Former Douglas County Commissioners, County Managers, and Sheriff Dan Coverley Issue Formal Letters Supporting Stormwater Utility
Douglas County, NV – A coalition of former Douglas County commissioners, former county managers, and Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley have issued formal letters supporting the proposed Douglas County stormwater utility, calling for the establishment of a dedicated funding source to address long-term stormwater management, flood control, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety needs.
Former Douglas County Commissioners Dave Brady, Bernie Curtis, Jacques Etchegoyhen, Doug Johnson, Greg Lynn, Barbara Smallwood, Steve Thaler, and Larry Walsh joined by former County Managers Patrick Cates and Larry Werner, issued a joint letter urging the Board of County Commissioners to move forward with a dedicated utility to fund stormwater infrastructure needs identified through years of planning and study.
The joint letter represents both former elected leadership and former county administrative leadership responsible for long-term infrastructure planning and county operations.
“As former Douglas County commissioners and county managers, we write in support of establishing a dedicated stormwater utility and funding mechanism for stormwater management and flood protection throughout Douglas County,” the letter states.
The letter emphasizes that stormwater and drainage challenges have continued to grow over time and affect a wide range of public and private interests across the county.
“These issues affect residents, businesses, ranching operations, schools, transportation corridors, emergency response access, and the long-term health and resilience of our community,” the letter states.
The former county leaders noted that Douglas County has already taken significant steps to evaluate and plan for stormwater needs, including development of the Stormwater Master Plan and related infrastructure assessments, but stressed that implementation now requires a stable funding mechanism.
“The County now needs a stable and dedicated funding source capable of supporting ongoing maintenance, infrastructure improvements, flood mitigation projects, regulatory compliance, and long-term system reliability,” the letter states.
The letter also warns that delaying implementation will increase long-term costs and infrastructure risks, emphasizing that stormwater systems are essential public infrastructure.
“Stormwater infrastructure is essential public infrastructure,” the letter states. “Proper drainage systems protect homes, businesses, roads, utilities, emergency services, and public safety throughout Douglas County.”
Separately, Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley issued a public safety-focused letter supporting the proposed utility, citing the operational impacts of flooding and inadequate drainage on emergency response and roadway access.
“From a public safety standpoint, stormwater infrastructure is not optional,” Coverley wrote. “It is a critical component of emergency preparedness and response.”
Coverley noted that severe weather events can directly impact emergency response times and access to residents in need.
“When drainage systems are insufficient or overwhelmed, the risks to both residents and responders increase significantly,” he wrote.
He further emphasized that a dedicated funding source would improve system reliability and strengthen emergency response capabilities across Douglas County.
“A dedicated stormwater utility would provide the County with a stable and predictable funding source to maintain and improve drainage systems, reduce flood-related disruptions, and improve overall emergency access throughout the community,” Coverley wrote.
Douglas County Board Chairman Mark Gardner also commented on the issue, acknowledging the importance of continued investment in stormwater infrastructure.
“Douglas County has spent years evaluating our stormwater and flood management needs, and it is clear that continued investment in this infrastructure is necessary to protect public safety, property, and our community’s long-term future,” Gardner said. “These are difficult decisions, but they are important ones, and I appreciate the thoughtful input and support from former county leaders and members of the community as the Board works through this process.”
The former commissioners, former county managers, and Sheriff Coverley are encouraging the Board of County Commissioners to move forward with establishing a transparent, accountable stormwater utility dedicated solely to stormwater management and flood control needs.
“This investment is about protecting Douglas County today while preparing responsibly for the future,” the joint letter concludes.