressure can be due to the elevation of your house in relation to the water tank that serves your area. The lower the elevation your house is below the water tank the higher your pressure will be, therefore houses closest in elevation to the water tank will have the lowest pressure.

To make the best of the pressure that is available to your house make sure that your interior plumbing is working properly. A plumber can help you with this.

If your pressure is extremely low, less than 20 pounds per square inch, contact the Public Works Department at 775.784.9910, to see if anything can be done to increase the pressure.

3. I have a water leak at the front of my house at the meter. Who has to pay for the water?

If the leak is found to be on the street side of the meter box, the City will repair the leak and there is not cost to the homeowner. If the leak is found to be on the homeowner’s side of the meter box, the homeowner is responsible for both the repair of the water line and the water lost due to the leak.