Carson City mayor talks transparency at Chamber meeting

Carson City government has one of the most transparent systems out there, Mayor Lori Bagwell told Chamber of Commerce members on Thursday.

The coffee meet-and-greet focused on transparency in government, and Bagwell walked attendees through the city’s website, www.carson.org. Of all the information there, she said she “lives it, breathes it, eats it every day,” but it’s helpful for others to know how to find meetings, agendas, department pages, and financial data.

“To show you we don’t have anything hidden,” she said. “If you want to be informed, you have the ability to be informed.”

Bagwell showed the city’s new campaign at www.preservecarsoncityroads.com that breaks down information about local roads, including pavement condition, current funding, and future funding options. The roads site is significant as residents weigh the pros and cons of Carson City ballot question No. 1, which asks to retain a 5-cent-per-gallon diesel tax to help fund roads. In 2020, the Board of Supervisors approved the tax with a two-year sunset date.

“We couldn’t have predicted that,” Bagwell said of the recent surge in gas prices. “The timing couldn’t be any worse.”

Bagwell said the city is trying to change the term “local roads” to “neighborhood roads” to avoid confusion. Unlike regional roads, smaller neighborhood streets make up the majority of the city’s roadways but don’t qualify for federal funding.

“It’s a national problem,” she said. “Roads are expensive.”

Bagwell then showed members Finance at a Glance, the city’s page that contains financial information. It can be accessed at https://carsoncity.finance.socrata.com/#!/dashboard. The page shows current revenue for the fiscal year, about $258 million, an operating budget of $245 million, and a $110 million general fund. Out of all the funds the city uses, the general fund is where officials can find flexibility, though not much. Bagwell said 76 percent of costs are employee-driven, salaries and benefits. And the biggest chunk of that comes from essential public safety services like police and fire.

Carson City’s Finance at a Glance page shows the city’s current budget and expenses. 

“All of our financial data is in real time,” she said.

One portal on the financial page contains total payroll for the fiscal year.

“You can see every single person working for Carson City,” Bagwell said.

She said negotiating with employee unions is a challenge due to constraints local governments face.

“It is a balancing act,” she said. “I’m not saying it’s wrong, but it’s difficult.”

She told members the increased costs of goods that affect them also affect people in government.

“Everything that hits you in your personal homes. Does it strike government? Absolutely,” she said.

Bagwell said hot-button issues drive people to get involved in government, and she wants people to have the right tools to get involved. She gave the example of the controversial Andersen Ranch development on the west side of the city.

“I do personally understand everyone’s angst when something new will change the environment in which you live,” she said.

As mayor, she said, she’s always on call responding to concerns.

“Use the website as your tool,” she said, “and you always have the ability to send a note.”

Bagwell also told members of Operation Green Light, a campaign to turn an exterior light at one’s home or business green for the week of Veterans Day.

“It’s just community spirit,” she said. “Isn’t that what it’s about? It keeps Carson City glued together.”